Identify the item and the reason

Name the reporting company, identify the account using the information on your report, and describe exactly what you believe is wrong. Explain what the correct information should be and why. “Delete every negative item” doesn't explain an error.

Gather useful records

Include copies of relevant statements, payment confirmations, correspondence, and marked report pages. Label enclosures. Follow current recipient identity-verification requirements. Keep originals, full copies of submissions, and evidence of delivery.

Send to the relevant recipients

Dispute with each bureau showing the error and with the company that supplied the information when appropriate. Use current instructions and designated addresses. Online, phone, and mail options may be available; no purchase is required to dispute.

Track the response

Record when and how you submitted, any reference number, follow-up requests, and the response. Read the investigation result and check the updated report. If unresolved, review your evidence and official escalation options; don't keep resending identical unsupported allegations.

If the result still looks wrong

Consider adding relevant new information or contacting a consumer attorney. For a CFPB complaint, follow its current intake requirements, including first disputing with the reporting company as required. A complaint isn't a court filing.

See sample letter formats ↗
Read more: FTC: steps for disputing errors ↗
Content reviewed October 25, 2026. Check the source for current details.

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Practice: turn a vague request into a factual one

Instead of “this account is ruining my score,” describe the actual issue: “The report dated [date] shows a balance of [amount]. The enclosed statement and payment confirmation show [specific facts]. Please investigate and correct the reporting as appropriate.” Include only statements you can support.

Your next action

Before submission, check the recipient, account reference, exact issue, factual explanation, requested correction, evidence copies, and your retained copy.

Check your understanding: Should you automatically send the same dispute again after a result you dislike?

First read the reason and compare the evidence. New relevant facts may help; repeated unsupported claims aren't a substitute for a clear basis.

Continue through the learning path →

After you submit

Use the follow-up organizer to keep the next step clear. It helps you make a record without uploading your reports or account details.