How Do You Dispute a Credit Report Error?
Learn how to dispute a credit report error, who to contact, what evidence to send, and what happens during the bureau investigation.
If you find a mistake on your credit report, dispute it with each credit bureau that shows the error and also with the business that supplied the information. Include copies of documents that support your claim. The FTC says credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate disputes. Accurate negative information usually cannot be removed just because it hurts your credit.
Credit dispute workflow
Get your reports
AnnualCreditReport.com
You need to see which bureau has the error
Dispute bureau error
Each affected bureau
One bureau dispute may not fix another report
Dispute source data
Creditor, collector, or furnisher
The business may keep reporting the wrong data
Send evidence
Copies, not originals
Documents make the dispute more specific
Review result
Bureau and furnisher response
You may need follow-up if unresolved
Disputes fix errors, not disliked facts
A credit dispute is strongest when the report is inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, or belongs to someone else. It is not a shortcut for deleting accurate late payments, collections, or debts still within normal reporting limits.
Dispute the error
- 1Circle or list the specific error on each affected report.
- 2Gather copies of account statements, letters, identity documents, or payment proof.
- 3Send the dispute to every credit bureau showing the error.
- 4Send a separate dispute to the business that supplied the information.
- 5Track response dates and save all dispute confirmations.
FAQ
How long does a credit report dispute take?
The FTC says credit bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate disputes. Some situations can take longer, especially if more information is needed.
Do I dispute with the bureau, the creditor, or both?
The FTC recommends disputing with each credit bureau that shows the error and with the business that supplied the information. That gives both the reporter and the report holder notice of the issue.
Can accurate negative information be removed?
Usually no. Disputes are for inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated information. Accurate negative information generally remains until normal reporting limits expire.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.
- Disputing Errors on Your Credit ReportsFederal Trade Commission · consumer.ftc.govSupports disputing with each bureau showing the error, contacting the information furnisher, and the general 30-day investigation timeline.
- Sample Letter to Credit Bureaus Disputing Errors on Credit ReportsFederal Trade Commission · consumer.ftc.govSupports the formal written dispute path and evidence checklist for bureau disputes.