# How to Dispute Mistakes On Your Credit Report
Errors on your credit report can cost you thousands in higher interest rates. Correcting them requires action, but the process is straightforward and free.
Start by obtaining your credit reports from all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can pull them free once yearly at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official government website. Review each report carefully for inaccuracies like accounts you never opened, incorrect payment histories, or duplicate entries.
Once you spot an error, send a written dispute to the bureau reporting it. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires bureaus to investigate claims within 30 days. Mail your letter certified and keep copies. Include your name, account number, a description of the error, and supporting documents like statements or receipts proving the mistake.
You can also dispute errors directly with the creditor or lender that reported the inaccuracy. Many businesses have online dispute portals. Send this dispute the same way you would to the bureau: certified mail with documentation.
The bureau must investigate your claim and contact the creditor for verification. If the creditor cannot verify the information, the bureau removes it from your report. An updated report gets sent to you within five business days of the investigation's completion.
Serious errors like accounts opened fraudulently warrant a fraud alert or credit freeze. Contact one bureau to place a fraud alert, which triggers automatic alerts at the other two. A credit freeze prevents new accounts from opening under your name without your authorization. Both services are free.
Don't pay for credit repair services promising quick fixes. Legitimate disputes cost nothing. Reputable organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission offer free resources on disputing errors.
The impact of correcting mistakes pays off immediately. A cleaned credit report opens doors to better mortgage rates, lower car