How do you fix an error on your credit report?

Fixing Errors on a credit report

Nobody can legally remove accurate and timely negative information from a credit report. But the law does allow you to request a reinvestigation of information in your file that you dispute as inaccurate or incomplete. There is no charge for this, so you may want to go the self-help route and consider credit repair independently. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report if you've been denied a loan, charge card, insurance, or job within the last 60 days. If your application is denied because of information supplied by a bureau or reporting agency, the company you applied to must provide you with that bureau or agency's name, address, and telephone number.

You can dispute mistakes or outdated items for free. Ask the reporting agency for a dispute form or submit your dispute in writing, along with any supporting documentation. Do not send them original documents. Clearly identify each item in your report that you dispute, explain why you dispute the information, and request a reinvestigation. If the new investigation reveals an error, you may ask that a corrected version of the report be sent to anyone who received your report within the past six months.

Job applicants can have corrected reports sent to anyone who received a report for employment purposes during the past two years. When the reinvestigation is complete, the reporting agency must give you the written results and a free copy of your report if the dispute results in a change. If an item is changed or removed, the credit bureau cannot put the disputed information back in your file unless the information provider verifies its accuracy and completeness, and the credit bureau gives you a written notice that includes the name, address, and phone number of the provider. You also should tell the creditor or other information provider in writing that you dispute an item.

Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider then reports the item to any bureau or reporting agency, it must include a notice of your dispute. In addition, if you are correct - that is, if the information is inaccurate - the information provider may not use it again. If the reinvestigation does not resolve your dispute, have the credit bureau include your version of the dispute in your file and in future reports. Remember, there is no charge for a reinvestigation.