Why disputing errors matters

An inaccurate credit report can raise interest rates, trigger denials for loans or apartments, and affect insurance and employment checks. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete and to have the reporting agencies investigate (see the Federal Trade Commission and FCRA overview) (https://www.ftc.gov) and guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (https://www.consumerfinance.gov).

In my work helping clients correct their credit files, I’ve seen simple clerical mistakes — wrong balances, misapplied payments, or accounts that belong to someone else — knock dozens of points off a FICO score. The good news: many errors are fixable if you provide clear documentation and follow the right process.

Step-by-step process to dispute an error

Follow these steps for the strongest, best-documented dispute:

  1. Obtain current credit reports from all three bureaus
  • Order free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com (https://www.annualcreditreport.com) or directly from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Pull each bureau’s report because not every creditor reports to every bureau.
  1. Review your reports line-by-line
  • Check personal information (name, SSN, addresses) and every tradeline for errors: wrong balances, duplicate accounts, inaccurate payment history, incorrect dates, or accounts you don’t recognize. If you’re not sure how to read items, see our guide on How to Read Your Credit Report: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough.
  1. Collect supporting documentation
  • Gather bank statements, canceled checks, receipts, payoff letters, court documents, identity-proofing (driver’s license), and any correspondence with the creditor. Digital copies (scanned PDF) are fine. Keep originals.
  1. Decide where to file the dispute
  • File with the credit reporting agency that lists the error, and also file with the furnisher (the company that provided the information, e.g., the bank or lender). The bureaus often have online forms, but I recommend sending a written dispute by certified mail with return receipt for a paper trail.
  1. Write a clear dispute letter
  • State precisely which entry is wrong, why, and include copies (not originals) of supporting documents. Use a short, numbered list and cite account numbers and dates. See the sample dispute letter below.
  1. Send the dispute and track delivery
  • Send to the CRA and the furnisher. Keep the certified mail receipt, and log the date you mailed it. If you file online, save confirmation emails and screenshots.
  1. Monitor the investigation and outcome
  • Under the FCRA, a CRA generally has 30 days to investigate (extended to 45 days if you provide new documents after the initial filing). The CRA will forward your dispute to the furnisher, who must investigate and report back. The CRA then notifies you of the results and must provide a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change.
  1. If the dispute is resolved in your favor
  • Ensure the CRA updates your report at all three bureaus (if necessary). Request written confirmation and get copies of the corrected report. Ask the furnisher to send notifications to any parties who received the incorrect report in the last six months (or two years for employment-related reports).
  1. If the dispute is denied
  • You can file an additional dispute with more evidence, add a brief statement of dispute to your file (a consumer statement), file a complaint with the CFPB (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/), or consult an attorney about FCRA remedies.

Sample dispute letter (concise)

Include this information in your written dispute:

  • Your full name, current address, and last 4 digits of your SSN.
  • A clear statement: “I dispute the following information on my credit report: [describe item: creditor, account number, and reason].”
  • List supporting documents (e.g., bank statement dated mm/dd/yyyy showing payment).
  • Request: “Please investigate and remove or correct this item and send me written confirmation and an updated report if corrected.”
  • Sign and date. Enclose copies of documents and a copy of the relevant credit report page.

Evidence checklist (what to include)

  • Proof of payment (bank statement, cleared check)
  • Proof you never opened the account (identity-theft affidavit, police report)
  • Payoff letters, settlement agreements, charge-off receipts
  • Correspondence with creditor showing error
  • Identity documents (only when needed to prove misidentification)

Timelines and what to expect

  • CRA investigation window: generally 30 days; may extend to 45 if you add information. (FTC and CFPB guidance.)
  • CRA must provide the results in writing and a free copy of your report if it changes.
  • Furnishers must investigate the information they provided and correct errors with all CRAs they use.

If you suspect identity theft

  • Place a fraud alert or security freeze on your file (contact each bureau). For identity-theft recovery steps and to report fraud, use IdentityTheft.gov and the CFPB resources.
  • File an identity-theft report with the FTC and keep a copy of the police report if one is filed. See our article on Identity Theft on Credit Reports: Detecting and Fixing Fraud for a step-by-step recovery plan.

What to do if a creditor won’t correct the information

  • Send the creditor a dispute in writing and include your evidence. If they continue to report inaccurate information, file a complaint with the CFPB and consider consulting an attorney to understand potential FCRA claims. Keep careful records of all communications, dates, and receipts.

When to consider escalation or legal help

  • If the reporting agency or furnisher won’t correct an obvious error, or if the error caused measurable financial harm (denied mortgage, higher interest rate), speak with a consumer-rights attorney. The FCRA provides consumers with enforcement options, including statutory and actual damages in some cases — but legal remedies are fact-specific and time-limited.

Tracking and follow-up best practices

  • Create a simple log with dates, recipients, method (certified mail, online form), attachments, and results.
  • Save PDFs/screenshots of everything. Maintain a file folder (digital and physical) for each disputed item.

Practical tips from experience

  • Dispute one error per letter when possible. Keeping disputes focused speeds investigations.
  • Use certified mail with return receipt or an email confirmation if using online portals.
  • When a dispute is resolved in your favor, download and save the updated report; set a calendar reminder to check your reports again in 30–60 days.

Related FinHelp resources

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Don’t send originals — only copies of documents.
  • Don’t rely on phone disputes alone — they’re harder to prove.
  • Don’t file frivolous or repetitive disputes without new information; CRAs can label them as frivolous.

Final checklist before you send a dispute

  • Have you included account numbers, dates, and a clear reason?
  • Are supporting documents attached and labeled?
  • Did you keep copies and a log of delivery methods and confirmations?

Professional disclaimer: This content is educational and informational only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For personalized assistance with disputes, identity theft, or potential FCRA claims, consult a qualified attorney or certified financial counselor.

If you’d like, I can also provide a printable sample dispute letter tailored to a specific error (late payment, identity-theft account, or incorrect balance).