Great Basin Federal Credit Union ::/ How to Dispute a Credit Report

Those who feel they have been denied credit because of inaccuracies can dispute a bad credit report online for free. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows each person a free copy of their credit report once every year. The simplest way to get it is online at, https://www.annualcreditreport.com/. Get a copy and check it for errors.

There are three credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Transunion and Experian. Each has options on their websites to file a dispute on the credit report.

https://www.transunion.com/

https://www.experian.com/

https://www.equifax.com/

Determine which of the three is showing the error and file the dispute. Sometimes, this is all that is needed to resolve an issue. The credit bureaus are allowed 30 days to investigate a problem. If this does not settle the matter, the bureau may ask for the dispute to be sent to them in writing. Send them the information in a letter along with any supporting documents.

Once the decision is made to correct the problem, record every step along the way. Keep records of everything such as dates, details and times of conversations and the name of the person with whom the conversation took place. Keep the originals of any supporting documents, such as canceled checks, mailed to either the credit bureau or the creditor who issued the incorrect information.

It is estimated that as much as 80% of credit reports have erroneous information. When that information causes problems, the credit bureaus will make the correction, but only with factual documentation to show the information is wrong. Talk to the creditor involved and, if they confirm an error was made and agree to make it right, get that in writing as well.

Credit errors can be resolved but it is up to the individual to complete the resolution.