How to Dispute Items On Your Credit Report

Going online is one way to file a credit report dispute.

You have ordered a copy of your credit report to check for inaccuracies and have indeed found outdated entries and others that don't even belong to you. Your next move is to contact the credit agency reporting this information and request its removal and/or updating. This process is called a dispute. Three ways exist to file a dispute with credit bureaus Equifax, Experian or TransUnion: call, go online or send a letter.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of your credit report.

Instructions

1. Be prepared to verify your identity, if you call. Possible questions include your credit file number, birth date, Social Security number, address and driver's license number.

2. Click on the link next to the credit entry, if you choose to file online. Identify the reason you are disputing the record. You will receive a message that the credit agency is working on your request. Going online is the quickest way to file.

3. Send your dispute certified, if you opt for snail mail, so you will have verification your letter was received. Be sure to include your credit file number, Social Security number, full name, current address and account numbers.

4. Await contact the credit bureau within 45 days with an updated credit report and the status of your dispute. The credit agency will have reviewed your file and deleted any outdated or inaccurate information. It will contact the creditor, which then has 30 days to verify the validity of the account. If the creditor fails to provide proof that the entry is indeed yours, the credit agency — by law — has to remove it from your credit file. In the end, the disputed entry will either be deleted, updated or remain unchanged, if found to be accurate.

5. Be sure to check your credit report every three months. Dispute any incorrect information.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide as much information as possible with your dispute.

• Send copies of any payment records you have.

• Do not dispute items you know are correct. The credit agencies may regard you as a frivolous filer and take future disputes less seriously.

References

• Military Money: How To File A Credit Report Dispute With a Credit Bureau
• Credit: Correcting Your Credit Report