How to Dispute Credit Report Errors: Step by Step

Bottom line: To dispute a credit report error, tell the credit bureau that shows the error, in writing, what's wrong and why, and include copies of documents that back you up. You can also dispute with the company that reported it. The credit bureau generally has 30 days to investigate, and in some cases up to 45. This applies to anyone who finds information on their Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion report that they believe is inaccurate or incomplete.

I've spent more than 10 years in the credit industry. The dispute process isn't complicated, but it rewards being clear and organized. Here's how it works, step by step.

What does it mean to dispute a credit report error?

Disputing a credit report error means formally asking a credit bureau, or the company that supplied the information, to investigate an item you believe is wrong or incomplete. It's a right you have under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The FTC says both the credit bureau and the business that supplied the information have to correct information that's wrong or incomplete, and they have to do it for free (FTC).

A dispute is for errors. It isn't a way to challenge accurate information. More on that below.

Who do you send a credit report dispute to?

You can send a dispute to two places: the credit bureau that shows the error, and the company that reported the information. The CFPB suggests starting with the credit bureau, then disputing with the company that provided the information (CFPB).

• The credit bureau. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each keep their own file. If an error shows up on more than one report, dispute it with each bureau that shows it (FTC).
• The furnisher. This is the company that sent the information to the bureau, like your bank, credit card company, landlord, or a collection agency (CFPB).

(Coming soon: Dispute With the Credit Bureau or the Lender? Here's the Difference.)

How do you dispute a credit report error, step by step?

Here's the process I'd follow, based on what the FTC and CFPB recommend.

Step 1: Get all three credit reports

Get your free reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. The FTC says the three bureaus let you check each report once a week for free there (FTC).

Step 2: Mark each error

Circle or highlight every item you think is wrong. Note the account number and which bureau's report it's on. If you're not sure what counts as an error, start with our guide to the most common credit report errors.

Step 3: Gather your proof

Collect copies of anything that supports your dispute, like statements, payment confirmations, or letters from the lender. Send copies, never originals (FTC).

Step 4: Write your dispute

Explain clearly what's wrong and why. Ask for the item to be corrected or removed. The next section has a full checklist.

Step 5: Send it, and keep a record

You can dispute with each bureau online, by mail, or by phone (CFPB). If you mail it, the FTC suggests certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the bureau got it. Keep copies of everything you send (FTC).

Step 6: Watch for the results

The credit bureau sends you the results in writing. Afterward, check your report to confirm what changed (FTC).

What should a credit dispute letter include?

A credit dispute letter should name each error, explain why it's wrong, and include copies of proof. The CFPB says a mailed dispute letter should include (CFPB):

• Your full name, address, and phone number
• Your credit report confirmation number, if you have one
• Each error you want fixed, with the account number
• A clear explanation of why you're disputing it
• A request that the information be removed or corrected
• A copy of the part of your report with the disputed items circled or highlighted
• Copies (not originals) of supporting documents

The CFPB also publishes sample dispute letters for credit bureaus and for furnishers.

(Coming soon: What to Include in a Credit Dispute Letter.)

How long does a credit bureau have to investigate a dispute?

A credit bureau generally has 30 days from receiving your dispute to investigate it. It can take up to 45 days in two cases: if you file the dispute after getting your free annual credit report, or if you send more relevant information during the 30-day investigation (CFPB; 15 U.S.C. § 1681i).

After the investigation is done, the credit bureau has five business days to tell you the results (CFPB).

(Coming soon: How Long Does a Credit Dispute Take? The 30-Day Rule.)

What happens after the credit bureau investigates?

After the investigation, the credit bureau must send you the results in writing. If your dispute leads to a change, it must also send you a free copy of your report, which doesn't count as your free annual report (FTC).

Here's what else can happen:

• The bureau forwards your evidence. The bureau sends your dispute and documents to the company that reported the information. If that company finds the information is wrong, it must notify all three nationwide bureaus (FTC).
• The dispute is called "frivolous." A bureau doesn't have to investigate a dispute it reasonably decides is frivolous or irrelevant, such as one that doesn't say what's being disputed. It must tell you why within five business days of deciding (CFPB; 15 U.S.C. § 1681i).
• You can ask how it was verified. Under the FCRA, you can ask the bureau for a description of the procedure it used to check the information, including the furnisher's name and address (15 U.S.C. § 1681i). (Coming soon: What Is a Method of Verification Request?)
• You can add a statement. If the investigation doesn't resolve your dispute, you can ask that a statement about the dispute be added to your file (FTC).
• You can file a complaint. If you have a problem with a credit bureau or company, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB.

What can't a credit report dispute do?

A dispute can't take accurate information off your report. The FTC says that as long as information is correct, a credit bureau can report most negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for 10 years (FTC).

No one can promise how a dispute will turn out, and you should be careful with anyone who does.

What Dispute Nerds does and what you do

Dispute Nerds is AI-powered credit dispute software. Here's how the work splits:

Findings are free. Your credit report comes from our monitoring partner and is billed separately.

• The AI analyzes your credit report and flags items that may be inaccurate or incomplete.
• You review the findings and decide which items, if any, to dispute.
• You sign and send your own disputes.

Dispute Nerds never files disputes for you. You stay in control of every letter.

FAQ

Do I have to dispute with all three credit bureaus?

Only with the bureaus whose reports show the error. Each bureau keeps its own file, so an error on your Experian report may not be on your Equifax or TransUnion report.

Does it cost money to dispute a credit report error?

No. The FTC says credit bureaus and the businesses that reported the information have to correct wrong or incomplete information for free.

Can I dispute online instead of by mail?

Yes. The CFPB says you can contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion online, by mail, or by phone. Whichever way you choose, keep copies and records.

How long does a credit dispute take?

A credit bureau generally has 30 days to investigate. It can take up to 45 days if you dispute after getting your free annual report or send more information during the investigation.

What if the credit bureau says the information is accurate?

You can ask how it verified the information, dispute directly with the company that reported it, add a statement of dispute to your file, or submit a complaint to the CFPB.

Does Dispute Nerds send disputes for me?

No. The AI analyzes your report and flags possible errors. You review the findings, then sign and send your own disputes. Dispute Nerds never files disputes for you.

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Sources

• Federal Trade Commission, "Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports": https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-errors-your-credit-reports
• Federal Trade Commission, "Free Credit Reports": https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/free-credit-reports
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "How do I dispute an error on my credit report?": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-credit-report-en-314/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "How long does it take to repair an error on a credit report?": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-long-does-it-take-to-repair-an-error-on-a-credit-report-en-1339/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "Sample letters to dispute information on a credit report": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/sample-letters-dispute-credit-report-information/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, "Submit a complaint": https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
• Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681i (Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1681i
• AnnualCreditReport.com: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

Last updated: October 15, 2026