What Should I Do if I Find Errors on My Credit Report?

Your credit report plays a vital role in your financial life. It affects your ability to get approved for loans, credit cards, apartments, and even certain jobs. Because of its importance, the accuracy of your credit report is crucial. But what happens if you discover an error? Mistakes on credit reports are more common than many people realize — and they can negatively affect your credit score if not corrected.

If you find errors on your credit report, you have the right to dispute them. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the legal power to challenge inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information. When you dispute an item, the credit bureau is required to investigate and correct verified errors within 30 days.

This guide explains, in detail, what you should do if you find errors on your credit report — from identifying inaccuracies to submitting disputes and following up.

1. Understand the Importance of Reviewing Your Credit Report

Before diving into the dispute process, it’s important to understand why regularly checking your credit report matters.

Why Review Your Credit Reports Regularly?

• Prevent Identity Theft: Errors may indicate someone is using your identity to open fraudulent accounts.

• Correct Reporting Mistakes: Creditors sometimes misreport payments or balances.

• Maintain Good Credit Health: Fixing errors can improve your credit score, helping you qualify for better rates and terms.

• Prepare for Major Financial Moves: If you plan to buy a home or car, reviewing your report ensures there are no surprises.

How to Get Your Free Credit Reports

You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every week at AnnualCreditReport.com. The three major bureaus are:

• Equifax

• Experian

• TransUnion

Request reports from all three, because not all lenders report to every bureau — and an error might appear on only one.

2. Identify the Errors

Once you have your credit reports, go through them line by line. Errors can be small, like a misspelled name, or serious, like an account you never opened.

Common Types of Credit Report Errors

1. Personal Information Errors

   • Wrong name, address, phone number, or Social Security number.

   • Accounts belonging to someone with a similar name mixed with yours.

2. Account Errors

   • Payments incorrectly reported as late or missed.

   • Wrong account balances or credit limits.

   • Closed accounts listed as open.

   • Duplicate accounts.

3. Status Errors

   • Accounts marked as “in collections” or “charged off” that are actually current.

   • Accounts that were discharged in bankruptcy but still show balances.

4. Fraudulent Accounts

   • Accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize — possible signs of identity theft.

5. Outdated Information

   • Negative marks (like late payments or collections) older than seven years.

   • Bankruptcies older than 10 years.

Once you’ve identified any errors, make a list with details including:

• The name of the creditor or lender.

• The account number (partial, for privacy).

• A description of the inaccuracy.

• Why you believe it’s wrong.

• The supporting evidence you can provide.

3. Gather Documentation

Supporting documentation is key to a successful dispute. The more evidence you provide, the better the chance the credit bureau will rule in your favor.

Examples of Useful Documents

• Bank statements showing payments made on time.

• Letters or emails from lenders confirming account status.

• Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, passport, or utility bill).

• Copies of credit reports highlighting the error.

• Police report or identity theft affidavit (if applicable).

Organize all your evidence and make copies — never send originals.

4. File a Dispute with the Credit Bureau

Once you’re ready, submit your dispute directly to the credit bureaus that are reporting the error. You can do this online, by mail, or by phone, but mail is often recommended for recordkeeping and legal protection.

A. Disputing Online

Each bureau offers an online dispute portal:

• Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/

• Experian: https://www.experian.com/disputes/main.html

• TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit

These portals guide you step-by-step through identifying the error, explaining your reasoning, and uploading supporting documents.

B. Disputing by Mail

If you prefer a paper trail, send a dispute letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. Include:

• Your full name, address, and date of birth.

• A clear description of each disputed item.

• Copies of documents supporting your claim.

• A copy of your credit report with the error highlighted.

Example Credit Dispute Letter

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Dispute of Credit Report Inaccuracy

Dear [Credit Bureau Name],

I am writing to dispute the following information in my credit report. I obtained a copy of my report from your bureau on [date], and I believe the following items are inaccurate:

- Account Name: [Creditor Name]
- Account Number: [Partial Account Number]
- Reason for Dispute: [Explain briefly why the information is inaccurate]

Enclosed are copies of documents supporting my position. Please investigate this matter and remove or correct the inaccurate information as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Sincerely,  
[Your Name]  
[Signature]  
[Attachments: list of supporting documents]

C. Disputing by Phone

While this option is available, it’s not recommended because you won’t have a written record of your dispute. Always aim to document every step.

5. Wait for the Investigation

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit bureaus are required to:

• Investigate disputes within 30 days (45 days if you submit additional information during the process).

• Notify the company that provided the disputed information.

• Review your documentation and evidence.

The lender (or "furnisher") must then investigate and report back to the credit bureau. If they find that the data was inaccurate or unverifiable, it must be corrected or removed.

When the investigation is complete, the bureau will:

• Provide you with written results.

• Give you a free copy of your updated credit report (if a correction was made).

• Explain the outcome and actions taken.

If the dispute results in a change, the bureau must notify all other credit bureaus to update their records as well.

6. Follow Up and Confirm Corrections

Once you receive the investigation results:

• Review your updated credit report carefully.

• Confirm that the disputed information has been removed or corrected.

• Keep copies of all correspondence, reports, and documentation for your records.

If the information is corrected, you’re done. However, if the bureau decides the information is accurate and refuses to make changes, you have further options.

7. If the Dispute Isn’t Resolved in Your Favor

If your dispute is denied but you still believe the information is wrong, you can take additional steps.

A. Add a Statement of Dispute

You have the right to include a consumer statement (up to 100 words) explaining your side of the story. This statement will appear on your credit report and can be seen by potential lenders.

Example:

“I disputed this account because I never opened it. The lender was unable to verify ownership.”

B. Dispute Directly with the Furnisher

You can also send your dispute directly to the creditor, lender, or collection agency that reported the information. They must investigate under the FCRA’s Section 623.

C. File a Complaint

If you believe the credit bureau or furnisher violated your rights, you can:

• File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

• Contact your state attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

D. Seek Legal Help

If the error caused financial harm (e.g., higher loan rates, job loss, or credit denial), you may consider consulting a consumer protection attorney. Under the FCRA, you may be entitled to damages and legal fees if a bureau fails to correct verified inaccuracies.

8. Prevent Future Errors

Disputing mistakes is important, but preventing them in the first place can save you time and stress.

Steps to Keep Your Credit Report Accurate

1. Check your reports regularly. Review them at least once a year or before major financial decisions.

2. Monitor your credit. Use free credit monitoring tools from banks or credit card issuers.

3. Protect your identity. Shred sensitive documents, use strong passwords, and watch for suspicious activity.

4. Freeze or lock your credit. If you suspect fraud, freezing your credit prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

5. Keep good records. Maintain copies of loan agreements, payment confirmations, and correspondence with creditors.

9. Common Myths About Credit Report Disputes

Myth 1: Disputing an Error Will Hurt My Credit Score

Fact: Disputing errors does not lower your score. In fact, if your dispute leads to removing a negative inaccuracy, your score may improve.

Myth 2: The Credit Bureau Will Automatically Remove the Item

Fact: The bureau investigates but only removes information proven inaccurate or unverified. Valid debts and delinquencies remain.

Myth 3: Disputes Take Months to Resolve

Fact: Most investigations are completed within 30 days. In some cases, if additional documentation is needed, it can take up to 45 days.

Myth 4: You Can Only Dispute Once

Fact: You can dispute as many times as necessary if new evidence emerges or if the bureau fails to correct an error.

10. The Bottom Line: Take Control of Your Credit Information

Finding an error on your credit report can be frustrating, but the law gives you clear rights and protections. By disputing inaccuracies directly with the credit bureaus, you ensure your credit history reflects your true financial behavior.

Here’s a quick summary of the key steps:

1. Get your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

2. Review them carefully for errors or unfamiliar accounts.

3. Gather supporting evidence.

4. Submit a dispute to each bureau reporting the error.

5. Wait for the 30-day investigation period.

6. Check the results and confirm corrections.

7. Take further action if the issue isn’t resolved.

Your credit report is one of your most powerful financial tools — don’t let errors compromise it. Regular monitoring, timely disputes, and careful recordkeeping can safeguard your credit reputation for years to come.

In summary:

If you find errors on your credit report, dispute any inaccuracies directly with the credit bureaus. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, they must investigate and correct confirmed mistakes within 30 days. Staying proactive not only protects your credit score but also strengthens your overall financial health.