Credit Report Errors: How to Fix Them Using Federal Law

Use your federal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to fix credit report errors. Step-by-step CFPB process included.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you powerful rights to fix credit report errors. Here's the CFPB-recommended process: **Your Rights Under Federal Law** The FCRA guarantees you can: - Get free annual credit reports from each bureau - Dispute inaccurate information - Have errors investigated within 30 days - Sue credit bureaus for willful non-compliance **Step 1: Get Your Free Credit Reports** Visit AnnualCreditReport.com (the only official site): - Request reports from Experian, Equifax, TransUnion - Check each report carefully for errors - Look for accounts you didn't open, wrong payment history, incorrect balances **Step 2: Document All Errors** Common credit report errors: - Accounts that aren't yours - Incorrect payment history - Wrong account balances - Outdated information (over 7 years) - Duplicate accounts **Step 3: File Disputes** CFPB-recommended dispute methods: - Online dispute forms (fastest) - Certified mail with documentation - Include supporting evidence - Keep copies of all communications **Step 4: Follow Up** Credit bureaus must: - Investigate within 30 days - Contact the data provider - Remove or correct inaccurate information - Send you updated credit report **If Disputes Are Denied** Additional FCRA rights: - Request method of verification - File complaint with CFPB - Consider legal action for violations - Add consumer statement to credit file **Monitoring Your Credit Going Forward** Free monitoring options: - Credit Karma - Annual credit reports - Bank credit score services - CFPB financial education resources The CFPB processed over 700,000 credit reporting complaints in 2024. Know your rights and use them.\n\n**Related Resources**\n- [Financial Planning Tools](/tools)\n- [Budget Calculator](/budget-planner)\n- [Credit Guide](/category/Debt%20%26%20Credit)\n- [Money Saving Tips](/category/Save%20Money)