Finding mistakes on your credit report can be a real pain. Whether it’s an account you didn’t open, an incorrect public record like a bankruptcy or conviction, or a payment that wasn’t late, a little inaccuracy could have a big impact on your financial health. That’s because your credit report could affect everything from borrowing money to finding an apartment and even getting a job.

Luckily, disputing inaccurate information on your credit report is a fairly straightforward process, and both the credit bureau and the business that reported the mistake are able to correct it. Here’s what to do:

1. Contact the credit bureau

To dispute a mistake, write a letter explaining the issue to each credit bureau. Your letter should include:

• Your full name and address

• Each mistake you want corrected and why

• A copy of your report indicating the mistakes you want fixed

• Copies of any evidence that supports your request

• The credit bureau’s dispute form, if available.

You can file a dispute with the credit bureaus online, by mail, or by phone. If you choose to file by mail, send your letter by certified mail and pay for a return receipt so you have a record that the credit bureau received it.

Equifax

More information about Equifax’s dispute process. 

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30348

(866) 349-5191

Experian

More information about Experian’s dispute process and dispute form.

Experian

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

(888) 397-3742

Transunion

More information about Transunion’s dispute process by mail and dispute form.

TransUnion LLC Consumer Dispute Center

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

(800) 916-8800

2. Contact the business that reported the mistake

After you file your dispute, the credit bureau has 30 days to investigate. During this time, the bureau will forward the evidence you submitted to the business that reported the mistake. The business then investigates and report their findings back to the credit bureau. If they find that their information was inaccurate, they must notify all three nationwide bureaus to correct the information in your file.

In the meantime, you should contact the business that reported the mistake yourself. If you can’t find a dispute address on your credit report or online, contact the business directly and request an address where you can send a copy of your dispute letter.

What happens next?

After the 30-day investigation period, the credit bureau must notify you of the result in writing. If the investigation results in a change, they must also provide you with a free copy of your updated credit report. If you request, they must also send notices of the correction to anyone who has received a copy of your report in the past six months and to anyone who has received a copy for employment purposes in the past two years.

If the credit bureau considers your request “irrelevant” or “frivolous,” they will stop investigating and notify you of their decision by mail. If this happens, you may need to provide additional evidence in support of your claim. Otherwise, you may request that a statement of your dispute be included in your file and in all future reports. You may also request that the credit bureau send your statement to anyone who received a copy of your credit report in the recent past.