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Quick answer
When you dispute an error with a credit bureau, the bureau passes your dispute to the company that reported the item, which must investigate. The bureau generally has 30 days to finish and must send you the results in writing. The outcome can be a correction, a deletion, or a finding that the item is “verified,” and you have options if the result doesn’t fix the problem.
Where credit report disputes are filed
Disputing with a credit bureau is free. Each of the three nationwide bureaus keeps its own file and handles its own disputes, through its official dispute page: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. If an error appears with more than one bureau, each one needs to be disputed separately.
What happens after you dispute
Most of the work happens behind the scenes, between the bureau and the company that reported the item, often called the furnisher.
- The bureau logs your disputeIt records what you’re disputing and any documents you included.
- It notifies the reporting companyGenerally within 5 business days, the bureau must tell the lender or collector about your dispute and pass along the relevant information you provided.
- The reporting company investigatesIt must review the information and report back whether the item is accurate, needs to be changed, or can’t be verified.
- The bureau makes a decisionIt updates, deletes or keeps the item, generally within 30 days of receiving your dispute.
- You receive the resultsThe bureau must send you written results within 5 business days of finishing, with a free copy of your report if anything changed.
The possible outcomes of a dispute
Updated
The item stays on your report, but details such as the balance, status or dates are corrected.
Deleted
The item is removed because it was inaccurate or couldn’t be verified.
Verified as accurate
The reporting company confirmed the information, and the item stays as it was.
Frivolous or irrelevant
The bureau declined to investigate, for example when a dispute lacks enough information. It must tell you why.
Got a “verified” result for something you know is wrong? Read our guide to what to do when a dispute is denied or verified.
Signs your dispute isn’t working
Compare your results with what you disputed and tick anything you see.
These signs can mean your dispute didn’t resolve the error. An advocate can review your report and dispute results with you, free of charge.
Start a free reviewWhat the law says about the dispute process
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets out how bureaus must handle your dispute.
- Time limit
- The bureau generally must finish within 30 days, which can extend to 45 days in some situations, such as when you send more information during the investigation.
- Notice to the company
- The bureau must notify the company that reported the item, generally within 5 business days, and pass along the relevant information you provided.
- Frivolous disputes
- If the bureau decides not to investigate, it must tell you within 5 business days and explain why, including what information it needs.
- Written results
- The bureau must send the results within 5 business days of finishing, along with a free copy of your report if it changed.
- Correcting past reports
- If an item is changed or deleted, you can ask the bureau to notify anyone who recently received your report, generally within the past 6 months, or 2 years for employment purposes.
This is a general summary of public federal law, not legal advice. State laws may give you additional rights.
Keeping your dispute on track
Be specific
Name each item and explain exactly what’s wrong, rather than disputing the whole report.
Send copies of proof
Statements, letters or court records, never the originals.
Keep a record
Save confirmation numbers, dates and every letter you send or receive.
Watch your reports afterward
A corrected item can be reported again later, so check your reports in the following months.
A deleted item showing up again? Read our guide to reinserted accounts.
Disputed and nothing changed? We can review your report and results with you.
Common questions about credit bureau disputes
How long does a credit bureau dispute take?
The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate, and up to 45 days in some situations. It must send you the results in writing within 5 business days of finishing.
Do I need to dispute with all three bureaus?
If the error appears with more than one bureau, yes. Each bureau keeps its own file, so fixing an item at one doesn’t automatically fix it at the others.
Does it cost anything to dispute?
No. Disputing information with Equifax, Experian or TransUnion is free under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Will disputing an item lower my credit score?
No. Filing a dispute doesn’t lower your score. If the item is corrected or removed, your score may change based on the updated information.
Can I send more information after I file?
Yes. Sending relevant new information during the investigation can help, but it can also extend the bureau’s deadline by up to 15 days.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: How do I dispute an error on my credit report?
- Federal Trade Commission: Disputing errors on your credit reports
- Federal Trade Commission: Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Submit a complaint
This guide is general information based on public sources. It isn’t legal advice, it doesn’t guarantee any outcome, and Credit Dispute is not a law firm.