How to dispute errors on your credit report
You can dispute mistakes with the credit bureau and the company that reported them. Bureaus generally must investigate within 30 days.
Sourced from official pages · Updated September 30, 2026💡 Key takeaways
- You can dispute errors for free with each bureau and with the company that reported the information.
- Bureaus generally must investigate within 30 days (45 days after a free annual report).
- Keep copies of everything you send and dates.
- Beware of companies that charge to “repair” credit.
Steps
- Get your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and mark the errors.
- Dispute in writing (or online) with each credit bureau that shows the error, explaining what is wrong and attaching copies of supporting documents.
- Also dispute with the company that reported the information (the “furnisher”), such as your lender or card issuer.
- Keep copies of everything you send and the dates.
Timing
| Situation | Investigation period |
|---|---|
| Standard dispute | Generally within 30 days of receiving it |
| Dispute after you received your free annual report | 45 days |
| You send additional relevant information during the 30 days | Extended by up to 15 more days |
| After the investigation | The bureau must notify you of the results within 5 business days |
Furnishers generally must also investigate and respond within 30 days.
If it is not fixed
You can add a brief statement to your file and you can submit a complaint to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Be careful with companies that promise to “repair” credit for a fee; you can dispute errors yourself for free.
What to include in a dispute
- Your name, address and account numbers
- Which item is wrong and why
- Copies of documents that support your claim
- What you want changed
After the investigation
The bureau must tell you the results within five business days of finishing. If the item is corrected, ask for an updated report. If not, you can add a brief statement to your file and file a CFPB complaint.
🔤 Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Furnisher | The company that reported the information to the bureau |
| Investigation | The review the bureau and furnisher must conduct after a dispute |
| Statement of dispute | A brief statement you can add to your file |
| CFPB complaint | A complaint you can submit to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau |
Sample dispute checklist
- Which account and what is wrong
- Why you believe it is wrong
- Evidence attached (statements, letters)
- What you want corrected
- Date sent and method used
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
- Disputing only with the bureau and not with the furnisher.
- Not keeping proof of what you sent.
- Sending original documents instead of copies.
- Paying for a service to dispute items you can dispute free.
🛠️ Try it yourself
❓ Frequently asked questions
How long does a dispute take?
Generally within 30 days, or 45 days if you disputed after receiving your free annual report; extensions may apply.
Can accurate negative information be removed?
Generally not before the reporting time limits end.
Where do I complain if it is not fixed?
The CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Can I dispute online?
Yes, bureaus offer online dispute forms.
📚 Sources
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and limits change; confirm with the sources above or a licensed professional.