A plain-English walkthrough of disputing inaccurate items with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — what to send, what to expect, and what to do if they say “verified.”
Roughly one in five credit reports contains at least one error, according to the Federal Trade Commission's landmark study. Some are harmless. Others — a collection that isn't yours, a late payment you never made, an account that should have aged off — can cost you an approval or thousands of dollars in interest. The good news: you have a legal right to dispute anything inaccurate, and the bureaus must investigate.
Step 1: Pull all three reports
Each bureau keeps its own file, and they don't always match. Get Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion together so you can compare. Look for accounts you don't recognize, wrong balances, incorrect late-payment marks, duplicate collections, and anything older than seven years (ten for Chapter 7 bankruptcy).
Step 2: Document the problem
For each item, write down exactly what's wrong and why. If you have proof — a payment confirmation, a paid-in-full letter, a police report for identity theft — gather it now. Disputes with supporting documents are harder to brush off.
Step 3: Send the dispute in writing
Online portals are convenient, but a mailed letter creates a paper trail and lets you attach evidence. Address it to the bureau reporting the error, include your full name, address, date of birth, the account number, and a clear statement of what's inaccurate. Send it certified mail with return receipt.
Step 4: Wait for the investigation
The bureau has 30 days (45 in some cases) to investigate and respond. They contact the creditor or collector, who must verify the information. If they can't — or don't respond — the item must be corrected or deleted.
What if it comes back “verified”?
- Dispute directly with the creditor or collector, not just the bureau.
- Request the method of verification — what did they actually check?
- Escalate with new evidence rather than re-sending the same letter.
- File a complaint with the CFPB if the bureau isn't following the process.
This is where most people give up, and where professional help earns its keep. A well-run dispute campaign is persistent, specific, and documented — round after round until the report is accurate.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Results vary by credit profile.
