- Get a copy of your credit report. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
- Review your credit report carefully. Look for any errors, such as accounts that you don’t recognize, incorrect information about your payment history, or debts that have been discharged in bankruptcy.
- Dispute any errors. You can dispute errors with the credit bureau that reported them. To do this, you’ll need to send a letter that includes your name, address, Social Security number, and a description of the error. You can also include copies of any documents that support your dispute.
- The credit bureau will investigate your dispute. The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your dispute. During this time, they will contact the creditor who reported the information to see if they can verify it.
- The credit bureau will notify you of the results of their investigation. The credit bureau will send you a letter that explains their findings. If they find that the information was in error, they will remove it from your credit report.
If you’re not satisfied with the results of the credit bureau’s investigation, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB is a government agency that protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive financial practices.
Here are some additional tips for disputing errors on your credit report:
- Be sure to send your dispute letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. This will create a record that you disputed the error and that the credit bureau received your letter.
- Keep copies of everything you send to the credit bureau. This includes your dispute letter, any supporting documents, and the credit bureau’s response.
- Be patient. The credit bureau’s investigation may take some time. Don’t give up if you don’t hear back from them right away.
Disputing errors on your credit report can be a hassle, but it’s worth it if you find any inaccuracies. By following these steps, you can improve your credit score and get the best possible terms on loans and credit cards.