Credit Dispute Education Center

Fix credit report errors before they cost you funding.

One inaccurate item can drop your score 50–100 points. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute anything on your credit report that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable — for free.

What you can dispute

Common disputable items

Accounts that aren't yours (identity theft or mixed files)

Incorrect account balances or credit limits

Late payments that were actually paid on time

Accounts reported as open when they were closed

Duplicate accounts

Outdated negative information (older than 7 years, or 10 for bankruptcies)

Incorrect personal information (name, address, SSN)

Accounts that have been settled but still show a balance

The Process

6-step dispute process

Step 1

Pull your reports

Get free copies from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com — Equifax, Experian, TransUnion.

Step 2

Identify errors

Compare accounts and details across bureaus. Flag anything inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.

Step 3

Gather documentation

Collect statements, receipts, court records — whatever proves the item is wrong.

Step 4

File your dispute

Send a written dispute to each bureau reporting the error. Certified mail is the paper trail standard.

Step 5

Wait for investigation

Bureaus have 30 days (up to 45 in some cases) to investigate and respond in writing.

Step 6

Review the outcome

If corrected, request an updated report. If not, add a 100-word statement or escalate to the CFPB.

Template

FCRA dispute letter

Copy, personalize the bracketed fields, print, and send via certified mail to each credit bureau reporting the error.

[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]

Re: Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report
Consumer / File Number: [Your File Number]
Date of Birth: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Last 4 of SSN: [XXXX]

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to dispute the following inaccurate information appearing on
my credit report, pursuant to my rights under the Fair Credit Reporting
Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681i.

Item(s) in Dispute:
  1. Creditor / Account Name: [Creditor Name]
     Account Number: [XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX]
     Reason for Dispute: [e.g. "This account is not mine" /
                              "This account was paid on time" /
                              "Balance is incorrect"]

The information above is [inaccurate / incomplete / unverifiable]
because [briefly explain — attach supporting documentation].

Under the FCRA, please investigate this matter and either delete or
correct the disputed information within 30 days. Please provide me
with written notice of the results of your investigation and, if the
item is modified or deleted, an updated copy of my credit report.

Enclosures: [List documents you're including — statements, receipts,
identity documents, etc.]

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

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