3 Ways to Dispute Information on Your Credit Report

There are three primary methods to dispute information on your credit report: online, by mail, or by phone. Each method has its own advantages, but filing disputes online is often the fastest and most convenient.

Online

Each credit bureau has an online interface for submitting disputes. For example, with Experian, you can sign into your account and navigate to the Dispute Center to start the process.

By Mail

Download the dispute form from the credit bureau’s website and follow the instructions for mailing your dispute. You may need to include copies of documents such as a government-issued ID and a recent utility bill.

By Phone

You can also call the credit bureau to dispute information. A dispute specialist will guide you through the process and explain which documents you need to submit.

What Can You Dispute on Your Credit Report?

You can dispute various types of incorrect information on your credit report, including:

• Late payments
• Inaccurate balances and credit limits
• Open accounts reported as closed

If you notice signs of identity theft, such as accounts that don’t belong to you or unauthorized inquiries, you should report these by phone or mail.

How to Prepare to Submit a Dispute

Before submitting a dispute, review your credit report to identify any incorrect information. Gather supporting documents to back up your claim, such as bank statements, utility bills, or letters from creditors.

What Happens After You Submit Your Dispute?

Once you submit a dispute, the credit bureau will investigate and resolve the issue. This process typically takes 30 days but may extend to 45 days if additional documentation is required. The outcome can result in information being verified, updated, or deleted.

How to Track Your Dispute Status

You can track the status of your dispute by logging into your account on the credit bureau’s website. You’ll receive updates via email, including notifications when your dispute is opened, updated, or resolved.

Possible Dispute Outcomes

After the dispute process is complete, you may see one of the following outcomes:

• Added: The item was added to your credit report.
• Updated: The information was updated on your credit report.
• Verified and Updated: The information was verified as accurate, but unrelated information was updated.
• Deleted: The item was removed from your credit report.
• Processed: The item was either updated or deleted.
• Remains: The information was verified as accurate and was not changed.

What to Do if You Disagree With the Outcome of Your Dispute

If you disagree with the results of your dispute, you can take additional steps:

• Contact the data furnisher to provide proof that their records are incorrect.
• Add a statement of dispute to your credit report explaining why you believe the information is inaccurate.
• Resubmit the dispute with additional documentation to support your claim.

Monitor Your Credit Reports for Changes

Regularly monitoring your credit reports is essential for maintaining accurate information. You can check your credit report for free from Experian and get your other two credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. Use Experian’s free credit monitoring service to stay informed about changes to your credit report.