Correcting Credit Report Errors

You might be surprised to learn that your credit report could contain errors that are harming your credit.  Fortunately, your hands are not tied if you do spot errors.  You have the right to report to the credit bureau details about the information that you believe is inaccurate.  The credit bureau will need to contact the original creditor so that they can either verify their original information or state that an error was, in fact, recorded.

In order to correct credit report errors, you will need to view your credit report one or more times each year.  The more often you access your credit report, the better.  Highlight any information on your credit report that you believe to be inaccurate.  Search for any documentation such as letters from a creditor, cancelled checks, payment receipts or any other information that proves your side. 

Submit a dispute to the credit bureau online or through the mail.  Each credit reporting agency has their own process for reporting disputes.  The creditor will need to show proof that the information they provided on your report is correct, otherwise any negative information must be removed.  If there are actual errors on your credit report, they are often corrected during this step.

If you receive information that the creditor has provided sufficient information that the details they reported are correct, look over your credit report again.  If you still believe there are one or more errors, search for more proof reflecting the errors.  You can file another dispute if you have updated information to help prove the error.  This is the best way to continue working to correct credit report errors.

You can also send a letter to the creditor directly.  You should send a copy of your credit report with the inaccurate information highlighted.  If you want, you can black out any information on the report that you do not want them to see.  Submit the reason you are disputing the details they have reported to the credit bureau and any supporting documentations.  Follow through with your request to have errors corrected.  Send any information to the creditor through certified mail. 

Take the necessary steps to correct errors on your credit report.  You can improve your credit score and gain a more positive credit history.