Can I dispute inaccurate information on my credit report?

What the Law Says

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the legal right to challenge inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information on your credit report. It requires consumer reporting agencies to follow fair and accurate procedures when assembling and sharing your credit data.

Under the FCRA, if you find inaccurate or incomplete information on your credit report, you may submit a written dispute to the credit reporting agency (e.g., Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). The agency must then conduct a reasonable reinvestigation — usually within 30 days — to verify the disputed item with the source (called the 'furnisher,' such as a bank or creditor).

If the information cannot be verified, or is found to be inaccurate or incomplete, the credit bureau must promptly delete or correct it. You’re also entitled to receive a free copy of your updated report after the investigation concludes.

The FCRA applies to all nationwide consumer reporting agencies and ensures that credit reports are used fairly in decisions about credit, insurance, employment, and other important life opportunities.

Statutory Text

The Congress makes the following findings: (1) The banking system is dependent upon fair and accurate credit reporting. Inaccurate credit reports directly impair the efficiency of the banking system, and unfair credit reporting methods undermine the public confidence which is essential to the continued functioning of the banking system.

— Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 — Congressional findings and statement of purpose

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