# 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: fixing them is free and entirely within your control.
Start by obtaining your credit reports from all three major bureaus. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each maintain separate files. You can pull all three reports free once yearly at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site authorized by federal law. This step matters because errors often appear on one bureau's report but not the others.
Review your reports closely. Look for accounts you don't recognize, incorrect payment histories, duplicate entries, or old negative items that should have aged off. A single late payment marked as current, or a closed account listed as open, can meaningfully damage your score.
When you spot an error, contact the credit bureau directly in writing. You can dispute online through each bureau's website, but sending a certified letter creates a paper trail. Keep copies of everything. Include a clear description of the error, explain why it's wrong, and request removal or correction. Reference the specific account and provide your account number.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires bureaus to investigate disputes within 30 days. They must contact the creditor, verify the information, and respond to you. If the creditor can't verify the information, the bureau must remove it.
If the bureau ignores your dispute or sides against you, escalate. File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at ConsumerFinance.gov. Send a follow-up letter to the creditor directly, demanding they correct their records. Document everything.
This process takes patience. Most disputes resolve within 30 to 45 days, though complex cases take longer. Don't expect overnight results, but don't give up either. Even removing one erroneous negative item can boost your score