How to fix mistakes on your report

Mistakes on credit reports are more common than you might think. A wrong address, an account that isn't yours, or a late payment that you actually paid on time — any of these can drag your score down. The good news is that you have the legal right to dispute errors, and it won't cost you a thing.

Step 1: Get your free credit reports

Start by pulling your reports from all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can get all three for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only site officially authorized for free reports. Go there first.

Try to check all three reports, not just one. The same error may show up on one report but not the others. Or there may be different mistakes on each one.

Step 2: Read your reports carefully

Go through each report slowly. Look for things like:

• Accounts you don't recognize
• Payments marked late that you paid on time
• Balances that look wrong
• Accounts that were closed but are listed as open
• Old negative items that should have dropped off (most stay on your report for seven years)
• Someone else's name, address, or Social Security number mixed in with yours

Mark anything that looks off. Even small errors are worth a closer look.

Step 3: Gather your proof

Before you dispute anything, collect documents that back up your claim. This could be a bank statement showing a payment went through, a letter from a lender confirming an account was closed, or a receipt. The stronger your proof, the better your chances of getting the error fixed.

Step 4: File a dispute with the credit bureau

You can dispute an error online, by mail, or by phone. Many people find the online portals easiest. Each bureau has its own dispute center:

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
• Experian: experian.com/disputes
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-disputes

For each dispute, explain what the error is and why it's wrong. Keep your explanation short and clear. Upload or attach any supporting documents. Make sure to dispute the error with each bureau where it appears — fixing it at one bureau won't automatically fix it at another.

If you prefer mail, send a letter by certified mail so you have a record that it was received. Keep copies of everything you send.

Step 5: Wait for a response

By law, the credit bureau must investigate your dispute within 30 days in most cases. They will contact the lender or company that reported the information. That company then has to check their records and respond.

You'll get a written response when the investigation is done. If the bureau agrees the item was an error, they must correct or remove it. If they say the information is accurate and you still disagree, you can add a short statement to your report explaining your side.

Step 6: Check your report again

After you hear back, pull your report again to make sure the change actually shows up. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to reflect. If the error was removed, you may see your credit score improve over time — though results vary and there are no guarantees.

A few things to keep in mind

Disputing an error is free and you don't need to hire anyone to do it for you. Be careful of companies that charge fees to "fix" your credit. Legitimate errors can be removed for free. No one can legally remove accurate negative information, no matter what they promise.

If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you for free or at low cost. Look for agencies approved by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) at nfcc.org.

You have real rights when it comes to your credit report. Use them. Taking these steps might feel slow, but fixing even one error can make a real difference over time.