Mistakes on credit reports happen, and fixing them is free. Here’s how to check your reports and what to do when something’s wrong.
Key takeaways
- You can get free credit reports from the three nationwide bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site.
- Look for accounts you don’t recognize, wrong balances, incorrect late payments and outdated information.
- Dispute errors with the credit bureau and with the company that reported the information.
- You don’t need to pay anyone to dispute inaccurate information.
Your credit reports contain the information lenders use to evaluate you, and they’re the source of your credit scores. Errors happen, from mixed-up accounts to outdated balances. Checking your reports regularly lets you catch problems early.
Where to get your reports
- The three nationwide credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site for free reports from all three.
- Each bureau’s report can differ, so review all three.
Be aware
Be cautious of look-alike websites that charge fees or ask for unnecessary information. Type the official address directly into your browser.
What to look for
| Section | Check for |
|---|---|
| Personal information | Wrong names, addresses or employers |
| Accounts | Accounts you don’t recognize, wrong balances or limits |
| Payment history | Late payments you didn’t make |
| Collections and public records | Debts that aren’t yours or are outdated |
| Inquiries | Hard inquiries you didn’t authorize |
Accounts you don’t recognize can be a sign of identity theft. IdentityTheft.gov, run by the Federal Trade Commission, explains what to do next.
How to dispute an error
- Gather evidence, such as statements or letters that show the correct information.
- File a dispute with each bureau that shows the error, online, by mail or by phone.
- Contact the company that reported the information, such as the lender or card issuer.
- Keep copies of everything you send and receive, with dates.
Money tip
Be specific: identify each item you’re disputing, explain why it’s wrong and include copies, not originals, of your supporting documents.
After you dispute
- The bureau generally must investigate, usually within 30 days.
- You’ll receive the results in writing.
- If the information is corrected, you can ask the bureau to send notices to anyone who recently received your report.
- If the issue isn’t resolved, you can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Make checking a habit
- Review your reports at least once a year, and before applying for a major loan.
- Consider a security freeze if you’re worried about identity theft; freezing and unfreezing your credit is free with each bureau.
- Watch your accounts for charges you don’t recognize.
The bottom line
Check your reports from all three bureaus regularly, look for mistakes and dispute them directly; it costs nothing. Accurate reports support a healthy credit score, which can mean better offers when you compare loans by APR.
Common questions
How often can I check my credit report for free?
The nationwide bureaus offer free reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. Check the site for current details on how often reports are available.
How long does a dispute take?
Credit bureaus generally must investigate within 30 days of receiving a dispute, though the timeline can be longer in some cases.
Will disputing an error hurt my credit?
No. Filing a dispute doesn’t lower your score, and correcting an error may improve it.
What if the bureau doesn’t fix the error?
You can add a statement to your report, contact the company that furnished the information or submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
This article is for general information and education only and isn’t personal financial, tax or legal advice. Rates, fees and rules change, so check current details with the provider or an official source before making decisions.