When you spot an error on your credit report, the first step is to contact the credit reporting company directly. This action initiates the dispute process, ensuring the error is corrected before it affects your financial decisions. The CFPB confirms you have the right to dispute errors and that the reporting company must investigate your claim. Starting with the reporting company is critical because it's the only entity that can verify and correct inaccuracies.
Quick Answer
Contact the credit reporting company (Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian) by phone, mail, or online to dispute the error. They will investigate and update your report if the error is confirmed.
Step : Identify the Correct Reporting Company
To dispute an error effectively, you must first determine which credit reporting company holds your report. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian - are the primary entities that collect and share your credit information. These companies are legally required to investigate disputes and report results back to you under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
If your report includes data from a non-traditional source, such as a local credit bureau, you should still contact one of the three major companies.
By phone: Call the phone number shown on your credit report or call (888) 397-3742.
- Check the credit report for the name of the reporting company listed on the report.
- You have the right to dispute errors on your credit report.
Step : Submit Your Dispute Through the Reporting Company
Once you identify the reporting company, submit your dispute using one of three methods: online, by phone, or by mail. For example, Equifax's online dispute portal is accessible at www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/, while phone numbers are listed on your credit report or can be reached via (866) 349-5191 for Equifax and (888) 397-3742 for TransUnion and Experian.
When submitting by phone, the reporting company will verify your identity and the details of the error. If you prefer mail, include your full name, address, and the specific error you want corrected, along with the report number if available.
The credit reporting company you sent the dispute letter to must investigate your dispute, forward the dispute and all relevant information you provided to the company that provided the information about you, and report the.
- Use the online portal for Equifax: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/.
- Call (866) 349-5191 for Equifax or (888) 397-3742 for TransUnion and Experian.
Step : Track the Investigation and Receive Results
After submitting your dispute, the reporting company must investigate your claim within a reasonable timeframe. They will forward your dispute and supporting documents to the company that provided the information about you, such as a bank or credit card issuer.
If the error is confirmed, it will be corrected and added to your file.
The statement is then added to your file and provided to whomever requests your credit report in the future. Call the phone number shown on your credit report or call (866) 349-5191..
- How to dispute an error on your credit report First, dispute the information with the credit reporting company or companies If you identify an error on your credit report, you should start by disputing that.
- You can contact the nationwide credit reporting companies online, by mail, or by phone: Equifax Online: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/ By phone or mail.
Step : Verify the Correction and Repeat if Necessary
The CFPB states that you are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major companies, so you can verify the change without additional cost.
- Request a new credit report to confirm the error is corrected.
Decision Worksheet
| Check | What to do | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Step : Identify the Correct Reporting Company | Check the credit report for the name of the reporting company listed on the report. | |
| Step : Submit Your Dispute Through the Reporting Company | Use the online portal for Equifax: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/. | |
| Step : Track the Investigation and Receive Results | How to dispute an error on your credit report First, dispute the information with the credit reporting company or companies If you identify an error on your credit report, you should start by disputing that. | |
| Step : Verify the Correction and Repeat if Necessary | Request a new credit report to confirm the error is corrected. |
FAQ
Can I dispute errors with multiple reporting companies?
Yes, you can dispute errors with all three major reporting companies - Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Each company holds a copy of your credit report and must investigate disputes independently.
How long does it take to resolve a dispute?
The reporting company must investigate your dispute and notify you of the outcome within a reasonable timeframe. The exact duration varies, but the CFPB guarantees they will report results back to you once the investigation is complete.
Primary Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Dispute an Error on Your Credit Report
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Consumer Reporting Companies
Everyday Record Lab provides general information. Confirm current instructions with the responsible official source.