A credit-report error can affect more than a score. It can influence the cost or availability of credit and may also matter in other decisions where a consumer report is used. The safest approach is to review the underlying report, identify the exact line that is wrong, and dispute it with supporting records.
Get your reports from an authorized source
Use AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally authorized site for reports from the nationwide credit bureaus, or follow the current access instructions published by the CFPB. Requesting your own report does not hurt your credit score.
Look for specific types of mistakes
The CFPB recommends checking identity information, accounts that are not yours, accounts incorrectly shown as open or delinquent, wrong balances or limits, duplicate debts, and information that may result from identity theft. Compare the report with your own statements and account records.
Dispute the error with both sides of the reporting chain
CFPB guidance says consumers should generally dispute inaccurate information with the credit reporting company and with the company that furnished the information. Explain what you believe is wrong, why it is wrong, and include copies of documents that support your position.
Be precise instead of sending a generic complaint
Identify the account, date, balance or status at issue. If a payment was reported late but you paid on time, attach the statement or payment confirmation. If an account is not yours, say so directly and follow identity-theft steps if appropriate.
Keep a complete copy of what you sent
Save the dispute form or letter, attachments, confirmation numbers and responses. If you mail documents, use a method that lets you show when they were delivered. A clean record is valuable if the same incorrect information reappears later.
If the dispute is not resolved
Read the investigation result carefully. The CFPB notes that consumers may have additional rights if they disagree with the outcome, including adding a statement to the file in some circumstances. If you plan to file a CFPB complaint, follow the Bureau’s current instructions about first disputing the information with the credit reporting company.
Avoid “credit repair” promises that sound too easy
Accurate negative information generally cannot simply be erased because a company charges a fee. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information yourself for free.
Primary sources and further help
We reviewed this guide against the following public consumer resources. Rules and procedures can change, so use the linked agency guidance for the latest details.