Under the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) § 1681i (15 U.S. Code § 1681i), consumers have the right to dispute the accuracy of information in their credit reports. Consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) must conduct a reasonable reinvestigation and review all relevant information you submit. This federal legal right applies when you identify inaccurate or incomplete details from furnishers like banks or lenders.
What the FCRA Requires for Reinvestigation
FCRA § 1681i requires CRAs--such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion--to reinvestigate disputed information for accuracy. They must consider all relevant information you provide, including supporting documents.
Furnishers have related duties under FCRA § 623(a)(3): They cannot report disputed information to a CRA without noting that it is in dispute (FTC guidance). If a CRA refers your dispute, the furnisher's obligations under FCRA § 1681s-2(b) are triggered to investigate and respond.
| Aspect | FCRA Requirement | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Dispute submission | Submit to CRA with relevant info | Consumers |
| Reinvestigation duty | Review all submitted info | CRAs (§ 1681i) |
| Reporting restriction | Note dispute if reporting | Furnishers (§ 623(a)(3)) |
| Triggered response | Investigate upon CRA referral | Furnishers (§ 1681s-2(b)) |
Direct Disputes to Data Furnishers
Separate from CRA disputes, you can file direct disputes with furnishers under CFPB Regulation 1022.43 (CFPB § 1022.43). This covers account terms (type, balance, payment amount, credit limit) and your performance (payment status, dates, amounts).
Furnishers must investigate these independently. Use this for issues like incorrect payment history directly from the lender or creditor.
What Does Not Control FCRA Reinvestigation Rights
FCRA reinvestigation rights are governed by federal statute and regulator rules, not credit card chargebacks, card network policies (Visa, Mastercard), or merchant refund processes. Direct furnisher accuracy guidelines apply only when triggered by a CRA notice or under the separate CFPB direct dispute rule. State rules may support FCRA enforcement but do not alter core duties.
Practical Next Steps and Escalation
Gather evidence like account statements, payment records, or contracts proving inaccuracy. Submit your dispute to the CRA online or by mail--disputes are free under FCRA. For direct disputes, contact the furnisher with the same evidence.
If unresolved, file a complaint with the FTC at consumer.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. CFPB complaints are another escalation option. Obtain free credit reports weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com to monitor.
Evidence Checklist for Disputes:
- Documents showing accurate details (statements, receipts)
- Identification (name, address, SSN last 4 digits)
- Specific inaccuracy description
- CRA/furnisher contact info
FAQ
How do I start a reinvestigation?
Dispute directly with the CRA online or by mail, providing supporting documents under FCRA § 1681i.
Does the CRA have to delete the item?
No, only if unverifiable or inaccurate after reinvestigation.
Can I dispute with both CRA and furnisher?
Yes, separately: CRA under FCRA § 1681i; furnisher under CFPB § 1022.43.
What if the CRA ignores my dispute?
Escalate with an FTC complaint at consumer.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP.
Is this free?
Yes, CRA disputes are free under FCRA.