Credit Report Errors: How to Dispute Them

Copyright (c) 2010 Suzy Vanstrusen

The main reason why it is important to check our credit reports on a regular basis is for us to find out if every detail is correct and accurate. Let us first discuss the reasons why we find inaccurate information on our credit files.

Reasons Why We Encounter Credit Report Errors

Truth is record keeping is never perfect. Despite of the current technologies we have, we must not forget the fact that the system used to update our credit records is still capable of committing errors. Such problems can cause the three credit reporting firms to issue free credit reports that contain inaccurate information.

Not only that. Some credit firms and banks may also fail to provide timely reports to the credit bureaus regarding our monthly payments. And this can contribute to the outdated entries that we might see on our credit files.

Still, whatever the reasons may be, we all need to contest any errors that we see on our credit reports. This way we can avoid taking unnecessary bad credit repair services just so we can rebuild our credit history. And we can avoid wasting much of our time and money in enrolling and attending such bad credit repair programs. Moreover, we can effectively protect our financial and credit prospects. After all our credit ratings will determine the features, rates and terms of the loans and credit card accounts that will be extended to us.

Now allow us to tackles two pointers that we can all use in disputing the inaccuracies on our respective credit reports.

1. Communicate clearly. If you find any error or inaccuracies on your report, the next step is to write a dispute letter addressed to any of the three major credit reporting bureaus. All the errors and outdated information you found in your credit report should be included in the dispute letter you made. But what should be the tone of your letter? Your letter should be simple and easy to understand. To do this, you must follow the conventional business writing tips and techniques that you have learned from school. Make sure that your letter is clear in stating the problems you have encountered while going over your credit report. And see to it that your letter of dispute will inform the credit bureaus of what they need to do to quickly address your concerns over your credit records. Still, be sure to write these things in a courteous and professional manner.

2. Show patience and perseverance. You need to display a great deal of patience as you wait for the results of the investigation of the three credit reporting firms. Remember that the law gives them 30 days to examine your records. So, give the them ample time to address your concerns over your credit information. After a few days, you will then receive a written notice about the results of their investigation. Once the claim is found accurate and valid, an updated copy of your credit report will be sent to you, for free, and you can start using it to apply for new credit accounts. Aside from displaying patience, you also need to persevere. You might be asked to write not only one but two or more dispute letters. Just persevere in writing these letters and eventually all the errors and inaccuracies on your credit file will be totally eliminated.


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For people who want to learn how to repair their own credit, Suzy Vanstrusen, a credit analyst and a writer of EzCreditRepairSolutions.com, has been providing consumers with tips and tricks in repairing your credit. Check the site to learn more about credit repair letters and Bankruptcy credit report.