When you find errors on your credit report, filing an effective dispute is essential for getting them corrected. A well-written dispute letter with proper documentation maximizes your chances of success.
Dispute Methods
You can dispute errors online (through each bureau's website), by phone, or by mail. Mail disputes create the best documentation—you have proof of what you sent and when. For significant errors affecting your credit score, use mail.
Online disputes are faster but provide less documentation if you need to escalate.
What to Include in Your Dispute Letter
An effective dispute letter should include your full name, address, and Social Security number, clear identification of the disputed item (creditor name, account number), specific explanation of why the information is incorrect, what correction you're requesting, and copies (not originals) of supporting documents.
Be specific and factual. Instead of "this account is wrong," explain exactly what's wrong: "This account shows a late payment in March 2024. I was never late—enclosed is my bank statement showing payment posted on March 1."
Sample Dispute Letter Structure
[Your name and address]
[Date]
[Bureau name and address]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report. The item I am disputing is:
[Creditor name, account number, specific item]
This information is inaccurate because [specific reason]. Enclosed are copies of [documents] supporting my dispute.
Please investigate this matter and correct my credit report. Please send me written confirmation of the results.
Sincerely,
[Your signature and printed name]
Supporting Documentation
Attach evidence supporting your claim: bank statements showing payments made, correspondence from creditors, court documents (for judgments or bankruptcies), police reports (for identity theft), and paid-off notices for debts showing balances.
Send copies, never originals. Keep originals in your files.
Sending Your Dispute
Send disputes by certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates proof of mailing date and delivery. Keep copies of everything you send—the letter, enclosures, and mailing receipts.
Bureau addresses for disputes: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each have specific dispute addresses available on their websites.
Disputing With Data Furnishers
Besides disputing with bureaus, you can dispute directly with the creditor or collection agency reporting the error (data furnishers). Data furnishers have investigation obligations similar to bureaus. Disputing with both creates additional pressure for correction.
What Happens After You Dispute
The bureau must investigate within 30 days (45 days if you provide additional information during the investigation). They contact the data furnisher, who must review their records. If the furnisher can't verify the information, the bureau must delete it.
The bureau must notify you of results in writing. If they made changes, you get a free updated credit report.
If Your Dispute Is Denied
If the bureau claims the information is accurate but you disagree, you can submit additional evidence and request reinvestigation, file a complaint with the CFPB or state attorney general, add a 100-word statement to your report explaining your position, or consult an attorney about potential FCRA claims.
Frivolous Disputes
Bureaus can reject disputes they determine are frivolous—lacking sufficient information or submitted primarily to delay. Provide specific details and genuine reasons for your dispute.
Following Up
If you don't receive a response within 30-45 days, follow up in writing. Note that you previously disputed and haven't received a response. Send this also by certified mail.
Getting Legal Help
If bureaus fail to properly investigate or correct verified errors, an attorney can evaluate potential FCRA claims. You may recover statutory damages, actual damages (including harm to credit score), and attorney's fees.