About 1 in 5 Americans has an error on at least one credit report, according to the FTC. These mistakes can lower your score and cost you money. Here’s how to fix them.
Common Credit Report Errors
| Error Type | Example | How Common |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong personal info | Incorrect name, address, or SSN | Very common |
| Accounts that aren’t yours | Someone else’s account on your report | Common |
| Duplicate accounts | Same debt listed twice | Common |
| Wrong account status | Shows open when closed, or late when on time | Common |
| Incorrect balance | Balance higher or lower than actual | Common |
| Wrong credit limit | Lower limit reported = higher utilization | Moderate |
| Outdated negative items | Items past the 7-year removal date | Moderate |
| Fraud-related accounts | Identity theft accounts | Less common |
| Mixed file | Another person’s data mixed with yours | Less common |
How Errors Affect Your Score
| Error Type | Potential Score Impact |
|---|---|
| Late payment reported incorrectly | -60 to -110 points |
| Collection that isn’t yours | -50 to -100 points |
| Wrong credit limit (lower) | Raises utilization, -20 to -50 points |
| Wrong balance (higher) | Raises utilization, -10 to -40 points |
| Duplicate collection account | -50 to -100 points |
| Account you didn’t open | Varies widely |
Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports
| Bureau | Where to Get Report | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| All 3 at once | AnnualCreditReport.com | Free (weekly) |
| Equifax | equifax.com | Free (once/week) |
| Experian | experian.com | Free (once/month) |
| TransUnion | transunion.com | Free (once/week) |
Pull reports from all three bureaus. An error may appear on one, two, or all three.
Step 2: Identify the Errors
Review each section of every report:
| Section to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Personal information | Wrong name, address, employer, SSN |
| Account information | Accounts you don’t recognize |
| Account status | “Late” when you paid on time, “open” when closed |
| Balances | Higher than actual balance |
| Credit limits | Lower than actual limit |
| Payment history | Incorrect late payment marks |
| Public records | Bankruptcies or judgments that aren’t yours |
| Inquiries | Hard inquiries you didn’t authorize |
| Collections | Debts you don’t owe or already paid |
Step 3: Gather Documentation
| Error Type | Documents to Gather |
|---|---|
| Wrong payment status | Bank statements, canceled checks, payment confirmations |
| Account not yours | Government ID, proof of identity theft |
| Wrong balance | Recent statement showing correct balance |
| Account already paid | Payoff letter, settlement agreement |
| Outdated item | Proof of original delinquency date (7+ years ago) |
| Identity theft | FTC Identity Theft Report, police report |
Step 4: File the Dispute
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
| Bureau | Dispute URL |
|---|---|
| Equifax | equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute |
| Experian | experian.com/disputes/main.html |
| TransUnion | transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-online |
Option 2: By Mail (Creates Paper Trail)
| Bureau | Mailing Address |
|---|---|
| Equifax | P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30348 |
| Experian | P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013 |
| TransUnion | P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016 |
Include in your letter:
- Full name, address, date of birth, SSN
- Identify each item you’re disputing
- Explain why the information is incorrect
- State what you want (removal or correction)
- Include copies (not originals) of supporting documents
Option 3: By Phone
| Bureau | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Equifax | 866-349-5191 |
| Experian | 888-397-3742 |
| TransUnion | 800-916-8800 |
Online or mail is recommended over phone — you’ll have a record of your dispute.
Step 5: Also Contact the Furnisher
The furnisher is the company that reported the information (e.g., your bank, credit card company, or collection agency).
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Write to the company that reported the error |
| 2 | Explain the error and provide documentation |
| 3 | Request they correct the information with all 3 bureaus |
| 4 | They must investigate within 30 days |
Disputing with both the bureau and the furnisher increases your chances of resolution.
Dispute Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Bureau receives dispute | Day 0 |
| Bureau contacts furnisher | Within 5 business days |
| Furnisher investigates | Up to 30 days |
| Bureau sends results | Within 5 days of completion |
| Total process | 30-45 days |
| If unresolved | File with CFPB or add a statement |
What Happens After You Dispute
| Outcome | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Deleted | Item removed from your report |
| Modified | Information corrected (e.g., status changed) |
| Verified | Bureau/furnisher says the info is accurate; no change |
| Still disputed | You can re-dispute with more evidence, escalate to CFPB, or add a consumer statement |
If Your Dispute Is Denied
| Next Step | How |
|---|---|
| Re-dispute with new evidence | Provide additional documentation |
| File complaint with CFPB | consumerfinance.gov/complaint |
| Add a consumer statement | 100-word statement added to your report |
| Contact furnisher directly | Request correction from the reporting company |
| Consult a consumer attorney | Free consultation for FCRA violations |
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint often prompts faster action.
Dispute Letter Template
A basic dispute letter should include:
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Your info | Full name, address, DOB, SSN |
| Date | Today’s date |
| Recipient | Bureau’s dispute address |
| Subject | “Credit Report Dispute” |
| Body | “I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report…” |
| Each item | Account name, account number, what’s wrong, what it should be |
| Request | “Please investigate and correct (or delete) this item” |
| Enclosures | List of attached documents |
| Signature | Your signature |
Send by certified mail with return receipt requested.
Your Rights Under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act protects you:
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Free credit reports | Weekly from each bureau |
| 30-day investigation | Bureaus must investigate within 30 days |
| Notification of results | Must notify you of dispute outcome |
| Free report after dispute | Free report from bureau that made changes |
| Sue for damages | Can sue for FCRA violations |
| Furnisher obligations | Companies must report accurate info |
Related Guides
- How to check your credit score for free
- How to freeze your credit
- How long items stay on your credit report
- How to improve your credit score
- Credit score guide
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy