Credit Repair 101: How & When to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report

Overview

An accurate credit report is non-negotiable for securing favorable loans and financial products. Errors from misread handwriting, lender mix-ups, or identity theft can easily drop your score, impacting your borrowing chances.
It is indispensable to check your free credit report periodically, not just when you need a loan. If you find an inaccuracy, the good news is that disputing it is a free, structured process.

When Should I Dispute an Error?

You should dispute any information on your credit report that is inaccurate, incomplete, or not up-to-date. Common examples include:

Disputing your Credit Report in case of these events can be a lifesaver. Here is a step-by-step precise guide to ensure your claim is taken seriously and resolved effectively.

Step 1: Download and Verify Your Report

You are legally entitled to one free credit report each year. Download your detailed Credit Information Report from any of the credit bureaus (like CRIF High Mark) and Verify all entries against your records.

Step 2: Inform the Credit Bureau

Once you are certain of a discrepancy, you must inform your credit bureau . This should be done via their online portals and in writing. Your dispute must:

Pro Tip: Always request a read receipt for any letters sent via postal mail.

Step 3: Contact the Lenders

To resolve the error at the source, it is highly recommended to also contact the bank or credit card issuer that supplied the incorrect information. If the mistake is clearly the fault of the lender, asking them to correct the data can expedite the process. However, if the error is purely identity-related and made by the bureau, you should approach the bureau.

Step 4: Count 30 Days for Investigation

Credit information companies are legally required to investigate your claim, a process that takes at least 30 days. During this time, the disputed item may be temporarily removed from your report. Upon investigation completion, the bureau is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report if any changes were made. You are also entitled to request the bureau to add a statement summarizing the dispute to your report for future lenders to see.

Step 5: Check Your Credit Report for Updates

Updates may take time to appear, depending on the bureau’s cycle and when the lender submits corrected data. If the update hasn’t appeared within several months, you must follow up with both the credit bureau and the lender to ensure your account information is being reported correctly.