How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

Why Disputing Matters More Than You Think

Over 75% of credit reports contain some form of error, according to the FTC. That's not a typo. Three out of four reports have something wrong. And even small errors — a payment incorrectly marked 30 days late, a balance reported $500 higher than reality — can cost you tens of points on your score.

Disputing is free, it's your legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and it's often the single fastest way to improve your score. If you haven't pulled your reports yet, start here.

What You Can Dispute

Incorrect payment status. The most impactful — a single late payment that was actually on time can drag your score down 60+ points.

Accounts that aren't yours. Mixed files, identity theft, or creditor errors.

Wrong balances or credit limits. These distort your utilization ratio.

Duplicate accounts. The same debt showing up twice.

Items past the 7-year reporting window. Most negative items must be removed after seven years.

Accounts incorrectly marked as in collections. Especially common with medical bills.

How to File a Dispute (Step by Step)

Step 1: Identify the error and which bureau(s) it appears on. The same error may be on one, two, or all three reports.

Step 2: Gather documentation. Bank statements, payment confirmations, letters — anything that proves the information is wrong.

Step 3: File online with each bureau. Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services. Experian: experian.com/disputes. TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-disputes.

Step 4: Also contact the original creditor. Dispute with both the bureau AND the company that furnished the data. This reduces the chance of the error reappearing.

Step 5: Wait 30 days. The bureau must investigate and respond within 30 days (45 if you submit additional info).

Step 6: Review the results. If the item is removed or corrected, your score should improve within 30-45 days. If denied, you can re-dispute with additional evidence, add a consumer statement, or escalate to the CFPB.

Pro Tips for Effective Disputes

Be specific. "This account is wrong" doesn't work. "This account shows a 60-day late payment in March 2024 but my bank statement confirms payment was received on March 2nd" works.

Dispute one item at a time. Bureaus are more likely to rubber-stamp bulk disputes as "frivolous." Targeted, documented disputes get results.

Keep records of everything. Save confirmation numbers, screenshots, and copies of all correspondence. You may need this if you escalate.

Know the difference between a dispute and a goodwill request. Disputes are for inaccurate information. If a late payment is accurate but you want it removed anyway, that's a goodwill adjustment letter — a completely different process.