Complete Guide: How to Dispute with Experian, TransUnion & Equifax

Complete Guide: How to Dispute with Experian, TransUnion & Equifax

Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax maintain separate files. An error on one report may not appear on the others, so review all three through AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute with each bureau that displays the problem.

Prepare one clear package per bureau

Identify the account and exact data field that is inaccurate or incomplete. Explain why, state the correction requested, and include copies of relevant evidence. Mark the item on a copy of the report. Keep originals and a copy of everything submitted.

Each bureau accepts disputes online and by mail. Use only the contact information on the bureau's official site or your report, because addresses and procedures can change. Online portals can be convenient; mail can make it easier to preserve a complete custom explanation. If mailing, consider trackable delivery.

Also consider a direct dispute with the business that supplied the information. Use its designated dispute address, which may differ from its payment address.

Timing and results

A bureau generally must conduct a reasonable investigation within 30 days. It can have up to 45 days in certain circumstances, including if you provide additional relevant information during the 30-day period or the dispute follows a free annual report. It generally must provide results within five business days after finishing.

Possible results include correction, deletion, or verification. None is promised. A bureau can reject a dispute reasonably deemed frivolous or irrelevant, but must notify you and identify what is missing.

Compare the updated report with your request. If the evidence was not addressed, contact the bureau, send materially new documentation, complain to the CFPB, or consult a consumer attorney. Avoid repeatedly sending the same unsupported dispute or claiming that accurate negative data is fraudulent.