How to Fix a Credit Report Error in 3 Simple Steps
Mistake on your credit report? You're not alone — and you're not powerless either. Credit report errors can tank your score, cost you loans, or even lead to job rejections. But under federal law, you have the right to fix those errors — and fast.
I’m Maksim Reznik, a consumer protection attorney. Over the last 12 years, I’ve helped thousands of people clean up inaccuracies on their credit reports. In this guide, I’ll show you the exact 3-step process I use to help my clients fix credit report mistakes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Think of this step like building your case. The stronger and clearer your documentation, the better your chances of success.
Here’s what to include:
Identifying Info: Your full name, current address, and date of birth.
Proof of Identity: A copy of your driver’s license and a utility bill or bank statement showing your address.
Highlight the Error: Print out your credit report and clearly highlight or circle the mistake.
Summarize the Issue: Write a short explanation of what’s wrong and why it’s inaccurate. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just clear and honest.
Make sure to check all three bureaus — Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax — to see where the error appears. It might be on one, or all three.
Step 2: Send Your Dispute
Now it’s time to submit your dispute to the credit bureaus. Under the FCRA, this puts them on the clock to investigate and respond.
You have three options — but not all are created equal:
Best Option: Mail a Certified Letter
Send your dispute and documents via certified mail with return receipt. This gives you a paper trail and proves when they received it.
The mailing addresses for each credit bureau is below:
Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
Equifax Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374
Trans Union Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
OK Option: Online Dispute Portal
While it’s faster, online disputes may limit what you can say or upload. Some sites even have fine print that waives certain legal rights. Think of this like playing the game on the credit bureau’s home turf.
Worst Option: Phone Call
Never dispute by phone. You can’t submit documents, can’t track what was said, and you won’t have a record if things go sideways. Just don’t do it.
Step 3: Check Your Report After 40 Days
The credit bureaus have 30 days by law to investigate and respond to your dispute. I recommend checking your updated reports after 40 days to allow for mail delays or system updates.
If the error is gone — congrats! You just fixed your credit report like a pro.
If it’s still there, you have two main options:
Send Another Dispute: Sometimes it takes more than one try. Keep building your case with additional documentation.
Hire an FCRA Attorney: If they refuse to fix a clear error, you may be entitled to damages. That’s where I come in — and you pay nothing unless we win.