How to dispute credit report errors (step-by-step)

Where to go next

• Credit Repair hub
• How long disputes take
• Collections: what to do

Disputing credit report errors can work—but only when you do it like a clean documentation process, not a rage-click. The goal is simple: remove or correct inaccurate information. If the item is accurate, a dispute usually won’t delete it.

This guide shows exactly what to include, whether online disputes or mailed disputes are better, a dispute letter template you can copy, and what to expect during the timeline.

Quick answer / Key takeaways

• Dispute inaccurate items (wrong account, wrong balance/status, wrong late payment, duplicate reporting, not yours).
• Gather proof first: statements, letters, screenshots, IDs (when relevant).
• Online disputes are fast; mail disputes can be better when you need to attach evidence and control your narrative.
• Be specific: “what’s wrong + what the correct info is + proof.”
• Track deadlines and results: credit dispute timeline.
• If the issue looks like identity theft, start here instead: identity theft first steps.

What counts as a credit report error (and what doesn’t)

Common dispute-worthy errors

• Accounts that aren’t yours (mixed file / fraud).
• Duplicate accounts or duplicated late payments.
• Wrong balance, wrong credit limit, wrong payment status.
• Wrong dates (opened date, delinquency dates).
• Account still reporting open when it was closed, or wrong “paid/settled” status.
• Collections reporting inaccurately (wrong amount, wrong dates, not yours).

Collections guidance: collections on credit report.

What usually won’t be removed by a dispute

• Accurate late payments (“I had a rough month” isn’t a reporting error).
• Accurate charge-offs or collections that are reported correctly.
• “I don’t like this account” disputes without proof.

If your goal is a realistic late-payment fix, that’s a different play:
remove late payments.

Online dispute vs mail: which is better?

Both can work. Use the method that matches the situation.

Online disputes (best when…)

• The error is simple and obvious.
• You don’t need to attach a lot of evidence.
• You want speed and basic tracking.

Mail disputes (best when…)

• You need to attach documents and explain context clearly.
• You want a paper trail and a controlled narrative.
• The issue is complex (mixed file, identity issues, repeated verification).

If you’re handling identity theft: identity theft first steps.

What to include in a dispute (the exact checklist)

This is the “what to include in dispute” tail—here’s the clean list.

Dispute packet checklist

• Your full name, DOB (optional), current address, and report reference number (if provided).
• The bureau name (Experian/Equifax/TransUnion).
• The account name and account number (partial is fine).
• The exact item you’re disputing (one account per bullet).
• What’s wrong (one sentence).
• What the correct information should be (one sentence).
• Copies of supporting documents (never send originals).
• A clear request: “Please delete/correct this item as it is inaccurate.”

Step-by-step: how to dispute credit report errors

Step 1: Pull your reports and mark the errors

Check all three bureaus because the error may appear in one report but not another.
How to check credit reports.

Step 2: Collect proof (before you touch the dispute button)

Examples of proof:

• account statements,
• payoff/closure letters,
• settlement letters,
• payment confirmation screenshots,
• identity documents (if fraud),
• correspondence with the creditor/collector.

Step 3: Dispute with the bureau(s) reporting the error

If the error is on two reports, dispute with both bureaus. Keep your disputes consistent.

Step 4: Keep your dispute narrow and factual

Bad dispute: “This is unfair.”
Good dispute: “Account shows 60 days late in May 2026. Attached statement shows account was current. Please correct payment status.”

Step 5: Track dates, confirmation numbers, and results

Disputes have timelines and outcomes you need to interpret.
Credit dispute timeline.

Step 6: If it comes back “verified,” escalate correctly

“Verified” doesn’t always mean “right.” It means the furnisher confirmed it. Your next move depends on the case.
Credit dispute timeline.

Dispute letter template (copy + edit)

Use this when mailing, or when you want to structure your online explanation.

[Your Full Name]
[Your Current Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]

Re: Credit Report Dispute (Inaccurate Information)

To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to dispute inaccurate information on my credit report.

Bureau: [Experian / Equifax / TransUnion]
Report reference number (if available): [#]

Item(s) in dispute:

1. Creditor/Account: [Name] — Acct #: [Last 4 digits]
   What is inaccurate: [One sentence describing the error.]
   Requested correction: [Delete this item / Correct status to ____ / Correct balance to ____].

Supporting documents attached:

• [List documents you’re attaching]

Please investigate and correct or delete the inaccurate information as soon as possible. Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone/Email (optional)]

Table: Dispute method choice (online vs mail)

Situation	Online dispute	Mail dispute
Simple balance/status error	Good	Good
Need to attach multiple documents	Limited	Best
Mixed file / identity issues	Risky	Best
You want a paper trail	Limited	Best
You want speed	Best	Slower

What happens after you file (timeline preview)

Common outcomes:

• Deleted (best outcome).
• Corrected/updated (still a win).
• Verified (means they say it’s accurate; next step may be needed).
• No change (often due to weak proof or inaccurate claim).

Full explanation and what to do next:
credit dispute timeline.

Common mistakes (why disputes fail)

• Disputing accurate negatives instead of errors.
• Sending no proof and hoping the bureau “figures it out.”
• Writing emotional explanations instead of factual ones.
• Disputing 15 items at once with vague statements (“not mine”).
• Not disputing at the correct bureau(s).
• Not saving confirmation numbers and copies.

Examples / scenarios (If X → do Y)

Scenario 1: Wrong late payment reported

If you have statements showing you were current, dispute the specific month/status and attach proof.

Scenario 2: Collection account isn’t yours

Treat it as potential mixed file or identity theft. Don’t just click dispute—use the identity theft flow.
Identity theft first steps.

Scenario 3: Dispute came back “verified”

Request details, review your evidence, and escalate with stronger documentation if needed.
Credit dispute timeline.

FAQ

Related guides

• How long disputes take
• Check your credit reports (free)
• Collections: what to do
• Identity theft: first steps