If an Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion report shows an account that's wrong, you can challenge it yourself. You don't need a credit repair company. Your letter only has to do three things: name the account, say what's factually wrong, and ask for an investigation under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Below is a copy-ready template, the evidence to attach, and a realistic timeline for U.S. consumers.
What the FCRA actually requires
The FCRA gives you the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. Most disputes trigger an investigation. The bureau usually has 30 days. Send extra documents while the investigation is open, and the deadline can stretch to 45 days. If the creditor can't verify the item, the bureau must correct or delete it. Accurate negative information can stay. A late payment that really happened remains for seven years from the date of first delinquency. Bankruptcy can last longer. So attack facts, not your score.
The FTC's guide on disputing errors explains the process. You can also dispute directly with the furnisher. That's the bank, lender, or collector that reported the item. A bureau dispute and a furnisher dispute are different paths. Sending both can help, but keep separate records.
Sample credit bureau dispute letter template
This template is plain on purpose. Replace every bracket with your information. Keep a copy before you mail or upload it. Don't guess an account number. A wrong number can slow the dispute down.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Current Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Bureau Dispute Address]
Re: Dispute of inaccurate information on my credit report
Report confirmation number: [Number from your report]
Account name: [Creditor or collector]
Account number: [Account number as shown]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report:
1. [Describe the first error. Include the account name, account number, date, and amount if shown.]
2. [Describe any second error that is closely related.]
This information is inaccurate because [explain the factual problem]. I have enclosed copies of [list documents, such as payment records, statements, identity theft report, or proof of address].
Please investigate this dispute under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Correct or delete the inaccurate information. Then send me written confirmation of the results.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Signature]
Enclosures: [List the documents you are sending]Send copies of documents, never originals. A utility bill or bank statement can prove your address. A payment receipt can prove a late payment is wrong. For identity theft, include the Identity Theft Report and proof of identity. Keep the envelope receipt if you mail it.
What to include, and what to leave out
Include these details:
- Full name, current address, date of birth, last four of your SSN if requested, and the report confirmation number.
- The bureau, account name, account number, and the exact error.
- A short factual explanation, not a story about how the error made you feel.
- Copies of evidence that support your version.
- A clear request: investigate, correct or delete, and send written results.
Leave out threats, legal conclusions, and long personal history. They don't speed up review. Vague disputes can be labeled frivolous. Repetitive disputes can be ignored when they come with no new evidence. Be specific and calm.
Where to send Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion disputes
The FTC's guide lists these mailing addresses. Confirm the current address on your credit report or the bureau's dispute page before sending.
| Bureau | Mailing address for disputes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Equifax | Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30348 | Use the report confirmation number if you have one. |
| Experian | Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013 | Experian may ask for more identity details. |
| TransUnion | TransUnion LLC Consumer Dispute Center, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016 | Online and mail disputes both work. |
You can usually dispute online, by phone, or by mail. Online is faster. Mail gives you a paper trail. Certified mail with return receipt isn't required, but it can help you prove the bureau received your letter. It costs a few dollars. If you use the online portal, save screenshots and the confirmation number.
Step-by-step dispute process
- Get your reports. Use AnnualCreditReport.com for free reports from all three bureaus.
- Mark the errors. Compare each account and personal detail. Write down the account number, creditor, balance, and exact problem.
- Gather evidence. Collect statements, receipts, court records, or an identity theft report.
- Write your letter. Use the template above. Dispute one or two related items per letter.
- Send it. Use the bureau's portal or mail it. Keep copies of everything.
- Track the deadline. Most investigations end within 30 days. Put a reminder on your calendar.
- Review the results. If the item is fixed, check your report again. If it is not, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or consider a consumer law attorney.
Special situations: identity theft, medical debt, late payments, collections
Identity theft
If someone opened an account in your name, you have a faster path. Create an Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov. Send it to each bureau with proof of your identity and a statement that the account is fraudulent. Under FCRA Section 605B, the bureau must block the fraudulent information, usually within four business days. Do not send a regular dispute letter if you have an identity theft report.
Medical debt
The three nationwide bureaus no longer report paid medical collections or unpaid medical collections under $500. Turns out, that change is voluntary, not a federal ban. A CFPB rule on medical information was issued in January 2025, but its status and effect on state laws have been contested. If a medical collection remains, check whether it's a billing mistake, a duplicate, or a balance your insurer should have paid. Then dispute the specific error.
Late payments and old accounts
A late payment that's accurate usually stays for seven years from the date of first delinquency. If the date or amount is wrong, dispute it. For old accounts, ask the bureau to verify the date of first delinquency and the original creditor. Don't use a vague "this is old" letter. Give the date you believe is correct and explain why.
Collections
You can dispute a collection with the bureau if the amount, owner, or date is wrong. You can also ask the debt collector to validate the debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Thing is, a validation letter isn't the same as a credit bureau dispute. A collector's response doesn't automatically remove a valid collection from your report.
What about 609 dispute letters?
A Section 609 letter is often sold as a secret credit repair tool. That's not what the law says. FCRA Section 609 gives you the right to request the information in your file, including the sources of that information. It doesn't require the bureau to delete an accurate item. If you want a correction, use the dispute process under Section 611. You can still send a 609 request if you want to see what the bureau has on file. Just don't expect it to erase a debt by itself.
Common mistakes that slow a dispute
Sending no evidence is the most common problem. A letter that says "this is wrong" without a reason invites a quick "verified" response. Another mistake is disputing everything at once. A long list is hard to track and easy to dismiss. Send one or two related items per letter. Don't send original documents. Don't ignore the bureau's request for more information. If you move, update your address with the bureau and the creditor. And keep your letters short. To be honest, one page is usually enough.
FAQ
How long does a credit bureau dispute take?
Most disputes take about 30 days. The bureau can take up to 45 days if you send more information during the investigation. Identity theft blocks have a separate four-business-day rule.
Can I dispute online instead of by mail?
Yes. All three bureaus offer online dispute portals. Online is faster, but mail gives you a delivery record. Pick the method that fits your evidence and comfort level.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute a credit report error?
No. You can do it yourself for free. If the bureau keeps verifying wrong information, or if you are facing a lawsuit, a consumer law attorney may help.
Will a dispute letter remove accurate negative information?
No. Bureaus and furnishers can verify accurate information. A dispute fixes errors, not bad credit history that is correct.
What happens if the bureau says my dispute is frivolous?
That can happen if the dispute is vague, repetitive, or lacks evidence. Send a new letter with specific facts, dates, and documents. The bureau must still investigate if you provide new information.
Start by pulling your three reports. Mark one error. Write one clear letter. You don't need a credit repair company to send it for you. This is general information, not legal advice, so check the FTC and CFPB for current details before you act.