Improving your credit score can feel overwhelming. One of the most effective steps to improve your credit score is disputing inaccurate information on your credit report. We created a step-by-step credit dispute guide to help you understand the process, correct errors without expensive services, and take control of your credit score.

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What is a Credit Report Dispute?

A credit report dispute is a formal request to a credit bureau to investigate and correct inaccurate or incomplete information. Common issues include accounts that do not belong to you, incorrect payment history, outdated negative items, or duplicate listings. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute these errors.

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What Can You Dispute on Your Credit Report?

You can dispute information on your credit report you believe is incorrect, including:

• Accounts that are not yours
• Payments wrongly marked as late or missed
• Open accounts reported as closed
• Incorrect balances or credit limits
• Accounts reported more than once
• Outdated negative information (most negative items drop off after seven years)
• Errors in personal information such as name, address, or Social Security number

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Where to File a Credit Dispute?

You may file a dispute online, by mail, or over the phone. The online method is the fastest in most cases and we will provide detailed online dispute instructions for all three major credit bureaus in the US below.

• Online: Visit the dispute portals for Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• By Mail: Send a letter with copies of your supporting documents. Always keep copies for yourself.
• By Phone: Call the credit bureau, though written proof is usually stronger.

Reminder to state clearly what is inaccurate, include your evidence and supporting documents, and request a correction or removal.

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Online Dispute Instructions For Credit Bureaus:

Experian

• Go to: https://www.experian.com/disputes/main.html
• Log in or create an account
• Select “Dispute Center” → find the account → click Dispute
• Provide reason + upload documents
• Track dispute online

Equifax

• Go to: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute
• Sign in or create “myEquifax” account
• Click Dispute this item → submit details
• Equifax will update status online

TransUnion

• Go to: https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit
• Log in or create account
• Select the inaccurate account → choose dispute reason
• Upload any proof and submit
• Track status in your TransUnion dashboard

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How to Prepare to Submit a Dispute?

If you find an error on your credit report, the first step is to dispute it directly with the credit reporting company (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion). Clearly explain what is wrong and why, and include copies of any documents that support your claim. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute these errors. You can also use the template letter provided below as a guide.

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Once you confirm the errors and have written the letter, gather documents that support your case. Providing documents helps strengthen your claim and can speed up the process. Examples of useful documents include:

• Bank statements
• Utility bills
• Name change records
• Marriage or death certificates
• Letters from creditors showing corrections
• Police reports or FTC Identity Theft Reports that confirm fraud

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What if I Don’t Want to Do It Myself?

You may hire a reliable credit repair agent if you prefer not to handle the process alone. Two trusted options are Lexington Law and Dovly.

• Lexington Law: A professional credit-building service that has helped its clients remove over 84 million errors from their credit reports since the firm was founded in 2004.

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• Dovly: Its AI-powered smart assistant helps you fix credit errors by finding negative items and dispute them automatically. The platform makes it easy to build, fix, and protect your credit—all from one smart platform. 

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What Happens After You Submit Your Dispute?

The credit bureau must investigate within 30 days. The bureau contacts the creditor that reported the information and asks for verification. Disputes are generally resolved within 30 days, but may take up to 45 days if you submit additional documentation after the investigation begins. If the creditor cannot verify the accuracy, the bureau corrects or removes the item. You receive a written notice with the results. A dispute can lead to information being verified, updated or deleted.

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How to Track Your Dispute Status?

If you file online, log in to the bureau’s portal to view progress. If you file by mail, wait for a letter or call the bureau to check. Keep all reference numbers and records to make follow-up easier.

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What Are The Possible Dispute Outcomes?

After review, you may see three results:

• Corrected: The bureau fixes or removes the error.
• Verified: The bureau confirms the information as accurate and keeps it on your report.
• Updated: The bureau adjusts the entry with new details.

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What to Do if You Disagree With the Outcome of Your Dispute?

If you disagree with the result, you have options.

• File another dispute with stronger evidence.
• Contact the creditor directly to resolve the issue at the source.
• Add a consumer statement to your report to explain your side.

Persistence often leads to success. Many consumers achieve results after a second attempt or direct contact with the creditor.

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Final words on disputing your credit report

Fixing your credit score starts with making sure your credit report is accurate. This DIY dispute kit gives you the tools to correct errors and take control of your financial future without unnecessary costs. Whether you choose to handle the process yourself or work with trusted services like Lexington Law or Dovly, the important step is to act. Each successful dispute not only removes obstacles but also moves you closer to building a healthier credit profile and greater financial freedom!

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