Money · Credit, reports and scores
Disputing errors on your report
Dispute the mistake with the credit bureau that shows it, online, by mail or by phone. Explain what's wrong and why, attach proof, then also tell the company that reported it.
Do it like this
- Mark each error on your report and note the account number.
- Dispute with the bureau that shows it. Equifax and TransUnion take disputes online, and Experian takes them online or by mail. All three also take them by phone. Source: CFPB
- Explain what's wrong and why, ask for it to be corrected or removed, and attach copies (never originals) of documents that support you. Source: CFPB
- Also dispute with the company that supplied the wrong information, like your bank or card company. The CFPB says fixing an error generally means contacting both. Source: CFPB
- Save confirmation numbers and copies of everything, and pull your report again after you get the results.
Watch out You don't have to pay anyone to dispute an error for you. Be wary of companies that promise to erase accurate negative information.
If it doesn't work
- If the bureau calls your dispute frivolous, it has to tell you why. Usually it needs more detail, so resend with the specific item and your proof (CFPB).
- If the error stays after the investigation, dispute it with the company that furnished it in writing, by certified mail (CFPB).
- If you're still stuck, submit a complaint to the CFPB.
Good to know
Mailing it?
If you mail a dispute, include your contact information, each error with its account number, why it's wrong, and a copy of the report with the item circled. Certified mail with a return receipt gives you proof it arrived. Source: CFPB
Identity theft is different
If the error comes from identity theft, start at IdentityTheft.gov. Source: CFPB
Sample letters
The FTC's guide to disputing errors includes sample letters for the bureau and for the business.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau How do I dispute an error on my credit report?
- Federal Trade Commission Disputing errors on your credit reports
- Federal Trade Commission IdentityTheft.gov
Lesson M4.3 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.
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