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How to Fix Your Credit

A comprehensive guide to identifying errors, disputing inaccuracies, and improving your credit score through proven strategies.

In This Guide:

Common ErrorsDispute ProcessYour Legal RightsDo's & Don'ts

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one in five Americans has an error on at least one of their credit reports. These errors can cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest rates, security deposits, and even job opportunities.

The good news? You have the legal right to dispute any information on your credit report that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify and fix credit report errors.

Common Credit Report Errors

Credit report errors can occur for many reasons: data entry mistakes, mixed files, outdated information, or even identity theft. Here are the most common types of errors to look for:

Identity Errors

  • Wrong name, address, or Social Security number
  • Accounts belonging to someone else with a similar name
  • Accounts from identity theft
  • Mixed files (your info merged with another person)

Account Status Errors

  • Closed accounts reported as open
  • Accounts incorrectly reported as late or delinquent
  • Wrong date of last payment or first delinquency
  • Same debt listed multiple times

Balance Errors

  • Incorrect current balance
  • Wrong credit limit
  • Incorrect high balance
  • Payments not reflected

Data Management Errors

  • Outdated negative information (older than 7 years)
  • Bankruptcies older than 10 years still showing
  • Paid collections still showing as unpaid
  • Accounts included in bankruptcy still showing active

The Dispute Process

Follow these steps to effectively dispute errors on your credit report:

1

Get Your Credit Reports

Obtain free copies of your credit reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. You're entitled to one free report from each bureau every 12 months.

Pro Tips:

  • Request reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
  • Consider staggering requests throughout the year
  • During certain periods, weekly free reports may be available
2

Review Every Detail

Go through each report line by line. Compare information across all three bureaus. Look for discrepancies, errors, and items that don't belong to you.

Pro Tips:

  • Check personal information for accuracy
  • Verify all account information
  • Note any unfamiliar accounts or inquiries
  • Cross-reference with your own records
3

Document Everything

Gather supporting documentation for each item you plan to dispute. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.

Pro Tips:

  • Keep copies of payment records
  • Save correspondence with creditors
  • Document dates and communications
  • Create a dispute tracking spreadsheet
4

File Your Disputes

Submit disputes to the credit bureaus. You can dispute online, by mail, or by phone. Written disputes (mail) create the best paper trail.

Pro Tips:

  • Be specific about what's wrong
  • Include supporting documentation
  • Send disputes via certified mail
  • Keep copies of everything you send
5

Follow Up

Credit bureaus must investigate within 30 days. They'll contact the creditor and send you results. If not resolved, you can escalate.

Pro Tips:

  • Track the 30-day deadline
  • Request investigation results in writing
  • File with the CFPB if needed
  • Consider disputing directly with creditors

Do's and Don'ts of Credit Repair

Do

  • Check your credit reports regularly
  • Pay all bills on time going forward
  • Keep credit card balances low (under 30%)
  • Keep old accounts open for credit history
  • Dispute errors with documentation
  • Be patient - credit repair takes time

Don't

  • Don't pay for information you can get free
  • Don't fall for 'new credit identity' scams
  • Don't dispute accurate information
  • Don't close old credit cards
  • Don't apply for lots of new credit at once
  • Don't ignore collection accounts

Need Help Fixing Your Credit?

While you can dispute errors yourself, our experts can handle the process more efficiently with proven strategies that get results.

Get Professional Help