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Quick answer
A duplicate account is the same debt listed more than once on your credit report, often with a balance each time. It can make your debt look bigger and your history look worse than it is. If a debt is reported twice inaccurately, you can dispute it for free.
What does a duplicate account look like?
Duplicates aren’t always obvious. The same debt can appear under different company names, with slightly different account numbers or dates. A common example is an old credit card listed by the original lender with a balance, and again by a collection agency with the same balance.
When a debt is sold or transferred, the original account should generally show a zero balance and note that it was transferred or sold. Only the current owner should show the balance owed.
Signs of a duplicate account
Compare each account on your report and tick anything you see.
These signs can point to duplicate reporting. An advocate can review your report with you, free of charge.
Start a free reviewWhy duplicate accounts happen
The debt was sold
The original lender keeps reporting a balance after selling the account.
The debt changed hands again
A previous collector doesn’t update its reporting after the debt moves on.
A system change
A lender changes systems or account numbers and reports the same account twice.
A matching error
The bureau fails to recognize two records as the same account.
What the law says
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires accurate reporting from both credit bureaus and the companies that report to them.
- Accuracy
- Credit bureaus must follow reasonable procedures to make sure your report is as accurate as possible.
- Lenders’ duties
- Companies that report information must not report data they know is inaccurate, and must correct it when they find errors.
- Free disputes
- You can dispute inaccurate information at no cost, and the bureau generally must investigate within 30 days.
- Correction
- Information found to be inaccurate or unverifiable must be corrected or deleted.
This is a general summary of public federal law, not legal advice. State laws may give you additional rights.
Steps you can take
- List every account side by sideCompare balances, open dates, delinquency dates and account numbers across your reports.
- Identify which entry is currentCollection letters often name the original creditor, which helps you match the accounts.
- Gather your proofStatements, collection notices or sale and transfer letters that show the debt’s history.
- Dispute the duplicate with each bureauExplain that the account is reported more than once and include copies of your proof.
- Escalate if it isn’t resolvedYou can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The same debt listed twice? We can review your report with you.
Common questions about duplicate accounts
Can the same debt appear twice on my credit report?
It can appear from both the original lender and a collector, but generally only the current owner should show a balance. The previous owner’s account should show it was transferred or sold.
How do I know if two accounts are the same debt?
Compare balances, dates and account numbers. Collection letters usually name the original creditor, which helps you match them.
Do duplicate accounts hurt my credit?
They can make your debt look higher and your history look worse than it really is.
Does it cost anything to dispute?
No. Disputing information with the credit bureaus is free.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission: Disputing errors on your credit reports
- Federal Trade Commission: Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Submit a complaint
- AnnualCreditReport.com
This guide is general information based on public sources. It isn’t legal advice, and Credit Dispute is not a law firm.