How to File a Dispute With a Credit Bureau

The three credit bureaus that compile and maintain your credit information are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. It is up to you to ensure that the information listed in your credit report is accurate. If you find inaccuracies, you can dispute the information to get it corrected. To file a dispute with a credit bureau, you need the information listed on a current copy of your credit report. If you are requesting changes to a credit report that is more than 90 days old, the credit bureau may insist that you obtain a new copy. Each credit bureau maintains that filing disputes online is the fastest and easiest way to correct inaccuracies.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Online access
• Telephone
• Stationary
• Stamps

Instructions

1. Order a copy of your credit report from one or all three credit bureaus. Each consumer is eligible for a free credit report when they have been denied credit, employment or insurance coverage based on information listed in your credit file. Consumers are also eligible for one free report from each credit bureau every 12 months. To order free credit reports from the individual bureaus, visit their websites. To order a free annual report, visit annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free at [phone].

2. Review each credit report for inaccuracies. Inaccuracies such as a wrong address, name, date of birth and Social Security number will require supporting documentation to file the dispute. A birth certificate, driver's license, utility bill, W-2 form and Social Security card are among the items that the credit bureau may request before correcting the inaccuracies.

3. Make note of the identification number and name of the company reporting incorrect credit information. Whether you file a dispute online, by phone or by mail, you will need corresponding identification/transaction numbers so that the credit bureau can identify the listing.

4. File a dispute regarding information listed on your TransUnion credit report online at TransUnion.com. You may also call TransUnion at [phone]. To dispute inaccuracies by mail, print the Request for Investigation form from the website, complete it and mail it to:

   TransUnion Consumer Solutions
   P.O. Box 2000
   Chester, PA 19022-2000

5. File a dispute with Experian by visiting its website, experian.com/disputes. You will need the Experian credit report number listed on your current Experian credit report in order to begin filing a dispute. You may also dispute the information by calling the toll-free number listed on the Experian credit report. The number is not available on their website. Your Experian credit report also includes an address where you may write to dispute information.

   The primary address for Experian is:
   Experian
   P.O. Box 9554
   Allen, TX 75013

6. Initiate a dispute investigation with Equifax online at equifax.com. You will need the Report Confirmation Number found on your current Equifax credit report before filing a dispute. If you prefer to file a dispute by phone, you may call Equifax at the phone number listed on your current Equifax credit report. You may also file a dispute with Equifax by mail if you write to:

   Equifax Credit Information Services Inc.
   P.O. Box 740241
   Atlanta, GA 30374

References

• TransUnion: Contact Us
• Equifax: Contact Us
• Experian: Contact

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission: Facts for Consumers