I found an error on my credit report: what should I do?

If you find incorrect information on your credit report, identify the item, gather evidence, and dispute it with the credit reporting agency and the company that supplied it. This is the approach outlined in USAGov’s guide to correcting errors. The steps below explain the general U.S. process; they do not determine the right legal solution for your case.

1. Check which reports contain the error

You can request your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains free access to credit reports, including the three agencies’ weekly program. Review each report rather than assuming they contain identical information.

Look for unfamiliar accounts, incorrect payment dates, or someone else’s personal information. An unfamiliar account can indicate identity theft, but does not prove it. USAGov describes these errors and warning signs. If you suspect someone is using your identity, visit IdentityTheft.gov, the recovery resource recommended by the FTC.

2. Prepare a specific explanation and supporting records

For each item, note what the report says, why you believe it is wrong, and the correction you want. Attach the report page with the item marked and copies of supporting documents. Keep the originals. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) dispute guide explains what to include.

Hypothetical example: your report lists a late payment, but you have a payment receipt and account statement showing it was made within the applicable deadline. Identify the account and month, explain the discrepancy, and attach both records. This example shows how to organize evidence; it does not guarantee an outcome.

3. Send the dispute to the right recipients

Dispute with every agency whose report contains the error and with the company that supplied the information, such as a lender. Use official channels and the designated dispute address. The CFPB links to the agencies’ dispute channels. Keep your submission and confirmation; certified mail with a return receipt can document delivery if you mail it.

You can start a dispute yourself. The FTC explains that correcting wrong or incomplete information is free. A dispute cannot remove accurate negative information simply because it hurts your credit, and it does not guarantee a higher score.

4. Track the investigation period

The agency generally must complete its investigation within 30 days after receiving your dispute. Some situations allow up to 45 days, such as a dispute following a free annual report or additional relevant information submitted during the initial 30-day investigation period. It must notify you of the result within five business days after finishing. See the CFPB’s explanation of these time limits.

These are investigation and notification periods, not a promise to correct your report in 30 days. Record when your dispute was received and keep later communications.

5. Review the outcome and updated report

Check the agency’s decision on each item. If the dispute leads to a change, it must provide a free updated report. If it finds your dispute frivolous or irrelevant, it must notify you and explain why. The FTC describes possible outcomes.

If the disagreement remains, you can request a brief dispute statement in your file. You can also ask a lawyer about your individual options. The CFPB explains these alternatives.

6. Before submitting a CFPB complaint

For a complaint against a reporting agency about inaccurate or incomplete information, first dispute directly with that agency. The CFPB’s current notice asks you to confirm that you submitted the dispute more than 45 days ago or that it is no longer pending. Check the portal’s current instructions before submitting. This is a separate step from the initial dispute.

Need help understanding your next step?

You can contact ZeroDebtLegal to ask about your situation. Have your report, submitted dispute, and response available. Do not include full account numbers or sensitive documents in your initial message.

General information about the U.S. federal framework; not individual legal advice or a promise of results. Sources consulted October 2, 2026.