While there are a lot of things you can do to build a great credit history and boost your credit score, one of the simplest is disputing errors on your credit report. All three major credit bureaus (Equifax®, TransUnion®, and Experian™) let you dispute inaccuracies on your credit report online. Having those errors investigated, removed, or corrected can seriously help your credit profile.
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Not sure where to start? Below are the answers for the most frequently asked questions about the disputing process to help you get started today.
How do know if I have errors on my credit report?
By law, you can oder a copy of your credit report free each year through each of the three credit bureaus. Alternatively, you could go through the dispute process online. As part of the process, you’ll review each section of your credit report to get an in-depth understanding of what it contains and what errors may be on it.
Where do I start if I need to dispute errors on my credit report?
Check out our comprehensive guide to credit repair for the full rundown on what to dispute. Or, if you just want the highlights, take a look at our fast-path guide and credit repair checklist.
Is disputing errors on my credit report worth it? It sounds like a lot of work.
It’s definitely worth it. Correcting errors can improve your credit score and make you more likely to qualify for credit, such as home and car loans or new credit cards. The dispute process is actually easier than it seems because the bureaus make it easy for you to review your credit report and submit your disputes online.
How long does it take to file a dispute about errors on my credit report? I’ve got a normal life, you know.
You should plan to spend 30 minutes per bureau reviewing your credit report and submitting disputes.
How long does it take to get errors removed from my credit report?
The credit bureaus have 30 days to respond to a dispute claim. If they correct or remove the disputed information, they will send you a copy of your updated report.
Should I just pay a credit repair company to manage the credit repair process?
The truth is that credit repair organizations typically won’t do anything for you that you can’t do on your own — and they will charge you for it. The online dispute process with each of the credit bureaus is free and user-friendly. So, it’s typically worth doing it yourself.
I’ve heard that I can dispute any negative parts of my credit report, even if they are true. Can I do that?
You have the right to get inaccurate information removed from your credit report, but it’s not helpful to dispute accurate items just because they are negative. Unless you’re disputing something that happened more than seven years ago, the bureaus will keep any accurate information on your report. If the negative item — such as a late payment or foreclosure — occurred more than seven years ago, you can request that it be removed. But if it happened more recently, you’re better off focusing on actions and habits you can take now to improve your score. Our Score40 program walks you through how to build your credit by focusing on actions you can take to improve.
If I dispute an error on my credit report, will the credit bureaus just ignore me?
No, the credit bureaus won’t ignore you. They’re legally obligated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to respond to disputes within 30 days.
Do I have to file disputes with all three bureaus, even if I’m correcting the same information?
Although lenders are required to send updated customer information to all three credit bureaus, the bureaus themselves are not obligated to share that data with each other. The best way to ensure that your credit report is accurate across all three bureaus is to file disputes with each of them, even if you’re submitting the same information.
When is it too late to file a dispute?
It’s never too late to correct errors on your credit report. No matter where you are in your financial journey, disputing errors is an empowering step toward claiming control over your data and your credit.
If you’re nervous about getting started, don’t worry about conquering all three bureaus at once. Go through the process with one bureau today, the next one tomorrow, and so on. Small, consistent steps will help you clean up your credit report and raise your score before you know it.
The content provided on Elevate.com is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Elevate is not acting as a credit counseling or repair service, debt consolidation service, or credit services organization in providing this content. Elevate makes no representations about the reliability or suitability of the information provided – any action you take based on this content is at your own risk.
About the author
Nathan Foley questions everything — and thinks you should too. As Elevate’s resident mathematician, he pores over datasets to find the truth amid the fluff and translates insights into ideas for improving personal financial resilience.
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