How to Dispute a Credit Report Error
A Federal Trade Commission study found that 1 in 5 consumers has an error on at least one credit report. You have the legal right to dispute inaccuracies — and bureaus must investigate within 30 days.
Your rights under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute any inaccurate or unverifiable information on your credit report. This right is free, and bureaus cannot charge you to investigate a dispute.
Bureaus must complete their investigation within 30 days (45 days if you submitted additional documentation) and notify you of the result.
Common errors worth disputing
•Accounts that belong to someone else (identity theft or mixed file)
•Incorrect account status — shows as open when closed, or vice versa
•Wrong balance or credit limit
•Late payments reported on accounts you paid on time
•Duplicate accounts reported twice
•Accounts still showing after bankruptcy discharge
•Negative items older than 7 years (most derogatory marks must fall off)
Step-by-step dispute process
Get your free reports
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized source. Pull all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Errors often appear on only one or two, not all three.
Document the error
Screenshot the specific item. Note which bureau(s) show the error. Gather any supporting documents — bank statements, payment confirmations, court documents.
File the dispute online
Each bureau has an online dispute portal. Online disputes are fastest. Submit your evidence and describe the error clearly. Dispute each bureau separately if the error appears on multiple reports.
Wait for the investigation
The bureau contacts the lender or data furnisher, who must verify the information. If they can't verify it, it must be removed. You'll receive written results within 30–45 days.
Escalate if needed
If the dispute is rejected and you believe the bureau is wrong, you can add a consumer statement to your report, file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint, or consult a consumer rights attorney (FCRA violations can be sued over).
Bureau dispute portals
What disputes can't do
Disputes only remove inaccurate information. A legitimate late payment, a real collections account, or a valid bankruptcy cannot be removed through a dispute — it must age off naturally (7 years for most negatives, 10 years for bankruptcies).
Be cautious of "credit repair" companies that claim they can remove accurate negative information. They legally cannot — and many charge high fees for work you can do yourself for free.