How to Dispute Items on a Credit Report

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By David Murray
eHow Contributing Writer

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Good credit is vital in today's world, and it all starts with your credit report. Verse yourself thoroughly in how to read and understand your credit report, and monitor regularly. You have the right to dispute any item on your credit report that you believe is inaccurate, and all of the major credit reporting bureaus will assist you in this process. If an item on your credit report is correct, it cannot be removed. However, if you find an inaccuracy, your report will be amended to reflect the correct information, and this can benefit you greatly. It is certainly worth the time and effort to dispute any item you believe is not accurate on your credit report.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Review a current copy of your credit report, and decide if there are any items which are not accurately portrayed.
Step 2

If your report is provided by Equifax, there is a toll-free number which you can call to initiate the dispute process. You can also proceed online. If you have an Experian credit report, click on the item you are questioning, and more detailed information will be provided.
Step 3

If you have an Experian credit report, click on the blue button labeled "Dispute This Item" beside the item you question. You will be prompted to select a reason why the item is not correct. There is a help section entitled, "Tell me more about dispute reasons." Enter your info and click submit. This is a more automated process than Equifax provides. If you are working with Equifax, you will be asked to explain over the phone why you dispute the item. Of course, all credit bureaus will first make certain of your identity before proceeding.
Step 4

Once you have made your case, the credit bureaus will send a notice to the source responsible for the information, either a creditor, a collection agency, or a court of record. Equifax states that they may have an update for you in 30-45 days. Experian requires the source to answer their inquiry within 30 days, and they promise to email you shortly thereafter with a resolution.
Step 5

If you are not satisfied with the resolution of your dispute, you can certainly contact the creditor on your own directly and plead your case.

Tips & Warnings

If you have any doubts about your ability to read and interpret your credit report, ask someone who is familiar with this to help you read your and understand your report.
Experian promises that if a creditor or other source for disputed information does not respond to their query on your behalf within the 30 day period, they will change your report to reflect your contention.
If you are contemplating a major credit purchase, a home or an automobile for example, go ahead and get your credit report early and make sure everything is in order. You know it is probably going to take at least 30 days to resolve any dispute that you initiate.
Always keep very precise and organized records of all of your financial transactions. This will come in handy in case of any dispute. Be able to put your finger on what you need at any time. This way it is not just your word against a creditor. You will have a record to back up your assertion, and you will prevail in any dispute.

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