What happens when you dispute a credit check
When you dispute information on your credit report, you are telling the credit bureau and the company that reported the information that something is wrong. The credit bureau then has to contact the company that provided the data—usually a lender, creditor, or collection agency—and ask them to verify it. If they cannot verify it within 30 days, the bureau must remove it from your report.
This process does not automatically fix your credit score. It removes false or outdated information that was dragging your score down. If the disputed item is accurate, it stays on your report even after you challenge it. But if the item is wrong—a late payment that was not yours, a debt you already paid, an account opened in your name fraudulently—removing it can raise your score noticeably.
You can dispute items yourself at no cost. You do not need a credit repair company or a lawyer to do this, though you can hire one if you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You can dispute any item on your credit report by contacting the credit bureau in writing, by phone, or online through their website.
- The credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your dispute and contact the company that reported the information to verify it.
- If the company cannot verify the information, the credit bureau must remove it from your report within five business days.
- You can dispute the same item with both the credit bureau and the company that reported it, and both must respond within 30 days.
- Disputes do not hurt your credit score, and you can file as many as you need if the information is genuinely inaccurate.
How to start a dispute with a credit bureau
The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can dispute with one, two, or all three—it depends on which bureau is reporting the wrong information. Check your credit report from each bureau first to see where the error appears.
Each bureau offers three ways to dispute: online through their website, by phone, or by mail. Online is fastest. Go to the bureau's dispute page, log in or create an account, select the item you want to challenge, and explain why it is wrong. You will get a case number and can track the investigation online.
By phone, call the bureau's customer service line and ask to file a dispute. They will ask you to describe the error and may ask for supporting documents. By mail, send a letter to the bureau's dispute address with your name, account number, the item you are disputing, and a brief explanation of why it is inaccurate. Include copies—not originals—of any documents that support your claim.
Keep records of everything: your case number, the date you filed, copies of letters you sent, and notes on any phone calls. You will need these if the dispute is not resolved correctly.
What to say when you dispute
Be specific about what is wrong. "This is not mine" or "This is inaccurate" is weaker than "I paid this account in full on March 15, 2022, and it should show a zero balance, not a charge-off" or "I never opened this account and have no record of authorizing it."
If the account belongs to someone else, say so. If the date is wrong, give the correct date. If the amount is wrong, state what you believe the correct amount is. If you have proof—a bank statement showing a payment, a letter from the creditor confirming the debt was settled, a police report for identity theft—mention it and offer to send copies.
You do not need perfect documentation to file a dispute. The burden is on the company that reported the information to prove it is correct, not on you to prove it is wrong. But the more specific you are, the more seriously the bureau will take your claim.
Disputing directly with the company that reported the information
You can also dispute with the creditor, lender, or collection agency that reported the item to the credit bureau. This is called a direct dispute, and it does not go through the bureau first.
Find the company's mailing address on your credit report or on their website. Send a letter explaining the error and asking them to correct it or remove it. Keep a copy for your records. The company has 30 days to respond and must tell you what they did about your dispute.
Filing a dispute with both the bureau and the company can be more effective than filing with one alone. The company may respond faster to a direct dispute, and if they tell you the information is wrong, you can use their response when you dispute with the bureau.
What happens during the 30-day investigation
Once you file, the credit bureau contacts the company that reported the information and asks them to verify it. The company has to respond within 30 days. If they say the information is correct and provide proof, the item stays on your report. If they cannot verify it or do not respond, the bureau removes it.
During this time, the item usually stays on your report and may still affect your credit score. Some bureaus will add a note saying the item is under dispute, but this does not stop it from counting against you yet.
After 30 days, the bureau will send you the results in writing. They will tell you whether the item was removed, verified as accurate, or if the investigation is still ongoing. If it was removed, you should see your credit score update within a few days to a few weeks. If it was verified, you can file another dispute if you have new information.
What to do if your dispute is denied or ignored
If the bureau says the information is accurate but you still believe it is wrong, you can file another dispute with new information or evidence. You can also add a statement of dispute to your credit report—a note in your own words explaining your side of the story. This statement appears whenever someone views your report.
If the bureau did not respond within 30 days or did not investigate properly, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB is a federal agency that oversees credit bureaus and can force them to correct their process or remove inaccurate information.
If the company that reported the information violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by not investigating your dispute or by knowingly reporting false information, you may have grounds to sue them. Many people hire a lawyer for this, but you can also file in small claims court on your own if the amount is within your state's limit.
How disputes affect your credit score and applications
Filing a dispute does not hurt your credit score. Lenders and creditors cannot see that you have filed a dispute, and the act of disputing does not count against you.
However, the item being disputed may still be on your report and may still affect your score while the investigation is happening. Once the item is removed, your score can improve. The improvement depends on how much that item was dragging your score down—a removed late payment or collection account usually helps more than a removed hard inquiry.
If you are explore for credit while a dispute is pending, lenders will see the item on your report. Some lenders may wait for the dispute to be resolved before making a decision. Others may count the item as-is. It is worth mentioning to the lender that you have filed a dispute and explaining why you believe the information is wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dispute something that is technically accurate but happened a long time ago?
No. A dispute is for information that is wrong, not for information that is old. However, negative items like late payments and collections have time limits. Late payments fall off after seven years, and collections fall off after seven years from the original delinquency date. If an item is past that date, you can ask the bureau to remove it for being too old, which is different from a dispute.
How many times can I dispute the same item?
You can dispute the same item multiple times if you have new information or evidence. However, if you file repeated disputes on the same item without new information, the bureau may dismiss your dispute as frivolous. Each dispute should include something new—a document you did not send before, a different reason, or updated facts.
What if the company says they verified the information but I know it is wrong?
You can file another dispute with additional evidence. You can also add a statement of dispute to your credit report explaining your position. If you believe the company knowingly reported false information, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or consult a lawyer about your options.
Do I need to pay for a credit repair service to dispute?
No. You can dispute for free by contacting the credit bureau or the company directly. Credit repair companies charge fees to do what you can do yourself. Be cautious of companies that promise to remove accurate information or may provide results—that is not how disputes work.
How long does it take to see my credit score improve after a dispute is resolved?
Once an item is removed, your credit score can update within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bureau and your lender. The improvement depends on what was removed and how much it was affecting your score. A removed collection account usually helps more than a removed late payment from years ago.