Ultimate Guide: Dispute a Credit Report Error

If you’re trying to build your credit score, the responsible thing is to check your official credit report regularly. A mistake on your credit report can lead to bad credit, even if you’ve been a responsible spender.

Errors can pop up because: – There was a technical issue with a payment – Negative information has expired but remains on the report (most information stays on your report for about seven years) – Your credit furnisher made an inaccurate report to one of the credit bureau – You’re an identity theft victim

What Should You Look for in Your Credit Report?

First, check if all of your personal information is accurate and up-to-date. One common problem in credit reports occurs when someone accidentally creates aliases.

The error could appear on only one bureaus’ report, or it could appear on all three. If it’s the latter, then you’ll have to start a separate dispute for each one.

Digitally with the credit bureaus

Through regular mail

It’ll take a little longer to get your dispute submitted, but this method is just as effective as submitting it online. Credit bureaus have 30 days to respond to a dispute – or 45 if they need additional information.

File your dispute with your lender

Data furnishers – your lenders and creditors – report your information directly to credit bureaus. Taking it up with your furnishers will change the original data in addition to your report.

Getting rejected when you know the information on your report is false can be highly frustrating – thankfully, there are a few things you can do.

If your dispute gets rejected

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