# How to Dispute Mistakes On Your Credit Report
Errors on your credit report can tank your score and cost you thousands in higher interest rates. The good news: you have legal rights to challenge inaccurate information.
Start by obtaining your credit reports from all three major bureaus. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each maintain separate files, and mistakes appear on one or more of them. Pull your free reports at annualcreditreport.com, the official source authorized by the Federal Trade Commission. Check for accounts you don't recognize, late payments you didn't make, duplicate entries, or incorrect account statuses.
Once you spot an error, file a dispute directly with the credit bureau reporting it. You can dispute online, by mail, or by phone. The bureau must investigate your claim within 30 days and contact the creditor who reported the information. If the creditor can't verify the accuracy of the disputed item, the bureau removes it from your report.
Keep detailed records. Document the error, the date you discovered it, and every communication with the bureau. Send disputes by certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of submission.
If a bureau ignores your dispute or refuses to remove false information, escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. File a complaint at consumerfinance.gov. You can also hire a credit repair lawyer if the error significantly damaged your credit and the bureau acted in bad faith.
Creditors sometimes report information incorrectly. If a creditor disputes your challenge, ask for proof they verified the account with documentation. Many businesses can't produce evidence and withdraw their dispute.
Credit bureaus have financial incentive to keep negative items on file. Don't expect quick resolution. Follow up in writing after 30 days if the error remains. Persistence pays. Removing errors typically raises your score by 50 to 100 points