Identify the exact factual problem
Federal law gives consumers the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete credit-report information. A useful dispute identifies the report, account, specific field, requested correction, and factual reason for the request.
Accurate, current negative information generally cannot be removed merely because it lowers a score. Avoid generic claims and do not misrepresent identity theft or account ownership.
Contact both sides of the reporting chain
The CFPB and FTC advise contacting the credit reporting company that shows the error and the company that furnished the information. Send copies—not originals—of records that support your position and keep a complete file of what you submitted.
- Your complete contact information
- The report confirmation and account number, when available
- A clear explanation of each disputed fact
- The correction or removal you are requesting
- A highlighted report page and copies of supporting records
- Proof of delivery if you choose to send the dispute by mail
Track the response and verify the result
Credit reporting companies generally have 30 days to investigate a dispute. A request may be rejected as frivolous or irrelevant if it lacks enough information to investigate, and the company must explain that decision.
Read the investigation result, review the updated report, and compare the response with the evidence you supplied. A dispute process is an investigation—not a guaranteed deletion or score increase.
What is the strongest basis for a credit-report dispute?
- The item is unfavorable.
- The item is accurate but old enough to be annoying.
- A specific fact is inaccurate or incomplete and can be explained.
Reveal the answer
A specific fact is inaccurate or incomplete and can be explained.
The dispute process addresses inaccurate or incomplete information. Accurate negative information is not automatically removable.