How to dispute credit report errors (step by step)

1. Get all three reports

Go to annualcreditreport.com, the only official free site. You can get free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion every week. Each bureau's report can be different, so check all three.

2. Mark what's wrong

Go line by line. Common errors:

• Accounts that aren't yours, or belong to someone with a similar name
• Late payments when you paid on time
• Wrong balances or credit limits
• A paid debt still showing unpaid
• The same debt listed twice (often the original lender and a collector both showing a balance)
• Negative items older than 7 years from the first missed payment
• Wrong name, address or employer

3. Gather proof

Bank statements, payment confirmations, letters saying a debt was paid or settled, or a police or IdentityTheft.gov report. Send copies, never originals.

4. Send a dispute to each bureau that shows the error

You can dispute online, by phone or by mail. Mail sent certified with return receipt gives you proof of what you sent and when. Our free letter builder writes one letter for each bureau. Include a copy of your ID and a bill showing your address.

5. Watch the deadlines

The bureau generally has 30 days after it gets your dispute to investigate (up to 45 in some cases, like disputes filed after getting your free annual report). It must pass your dispute and proof to the company that reported the item, and send you the results in writing within 5 business days after it finishes.

6. If nothing changes

You can dispute directly with the lender, ask the bureau how it verified the item, add a short statement to your file, or file a complaint with the CFPB.

Questions

General information, not legal advice. Sources: CFPB, FTC. Checked November 2026.