A step-by-step walkthrough of the FCRA dispute process — what to say, where to send it, and what happens next. This is free to do yourself.
Pull all 3 bureau reports free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Download or print them. Review every account line by line.
Common errors: wrong balance, account not yours, paid account shown unpaid, wrong date of first delinquency, duplicate entries.
For each error: state exactly what is wrong, what the correct information is, and request correction or deletion. Attach copies — never originals — of supporting documents.
Mail to each bureau reporting the error. Certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep everything. The 30-day clock starts when they receive it.
You can add a 100-word statement to your file explaining the dispute. It won't remove the item but will appear on your report.
Dispute directly with the company that reported the error — your bank, original creditor, or collection agency. They also must investigate.
Creates a paper trail that puts pressure on bureaus and builds evidence for a future lawsuit if needed.
If the bureau fails to reasonably investigate a verified error, you may have a federal FCRA claim. Willful violations allow punitive damages.