Sample Credit Report Dispute Letter (Free Template)
Disputing credit report errors is free and straightforward. Send a written dispute letter via certified mail to document your claim. Credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate and correct verified errors on your report.
Build Credit NowYou spot an error on your credit report. The mistake won’t disappear by itself. You need to file a dispute with the credit reporting agency immediately. Errors on your credit file hurt your overall credit health. They should be corrected as soon as possible.
A general credit report dispute letter works best for most situations. You don’t need to invoke a specific section of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The letter simply states which items you dispute and why. Send the letter to the credit reporting agency that reported the error. You may also need to contact the furnisher directly.
Build Your Credit While Disputing Errors
Fixing errors helps, but building positive credit history matters more. Our partner Kikoff helps you establish new positive payment history while you wait for disputes to process.
Start Building CreditWhat to Know Before Sending Your Dispute Letter
Handle your disputes with the same care you expect from credit bureaus. Never dispute a positive item on your credit report. Once removed, getting it back is nearly impossible. Make sure any item you dispute actually hurts your credit score.
The bureaus can use information you send against you. Send only documents that work in your favor. Always send copies and keep the originals for your records.
You can dispute any item on your credit report:
- Personal information errors
- Unauthorized hard inquiries
- Collection accounts
- Late payment marks
- Judgments
- Repossessions
The best dispute letter stays short and focused. Use respectful, professional language. Stick to the facts about the inaccuracy. Avoid combative language.
Free Credit Report Dispute Letter Template
Filing a dispute letter costs nothing. Fill in the information accurately and mail it to the bureau. You don’t need an attorney for this process. Everything can be done from home.
The government provides a free Credit Report Dispute Letter template you can download. Use these addresses for each credit bureau:
| Credit Bureau | Address |
|---|---|
| TransUnion | TransUnion LLC Consumer Dispute Center P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 |
| Equifax | Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374 |
| Experian | P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013 |
Request confirmation once the correction is made. Keep following up until the error is removed. Report identity theft errors immediately to the Federal Trade Commission.
Build Your Credit While Disputing Errors
Fixing errors helps, but building positive credit history matters more. Our partner Kikoff helps you establish new positive payment history while you wait for disputes to process.
Sample Dispute Letter Format
Your dispute letter should include these key elements:
Your Contact Information: Include your full name, address, phone number, and date of birth.
Account Information: List the specific item you’re disputing with account numbers and dates.
Explanation: Clearly state why the information is incorrect. Provide supporting documentation.
Request: Ask the bureau to investigate and remove or correct the error.
Supporting Documents: Include copies of proof that supports your claim.
How Long Does the Dispute Process Take?
Credit bureaus have 30 days to investigate your dispute. They must notify you of the results within five business days of completing their investigation. The bureau will provide you with a free credit report if information changes.
Send your letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. You’ll have proof of when the bureau received your dispute. You can track the 30-day deadline from that date.
What Happens After You File a Dispute?
The credit bureau contacts the furnisher of the disputed information. The furnisher must investigate and report back to the bureau. If the furnisher finds an error, they must notify all three major credit bureaus. Each bureau will then update your credit report.
If the bureau verifies the information as accurate, it stays on your report. You can add a 100-word statement to your credit file explaining your side. Future creditors will see this statement when they review your report.
Building positive credit history works better than just removing negative items. Our partner Kikoff helps you establish new tradelines that improve your credit mix and payment history.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t dispute accurate negative information. Bureaus will verify it and it stays on your report. You waste time and look less credible for future legitimate disputes.
Don’t use credit repair companies that promise to remove accurate information. These services often charge high fees for disputes you can file yourself. Many use questionable tactics that could backfire.
Don’t submit disputes online without keeping records. Save screenshots and confirmation numbers. Print everything for your files.
Don’t give up after one dispute. If the bureau doesn’t fix the error, dispute again with additional documentation. You have the right to accurate credit reporting.
Disputing With the Furnisher
Sometimes you need to dispute directly with the company that furnished the information. Send a similar letter to the creditor or collection agency. Include the same documentation you sent to the credit bureau.
Furnishers must investigate disputes they receive directly from consumers. They have 30 days to complete their investigation. If they find an error, they must notify all three credit bureaus to update your reports.