It’s smart to review your credit reports regularly to double-check the information being submitted by lenders, credit card issuers, public agencies and sometimes landlords.
Federal law gives you the right to see the data that the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — have collected. Use AnnualCreditReport.com to request the free reports you’re entitled to. Errors in your credit reports can cost you points on your credit scores, so fixing mistakes is worth the effort.
If you find an error in your Equifax report — for example, a late payment you believe was made on time — you can dispute it.
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What should I look for on my Equifax credit report?
Your credit report contains:
Personal information, including your name, birthdate, Social Security number, address and telephone numbers.
Account information, including account numbers, balances, payments, credit limits and collections accounts.
Inquiries, or when you or someone else checked your credit.
Public records information, such as bankruptcies.
Equifax recommends checking personal and account information especially carefully to be sure it’s accurate and complete. Note that payments can take up to 30 days to appear on your credit report.
If you see mistakes, gather documentation supporting your case and dispute your Equifax report. The bureau has 30 business days to respond. The investigation can extend to 45 days under two circ*mstances: if you submit additional information during the 30-day window or if you submit a dispute after getting a copy of your free credit report using AnnualCreditReport.com.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can request your credit report in Spanish directly from each of the three major credit bureaus:· TransUnion: Call 800-916-8800.· Equifax: Visit the link or call 888-378-4329.· Experian: Click on the link or call 888-397-3742.
🤓 Consejo NerdyUsted puede solicitar una copia de su informe crediticio (gratis y en español) de cada una de las tres principales agencias de crédito:· TransUnion: Llame al 800-916-8800.· Equifax: Visite el enlace o llame al 888-378-4329.· Experian: Haga clic en el enlace o llame al 888-397-3742.
How to dispute your Equifax report online
Usually, the easiest way to file a dispute is online. Use the Equifax dispute portal to access your report information. You'll need to create an account.
Have supporting materials, such as credit card statements, canceled checks, proof of identity or a utility bill confirming your address, ready to upload.
You'll receive a 10-digit confirmation code for reference. You can check the status of your case anytime by revisiting the dispute portal. Equifax will contact you with the outcome of the dispute.
How to dispute your Equifax report by mail
You can send a credit report dispute letter to Equifax, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256. Include this information:
Name and current address
Equifax report confirmation number as seen on the report
Social Security number
Date of birth
Reason for your dispute
Note which item or items you think should be corrected and explain why. If you’re disputing an account, include the account number.
Send copies of supporting documents — not originals. Equifax will respond by mail.
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How to dispute your Equifax report by phone
You can call Equifax at 866-349-5191 and use the automated instructions to request a credit report, place a fraud alert or freeze your credit file. Use the option to speak with an agent to dispute.
What happens next?
Equifax has 30 days to investigate the things you dispute and respond to you. If it agrees with your dispute, it will change the information on your credit report. Check your credit report afterward to make sure the changes were made. You should also be able to check online via the portal.
However, Equifax might determine it is correctly displaying the information it has received. If so, you might need to talk with the creditor or other source that provided the data. Ask that source to correct the information it is reporting to Equifax, then follow up with Equifax to make sure the change is reflected on your credit report.
You may also need to file a dispute with TransUnion and a separate dispute with Experian, if the incorrect information also appears on your reports at those bureaus.
Next, get in the habit of checking your credit report frequently to keep up with new data. In between your free copies from AnnualCreditReport.com, you can check your TransUnion credit report at NerdWallet as often as you like. Regularly monitoring your free report can give you an early warning of potentially score-damaging problems.
