Credit Bureau Dispute Letter (FCRA)
Found an error on your credit report? The FCRA requires bureaus to investigate within 30 days. Generate a compliant dispute letter for Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
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How to dispute a credit report error
Pull your credit reports
Get your free reports at annualcreditreport.com, identify the specific error and which bureau is reporting it.
Generate your FCRA dispute letter
Enter the account details and describe the inaccuracy. A legally-cited letter is generated for each bureau you select.
Send certified mail with return receipt
Include a copy of your ID and credit report with the disputed item circled. Certified mail creates a provable legal record with a start date.
Bureau must respond within 30 days
If denied or ignored, escalate to CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint, or consult an FCRA attorney (many take cases on contingency).
Your rights under the FCRA
Bureaus must investigate within 30 days of receiving your dispute (45 days with additional documentation)
Furnishers must provide documented proof of accuracy under 2026 FCRA guidance, unverified items must be deleted
If the bureau can't verify, it must delete the item and notify you within 5 business days of completing its investigation
Willful violations carry up to $1,000 statutory damages per violation under 15 U.S.C. § 1681n
You can dispute the same item with all three bureaus simultaneously, each must conduct its own investigation
Frequently asked questions
What errors can I dispute?
Any inaccuracy, accounts that aren't yours, wrong balances, incorrectly reported late payments, duplicate accounts, wrong personal information, or identity theft accounts.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. FCRA gives you a direct right to dispute with bureaus. If they violate the 30-day rule or ignore verified inaccuracies, that's when an FCRA attorney becomes relevant, many take cases on contingency.
Mail vs. online dispute, does it matter?
Certified mail creates a provable legal record of your dispute and start date, which matters if you later need to show the bureau missed its 30-day window. Online disputes are faster but harder to document.
What if the bureau says the information is verified?
Ask for the "method of verification" in writing. If they can't produce documented proof of accuracy, that's a FCRA violation and grounds for CFPB complaint or civil suit.
kweldoc documents are drafting tools, not legal advice. If a bureau fails to comply with your dispute, consult a qualified FCRA attorney. kweldoc is not a law firm.