How to Update or Correct Your Credit Score

If you have a negative entry in your credit history, it is up to your creditor to change or correct it. Credit reporting agencies, such as Experian, TransUnion and Equifax do not have the authority to change information unless one of two things happen: 1) They are authorized by the creditor to make the change. 2) The credit reporting agency does an investigation and the creditor fails to respond. If you have found a mistake in your credit file and you want to get it corrected, you have to follow the procedure outlined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Send a letter by certified mail to each of the credit reporting agencies that have incorrect information. Include a copy of any documentation supporting your claim that the data is inaccurate.
   Save your certified mail receipt and a copy of the letter. For the address of each credit reporting agency, please see my eHow article, "Contacting Credit Reporting Agencies by Mail." The link is at the bottom of this page.
2. Send a letter by certified mail to the creditor that made the incorrect entry on your credit report. Include a copy of any documentation supporting your claim that the data is inaccurate. In the letter demand that the record be updated within 30 days. Let them know that failing to update this information within 30 days is a violation of FCRA.
3. Wait 30 days and check to see that your credit report is updated. If it isn’t send a second letter by certified mail to the credit reporting agency. Enclose a copy of the letter you sent to the creditor.
4. If your record still isn’t updated and you have proof that they have made an incorrect claim against you, then you have the right to sue your creditor. FCRA protects you against unfair reporting and you will win in small claims court.