First identify which of the three major credit bureaus is reporting the error(s); TransUnion, Equifax or Experian. Get a copy of your credit report so that you have the specifics on the error(s).
How to get a free credit report
You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus once per year. To order your reports online, visit www.annualcreditreport.com call 877-322-8228 or request by mail with a form available at ftc.gov/credit. According to the Federal Trade Commission there are additional circumstances in which you can get free access to your credit reports:
“Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, such as denying your application for credit, insurance, or employment, and you ask for your report within 60 days of receiving notice of the action. The notice will give you the name, address, and phone number of the consumer reporting company. You’re also entitled to one free report a year if you’re unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you’re on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, including identity theft.”
How to dispute errors on your credit report
All three major credit bureaus offer online dispute resolution. This is relatively new but I have seen it be effective. Otherwise, certified mail is the best means to address credit report errors.
Contact phone numbers and online dispute websites:
- TransUnion: (800) 888-4213
- Equifax: (800) 685-1111
- Experian: (888) 397-3742
Fix errors on your credit report by mail
Certified mail has the best chance of success. Specifically address the error by creditor name and account number and include a copy of the credit report page with the erroneous account(s) circled. Include a brief description of your dispute and be sure to include any supporting paperwork such as receipts. You can address multiple errors with one letter just make it easy to read and identify each account that you are disputing in your letter.
TransUnion Corp.
P.O. Box 2000
Springfield, PA 19022-2000
P.O. Box 2000
Springfield, PA 19022-2000
Equifax Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
Experian
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-0949
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-0949
You should receive a letter within 30 days from each credit bureau acknowledging the receipt of your letter. Then you should receive an answer from the credit bureau within 30 days. Track your dates and contact the credit bureau if you do not receive either letter. Send copies of documents, not your originals.
FTC sample credit report dispute letter
Date
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Complaint Department
Name of Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to dispute the following information in my file. The items I dispute also are circled on the attached copy of the report I received.
This item (identify item(s) disputed by name of source, such as creditors or tax court, and identify type of item, such as credit account, judgment, etc.) is (inaccurate or incomplete) because (describe what is inaccurate or incomplete and why). I am requesting that the item be deleted (or request another specific change) to correct the information.
Enclosed are copies of (use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation, such as payment records and court documents) supporting my position. Please investigate this (these) matter(s) and (delete or correct) the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your name
Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing)
Handling accurate negative information
Despite the claims of some so-called credit repair companies, there is not much you can do about legitimate negative items on your credit report. Usually, negative information will be removed from your credit report seven years after the date it was last reported. Some items are removed in 10 years. The best thing you can do is offset negative information with recent, positive credit reporting.
More information is available from this FTC report
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