How to Dispute Inaccurate Information on Your Credit Report
A step-by-step look at the dispute process, from gathering documentation to following up — and what disputes can and can't accomplish.
8 min readUpdated 2026-10-22
If you believe information on your credit report is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, you have the right to dispute it. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives consumers this right, and you can exercise it yourself, at no cost, without hiring a credit repair organization.
A dispute is essentially a formal request that a credit reporting agency investigate information you believe is incorrect. The key word is 'investigate' — the agency reviews your claim, contacts the furnisher (the creditor or other company that reported the information), and updates or removes the information based on what the investigation shows.
Step 1: Identify the specific concern
Step 2: Gather supporting documentation
Step 3: Prepare a clear, factual dispute
Step 4: Submit and follow up
What a dispute can't do
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to dispute credit report errors?
No. Disputing information on your credit report is free. You can submit disputes directly with the credit reporting agencies yourself, without paying a credit repair organization to do it on your behalf.
How long does an investigation take?
Under the FCRA, credit reporting agencies generally must complete their investigation within a set period after receiving your dispute, though timelines can vary depending on the specifics of your case. You'll be notified of the results in writing.
What if the investigation confirms the information is accurate?
If the furnisher confirms the information is accurate, it generally remains on your report. You can add a brief statement to your file explaining your side of the story, which future reviewers may see.
This article is general educational information and is not individualized legal, tax, or financial advice. Have a question about your situation?