Free Credit Report Dispute Letter Template
A credit report dispute letter tells one of the three major credit bureaus that an item on your report is inaccurate and asks them to investigate and fix it. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the bureau generally has 30 days to look into your dispute. Fill in the form below and your letter updates live.
What is a credit report dispute letter?
A credit report dispute letter is a written request that asks a credit bureau — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — to investigate an item on your credit report that you believe is wrong. Errors are surprisingly common: accounts that aren't yours, balances that are out of date, payments marked late that were actually on time, duplicate listings, or accounts that should have aged off your report years ago. Any of these can lower your credit score and cost you money on loans and insurance.
Your right to dispute comes from the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the federal law that governs how consumer credit information is collected and reported. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i, once a bureau receives your dispute it must conduct a reasonable reinvestigation — usually within 30 days — and delete or correct anything it cannot verify as accurate and complete.
Where to mail your dispute
Each bureau has its own dispute mailing address. Because the three bureaus keep separate files, an error on one report may not appear on the others — so send a letter to each bureau that is reporting the mistake. Use the address that matches the bureau you selected in the generator above:
- Equifax — P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374
- Experian — P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion — P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
How to dispute the right way
- Get your report first. Pull your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com so you know exactly what each bureau is showing.
- Fill in the template above with your identifying details and a clear, specific description of what is wrong.
- Attach supporting documents (copies only) that back up your claim.
- Mail it by certified mail with return receipt requested to the correct bureau address so you have proof of the date the clock started.
- Keep a copy of everything you send and calendar the 30-day deadline.
What happens after you send it?
The bureau forwards your dispute to the company that reported the information (the "furnisher"). That company must investigate and report back. If the item can't be verified, or if it's confirmed to be inaccurate, the bureau must correct or delete it and send you the results in writing, along with a free updated copy of your report. If the bureau leaves an item unchanged and you still disagree, you can add a 100-word statement of dispute to your file or escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Credit report dispute vs. debt validation
These two letters go to different places. A credit report dispute letter goes to the credit bureaus and challenges the accuracy of what appears on your report. A debt validation letter goes to a debt collector and forces them to prove a debt is valid before you pay. If a collection account is both wrong and being collected on, you may use both letters together.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a credit bureau have to investigate?
Generally 30 days from the date it receives your dispute, though it can extend to 45 days in some cases (for example, if you send additional information during the investigation).
Does disputing an item hurt my credit score?
No. Filing a dispute does not lower your score. If an inaccurate negative item is corrected or removed, your score may actually improve.
Can I dispute online instead of by mail?
Yes, each bureau offers an online dispute portal. Many people still prefer mailing a certified letter because it creates a clear paper trail and lets you attach documents.
What if the bureau says the item is "verified"?
You can dispute again with more evidence, add a written statement to your file, dispute directly with the furnisher, or file a complaint with the CFPB.