The Credit Dispute Process: Your Rights Under FCRA

The Credit Dispute Process: Your Rights Under FCRA

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute credit-report information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. A dispute is not a way to erase accurate, current negative information.

1. Review all three reports

Request your reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Mark each disputed item and record the bureau, account name and number, and the specific fact that is wrong. Reports can differ, so send a dispute to every bureau displaying the error.

2. Collect evidence

Useful documents may include statements, payment confirmations, identity-theft reports, court records, or correspondence from the furnisher. Send copies, not originals. Avoid sending unrelated sensitive information.

3. Submit a focused dispute

You may dispute online or by mail. Identify each item, explain what is wrong, state the correction requested, and attach relevant evidence. If mailing, consider a trackable method and keep a complete copy. You may also dispute directly with the company that furnished the information.

Investigation timing

A credit bureau generally must complete a reasonable investigation within 30 days. The period may extend to 45 days in certain circumstances, including when you provide additional relevant information during the 30-day period or when the dispute follows a free annual report. A bureau may decline a dispute it reasonably determines is frivolous or irrelevant, but it must notify you and explain what is needed.

The bureau generally must send results within five business days after completing the investigation. If information is changed, it should provide a free updated report. A deletion is not promised: verified accurate information may remain.

If you disagree with the result

Review the explanation and confirm that your evidence was considered. You may submit new evidence, ask to add a brief statement of dispute, complain to the CFPB, or consult a qualified consumer attorney. Most adverse information is generally reportable for seven years; some bankruptcies may be reported for ten. Different rules apply to certain records and transactions.