A credit report dispute occurs when you request a credit bureau—such as Equifax or TransUnion—to investigate information on your credit report that appears inaccurate or incorrect. This process ensures that your credit profile reflects accurate and up-to-date information, which is essential for maintaining a healthy credit score.
Why It’s Important to Review Your Credit Report
Regularly reviewing your credit report is a smart financial habit. It helps you identify errors early and ensures that all details on your report are accurate. When reviewing your report, pay close attention to the following:
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Personal information (name, address, date of birth)
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Credit accounts (loans, credit cards, lines of credit)
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Collection accounts
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Public records (e.g., bankruptcies)
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Credit Inquiries
Even minor inaccuracies can affect your credit score or raise concerns for potential lenders.
What to Do If You Spot an Error
If you notice any information that seems inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, it’s important to file a credit dispute with the appropriate credit bureau.
You can file a dispute directly with the credit bureaus through their official dispute portals:
Once submitted, the credit bureau will investigate your claim, typically within 30 days, and inform you of the outcome. If the error is confirmed, your credit report will be updated accordingly.
