How to Write a Credit Bureau Dispute Letter?

Catch mistakes by meticulously scanning each section of your credit report.

1. Pull the latest report - request a free copy from each credit bureau; a fresh version shows the most current data.
2. Verify personal details - confirm name, address, Social Security number, and birthdate are accurate; any typo can misattribute accounts.
3. Inspect every account line - match account numbers, balances, and payment history against your own records; flag amounts that look too high or dates that don't line up.
4. Look for duplicates - the same loan or credit card listed twice signals a reporting error that can inflate utilization.
5. Check inquiry entries - ensure only authorized hard pulls appear; unknown inquiries may indicate identity misuse.
6. Mark each discrepancy - note the item, why it's wrong, and the correct information; this list becomes the backbone of your dispute letter (see 'grab ironclad proof first' for gathering supporting documentation).

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• Pull the exact line from your latest credit report that contains the error; this is the baseline proof for your dispute letter.
• Request a detailed account statement from the creditor; a PDF showing dates, balances, and account numbers serves as strong supporting documentation.
• Gather payment receipts, bank statements, or clearing‑house records that directly contradict the disputed entry.
• For identity‑theft‑related errors, secure a police report or FTC Identity Theft Report and note the case reference number.
• Attach a copy of the highlighted credit report to your dispute letter; this visual cue helps the credit bureau locate the issue quickly and sets up the header section that follows.

Put your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email at the very top left, then add the credit bureau's name and address on the next line. Include the date you write the dispute letter and, if available, the reference number from your credit report right below the date.

Follow a classic business‑letter layout: single‑spaced text, one‑inch margins, and a blank line before each new section. Bold the heading 'Dispute of Credit Report Item' to draw attention, and note 'Enclosed: supporting documentation' at the bottom so the bureau knows what you've attached. For official guidance, see the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's dispute‑letter checklist.

Include these four elements in every credit bureau dispute letter to give the bureau a clear, verifiable case. This builds on the proof you gathered in 'Grab ironclad proof first' and sets up the 'Phrase demands like a pro' step.

Ask the bureau to fix or delete the exact line you dispute, using direct language and the report's identifiers.

• Identify the entry by creditor name, account number, and reporting date.
• State the precise error (e.g., 'incorrect balance', 'mis‑dated payment').
• Demand a specific action ('please remove', 'please correct to $0', 'please update the status').
• Reference the attached supporting documentation that proves the correction.

Place the demand line at the top of the dispute letter, follow with a concise factual explanation, and attach the proof; this forces the credit bureau to act within the 30‑day investigation period.

Avoid these three common blunders to keep your dispute letter effective.

• Omit account numbers or dates, leaving the credit bureau unable to locate the disputed entry.
• Send a generic letter without organized supporting documentation, causing delays or a 'insufficient information' response.
• Miss the 30‑day investigation window by mailing the dispute late or failing to follow up, allowing the bureau to close the case without correction.

Send your dispute letter by certified mail with a return‑receipt request; this creates a paper trail that proves the credit bureau received your documents.

Print the bureau's official mailing address from its website, place the return‑receipt envelope inside the outer envelope, and affix the correct postage. Including a self‑addressed stamped envelope helps the bureau return any follow‑up requests quickly.

Retain the receipt and receipt‑number in a safe place; you'll need it when the 30‑day investigation window begins. The receipt lets you verify delivery dates and serves as evidence if the bureau claims non‑receipt. USPS certified mail tracking

The credit bureau must finish its investigation within 30 days of receiving your dispute letter, and the clock starts when the bureau logs the certified‑mail receipt. Mark that date on your calendar, because any response - or lack thereof - must arrive by day 30.

If the bureau hasn't replied by the deadline, call the agency, reference the receipt date, and request an update; you'll need this record when you move to the 'rejected? escalate smartly' step. (See FTC's 30‑day dispute rule for details.)

If the credit bureau rejects your dispute, act fast and follow a clear escalation ladder.

1. Call the bureau's consumer line, cite the original dispute reference, and ask for the specific reason for rejection.
2. Submit a 're‑investigation request' in writing, attach any new supporting documentation, and reference the 30‑day investigation rule.
3. File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; see how to lodge a CFPB complaint.
4. Notify your state's banking regulator and request a formal review, providing copies of the original dispute letter and the bureau's rejection notice.
5. Keep every fax receipt, email copy, and certified‑mail proof in a dedicated folder for future legal reference.

If a record on your credit report stems from identity theft, label the dispute as an identity‑theft case and supply the required proof.

Start the dispute letter by stating the fraudulent nature of the entry, then attach the following supporting documentation:

• FTC Identity Theft Report (or Identity Theft Affidavit) confirming the theft
• Police report or local law‑enforcement reference number
• Copy of a government‑issued ID showing your correct personal information
• Any correspondence from creditors proving you never opened the account
• A clear statement that you request removal of the fraudulent entry from your credit report

The credit bureau must acknowledge receipt within five business days and complete its investigation within 30 days, sending you the results and an updated report. If the bureau fails to act, refer to the 'rejected? escalate smartly' section for next steps.