How Can I Correct an Error on My Credit Report?

Credit reports are usually accurate, but mistakes can happen. If errors or outdated information appear on your credit report, you have the right to have the mistakes corrected at no charge to you.

It can take patience and persistence to correct an error, but it's worth the time and effort. Here's how to get started:

1. The credit report may include information on how to correct errors. If it does, follow the instructions that you get with the credit report to tell the credit-reporting agency about the mistake.
2. If more information is required, the credit-reporting agency will tell you what it needs. For example, the agency may ask for copies of canceled checks. If you’ve kept good records, it will be much easier to provide evidence that a mistake has been made.
3. Consider sending a brief letter explaining the situation. The agency must investigate written complaints within 30 days and get back to you with its results. As part of its investigation, the agency will contact the creditor whose information you are questioning. If the agency discovers that the information is inaccurate, the creditor must notify other major credit-reporting agencies of the correction.

If the agency does not agree about an error, but you still believe your credit report is not accurate, you can contact the creditor directly to try to straighten out the problem. When you resolve the dispute, ask the creditor to send a correction to the agency and a copy to you.

If the issue remains unresolved, you have the right to explain your side of the story on the credit report. A statement of up to 100 words explaining the situation will be included on your credit report.