Under the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers dispute errors in personal information on their Equifax credit report directly with Equifax. Equifax must investigate free of charge within 30 days--extendable to 45 days if you provide additional relevant information during that period--and forward the dispute to the data furnisher. Furnishers must then investigate and may not report disputed information without noting it as disputed under FCRA Section 623(a)(3). This process applies to inaccuracies like wrong names, addresses, or accounts listed on your report.
Start by getting your free Equifax credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com (one per year) or up to six additional free reports per year through 2026 directly from Equifax's website or phone. This is not a credit card billing dispute, merchant refund, or identity theft process--FCRA governs credit reporting agencies like Equifax separately.
FCRA Controls Equifax Error Disputes
The FCRA sets federal requirements for Equifax as a credit reporting agency. When you dispute personal information errors, Equifax must conduct a reasonable investigation, contact the furnisher (like a bank or lender that provided the data), and report results back to you. If the error is verified, Equifax must correct or delete it.
Key timelines and access points include:
- Investigation period: 30 days from receipt of your dispute, plus up to 15 more days if you send additional information within the initial 30 days (FTC guidance).
- Free reports: One via AnnualCreditReport.com; six more annually through 2026 via Equifax (FTC).
- Furnisher role: Once forwarded, furnishers investigate within 30 days and note disputed info in future reports (CFPB).
No Equifax-specific brand policy alters these FCRA timelines in official sources.
What Does Not Control This Dispute
This FCRA process does not involve credit card chargebacks, merchant refunds, or buy-now-pay-later disputes--those follow separate payment or contract rules. It also differs from identity theft processes like fraud alerts or credit freezes, which address unauthorized activity rather than simple personal info errors.
Furnisher duties only activate after Equifax forwards your dispute. Equifax handles the initial investigation and reporting.
Steps to Dispute with Equifax
| Step | Action | Evidence/Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get report | Request free Equifax report via AnnualCreditReport.com or Equifax site/phone. | Identify exact error (e.g., wrong address). |
| 2. Gather proof | Collect ID copies (driver's license, utility bill), documents showing correct info. | Explain error clearly in writing. |
| 3. Submit dispute | Online via Equifax portal, mail, or phone (e.g., weekends 8 a.m. ET). | Include all evidence; track submission. |
| 4. Contact furnisher | Reach out directly to data source (e.g., bank) for parallel fix. | Use furnisher's dispute process. |
| 5. Track results | Expect update in 30-45 days; review for accuracy. | Equifax sends results by mail. |
Disputes are free under FCRA. Official guidance recommends disputing with both Equifax and the furnisher for complete resolution (CFPB).
Escalation if Unsatisfied
If Equifax's results do not resolve the verified error, review their response and refile if new evidence exists. Submit a complaint to the CFPB or contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP for FCRA issues. Track all communications and responses--no fees apply to disputes or complaints.
FAQ
How long does Equifax have to investigate my personal info dispute?
30 days, extendable to 45 days if you provide additional relevant information during the period.
Do I need proof for personal information errors?
Yes--include supporting documents like ID or records showing the correct details.
Can I dispute with Equifax and the furnisher simultaneously?
Yes, contact both for faster resolution.
Are Equifax disputes free?
Yes, under FCRA.
What if Equifax does not fix a verified error?
Review results, refile if needed, and escalate to CFPB or FTC.