How to Find and Fix Errors on Your Credit Report
Around 20% of credit reports contain errors — here's how to spot them and what to do.
Get all three reports
You're entitled to free reports from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — weekly via AnnualCreditReport.com. The bureaus often have slightly different information; check all three.
What to look for
Accounts you don't recognise, late payments you actually paid on time, balances that are wrong, account statuses (open/closed) that don't match reality, hard inquiries you didn't authorise, and personal information errors.
How to dispute
Each bureau has an online dispute system. Submit the dispute with documentation. The bureau must investigate (typically within 30 days) and remove or correct errors. Disputing with the creditor directly often works faster.
If a dispute fails
You can add a statement of explanation to your credit file, escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or contact the original creditor. Persistent errors sometimes need attorney involvement.
Identity theft signals
Unfamiliar accounts or addresses are red flags. If you suspect identity theft, place a fraud alert (one-call setup with any bureau), or for stronger protection, a credit freeze (blocks new credit applications entirely).
Frequently asked questions
Do disputes hurt my score?
No — filing a dispute itself doesn't affect your score.
How often should I check?
Quarterly is reasonable; annually is the minimum.
Should I pay a credit-repair company?
Usually no. Everything they do, you can do yourself for free.