1 in 5 Reports Have Errors

The FTC found that 20% of consumers have at least one error on their credit reports. These errors can cost you 50-100+ points and thousands in higher interest rates.

Common Errors to Look For

• Accounts that aren't yours (identity theft or mixed files)
• Incorrect payment history (showing late when you paid on time)
• Wrong account balances or credit limits
• Closed accounts showing as open (or vice versa)
• Duplicate accounts (same debt listed twice)
• Incorrect personal information (name, address, SSN variations)

Step 1: Get Your Free Reports

Visit AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized source. You get one free report from each bureau per week.

Download all three:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

Check all three because errors may appear on only one or two reports.

Step 2: Document the Error

For each error, gather:

• The specific account and what's wrong
• Supporting documents (bank statements, payment receipts, correspondence)
• A clear explanation of the correction needed

Step 3: File Disputes

Online (Fastest)

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute
• Experian: experian.com/disputes
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-disputes

By Mail (Creates Paper Trail)

Send a dispute letter via certified mail with:

• Your full name, address, and SSN
• A copy of your report with errors circled
• A clear statement of each error
• Copies (not originals) of supporting documents

Step 4: Wait 30 Days

Bureaus must investigate within 30 days (45 if you submit additional info). They'll contact the creditor to verify. If the creditor can't verify, the item must be removed.

Step 5: Check the Results

The bureau will send you results by mail and provide an updated report. If the dispute is successful, the error is permanently removed and your score updates immediately.

If the Dispute Is Denied

• Re-dispute with additional evidence
• File a complaint with the CFPB (consumerfinance.gov)
• Contact the creditor directly to correct the information
• Consider a credit repair service (see our comparison table)
• Add a 100-word consumer statement to your report explaining the dispute

How Much Can Error Removal Help?

| Error Type | Typical Score Impact | |-----------|---------------------| | False late payment | +20-50 points | | Account not yours | +30-80 points | | Duplicate collection | +20-40 points | | Wrong balance/limit | +10-30 points |

Disputes are free and one of the fastest ways to improve your credit score.