To get started with your round 1 disputes, you need your full credit reports from each bureau. Download your first annual reports for free with annualcreditreport.com

creditkarma (Free vantage scores) - Get Started

Reports that include a FICO score can be acquired from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion directly, for a nominal fee. 

Moving forward: 

myscoreiq - get started

We highly recommend myScoreIQ. myScoreIQ pulls your FICO scores and credit reports from all 3 bureaus (Equifax, Transunion + Experian) while also protecting you from identity theft. Although VantageScore credit scores have ​been around for 15 years, the FICO Score is ​still the preferred choice of 90% of lenders ​in the U.S. When you apply for a loan, credit ​card or some other type of financing, the ​lender will probably check your FICO Score. 

You are able to get credit reports from the Top 3 credit bureaus for just $1.

After the seven day trial, myScoreIQ turns into credit monitoring. In order to track of your credit repair progress, we highly recommend keeping this service. It can show you what accounts were added, items you do not recognize, and most importantly which credit bureau has taken action on your disputes and what has been deleted off your reports. During your credit repair process it is crucial that you pull your credit report every 31 days to see your dispute progress. myScoreIQ allows to pull your credit report every 30 days.

Now that you've got your hands on your credit report and credit score, it's time to dive into understanding what it all means.

First up, let's talk about those three key items you need to keep a close eye on:

• Public Records: These are serious red flags that can have a big impact on your credit. Think bankruptcies, tax liens, judgments, foreclosures, and repossessions. Anything that's a matter of public record and signals financial trouble needs your immediate attention.

• Unsatisfactory Accounts: These are accounts that have taken a hit, typically due to late payments or charge-offs. Late payments can seriously drag down your credit score, while charge-offs indicate that a creditor has given up on collecting what you owe.

• Derogatory Accounts: This category includes accounts that have been sent to collection agencies. When an account goes to collections, it's a sign that you've fallen seriously behind on payments, and it can do major damage to your creditworthiness.

Understanding these items on your credit report is crucial because they directly impact your credit score and your ability to borrow money at favorable terms. If you spot any concerning items, it's essential to take action to address them and improve your financial health.

In the first set of letters, we're going to tidy up your personal info and check that everything is being reported right. It's time to grab those credit reports! Hopefully, you've already got all three.

What to look for on your credit report:

• Incorrect addresses

• Outdated ​addresses

• ​Previous addresses

• ​​Addresses you do not recognize 

• ​​Incorrect social security number

• Incorrect name 

• ​Previous name (maiden name) 

• ​Incorrect birth date 

• Incorrect phone number 

• ​Previous phone number

Step 1: Pull up the template, click "FILE" and click "MAKE A COPY" this way you can edit it!! IF YOU DONT MAKE A COPY YOU WONT BE ABLE TO EDIT IT! - Address Verification Template

Step 2: Address one letter to each of the 3 Bureaus.

1. Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

888-836-6351

2. Experian - Allows you to dispute directly from their website - Get Started

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

877-870-5640

3. TransUnion LLC Consumer Dispute Center

PO Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

800-916-8800

Step 3: Enter your personal information at the bottom as directed and sign! Preferably a hand written signature once it is printed. If you are sending your letters via online services, you can sign using paint app. 

Step 4: Include a picture of your SOCIAL SECURITY and ID.

Step 5: Mail them out! 

Options For Mailing:

Certified Mail - ($4), you get tracking to keep for your records, so you can actually prove the bureaus received your dispute. This is recommended at least for your first round of disputes.

Online Certified Mail: Send your letters via an automated Online Certified Mail solution and eliminate the hassle of going to the Post Office.

Letter Stream - Online Mail (1 dollar) This is a quicker and more convenient way to send letters without going to the post office, buying envelopes, stamps, printing etc., and they offer a certified mail option.

USPS - (50 cents), same time frame - just no tracking. If this is the only option that fits in your budget go for it, does not change the outcome. 

NOTE: If the credit bureaus haven't responded to your account and no changes have occurred within the first month, we suggest calling each bureau about the matter. It's essential not to initiate any account disputes during this phase. If a credit bureau is resistant and unwilling to remove the personal information you want to be removed, consider visiting a UPS store or another notary. Bring along a bill with your current address, as well as your driver’s license, and notarize your entire verification letter.

Sometimes a business does not meet the qualifications to report directly to one of the three main credit agencies, so the business can potentially go through a local or regional agency. Local or regional agencies serve as a “gateway” for a small business to report and obtain information from the three main agencies or repositories. It is beneficial to request any information pertaining to your company from the third party agencies to ensure accuracy. These third party agencies or bureaus include:

• FDInsight™ 

• Cortera

• Credit.net

• Paynet

• ChexSystems 

FDInsight™ - A LexisNexis company that provides information such

as liens and judgements to creditors. This is mainly used for mortgage purposes. If your business ever tries to obtain a mortgage a FDInsight report will be ran.

Cortera - Cortera is a commercial credit bureau, currently covering the B2B transactions of over 10 million businesses. They provide credit managers with real-time spend data, updated daily and provided in an easy to understand format.

Credit.net

PayNet, Inc. - PayNet, Inc. is the leading provider of credit ratings on small businesses. Serving as trusted, strategic advisors to banks and commercial finance institutions.

Accurint Business - A LexisNexis company that provides information such as liens and judgements to creditors.

Credit Freeze

One major reason people struggle to make headway in disputing their credit, whether independently or with the help of credit repair firms, is neglecting to repair or freeze secondary credit reporting agencies.

Most credit reporting companies won't take this step for you, and it's a big reason for their disappointing results. These secondary agencies collect data like your payment history, account ownership, and debts. They're used by the big three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to validate your disputes.

By freezing your data with these agencies, you make this information unavailable, making it tough, if not impossible, for the credit bureaus to verify the debt. This increases your chances of successful deletions.

You can request to freeze your data with third-party companies. Click the links below and fill out their online forms to freeze your data. Freezing your accounts is relatively easy, however it is crucial you keep track of passwords and security keys/pin to these accounts. Unfreezing without credentials can become complicated. 

1. Freeze Lexis Nexis

2. Freeze Innovis | Innovis Credit Report Request

3. Freeze ARS

ChexSystems is the “credit bureau” for checking accounts. Most people typically never hear about ChexSystems until they’ve been denied a new bank account or they aren’t allowed to write a check at the store. ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency (CRA) that tracks your checking and savings account activity. About 80 percent of all financial institutions across the United States use ChexSystems data for screening your applications. Others use a similar service called TeleCheck. If your application for a checking account gets rejected, it means there is a negative record on your checking account history.

How To Get A Copy Of Your ChexSystems Report?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to a free copy of your report once every 12 months or if you’ve been rejected by a bank in the past 60 days.

Method 1: Complete an Online Request Form

Method 2: Telephone and Automated Phone System: 800.428.9623

The automated phone system is available 24 hours per day. Representatives are available to assist during normal business hours 8:00am - 7:00pm Central Time, Monday through Friday.

Method 3: Mail

Complete, print and mail the completed Consumer Request for Disclosure Form to:

Chex Systems, Inc. - Security Freeze

P.O. Box 583399

Minneapolis, MN 55458

Telephone: 1-800-887-7652

Website: www.chexsystems.com

Follow the steps below to dispute inaccurate information of your ChexSystems report. 

Sending these dispute letters prompts the credit bureaus to validate your records, which typically include copies of the original contracts you signed agreeing to payment terms. Many companies do not have these records readily available. We employ this tactic because the Fair Credit Reporting Act safeguards consumers from misinformation being used against them.

Remember to note when you sent the dispute letter. According to the FDCPA, credit bureaus must resolve the issue within 30 days. Failure to mark the item as disputed or make an attempt to resolve the issue within this timeframe may render them liable for damages, up to $1000 per occurrence

You will need to include AN EXPLINATION AS TO why you are disputing each item.

Reasons to dispute : 

Inaccurate: "The information reported regarding [specific item such as account balances, payment history, etc.] is inaccurate. Upon reviewing my records, I have found discrepancies that need correction. Please investigate and rectify the inaccuracies promptly."

Incomplete: "The credit report contains incomplete information regarding [specific item such as account details, payment history, etc.]. To ensure the accuracy and completeness of my credit report, I request that all relevant details be provided or updated accordingly."

Unfair: "I believe that the reporting of [specific item such as account status, collection activity, etc.] is unfair. Upon review, I have identified instances that do not accurately reflect my financial responsibility. I request a thorough investigation to address any unfair reporting practices."

Unverifiable: "The information reported regarding [specific item such as account balances, payment history, etc.] appears to be unverifiable. Despite my efforts to obtain verification, I have not been provided with sufficient documentation or evidence supporting the reported information. I request that this information be thoroughly verified or removed from my credit report."

Step One: Prep

Pull out credit report and highlight all of your negative items that you would like to investigate/dispute. This step is important as you want to have proof of what was removed from your report.

Step Two: Download & Edit

Download the Credit Bureau Dispute Letter One and edit your personal information. Create a letter to send to each bureau using the information below: 

download Dispute Letter Round One

Official Bureau Addresses:

• Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

• Experian

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

• TransUnion LLC Consumer Dispute Center

PO Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

Step three: dispute

Input the type of company name, account number for the accounts your are disputing, and your explanation. For example:

• This is an example of a late payment item being disputed: 

CBNA - 123456**** - I believe the late payments for this are reporting inaccurately. Upon reviewing my credit report, I have found discrepancies in the reported payment history. I demand immediate investigation into these inaccuracies and request their removal from my credit report.

• This is an example of a charge-off, derogatory closed account, or collections being disputed: 

SYNCB/PPMC - 123456**** - I do not know what this is. These entries are erroneous and do not accurately reflect my financial obligations. I demand a thorough investigation into these collections and request their removal from my credit report immediately.

• If you can pinpoint specific reporting inaccuracies, list them. The more info the better. For example:  

Transunion is reporting this account as opened on 06/17/2019 where as Experian and Equifax are reporting this account as opened on 06/01/2019. How can one individual account possibly be opened on two separate dates? This account is reporting inaccurately and per the FCRA must be removed from my credit report. Please remove this inaccurate account from my credit report.

Step four: Verification

Add a new page to the document with a scanned picture of your drivers license or State ID, Social Security Card, Proof of residence that matches your DL or State ID, or a second proof of residence if your address doesn't match your drivers license or State ID.

Step five: print & sign wet signatures

Digital signatures will work but a personal touch goes a long way when combating artificial intelligence credit software.

Step six: Mail them out!

Print, and mail at post office with stamp or certified mail (recommended). Save receipt for proof.

Step seven: 

Wait 30 -45 days to check your credit report again and for the credit bureaus to respond. You will receive 3 different responses from all 3 bureaus. Keep these reports for your records as they detail every item on your credit report along with its dispute status. Avoid online disputing or opting for "paperless" responses as they have lower success rates.

Note: Due to COVID-19 credit bureaus have 45 days to respond. They may avoid letters that are not sent by certified mail!

After 30 days, refresh your credit new report. Take note of any changes made by each bureau.

Here's what to look for:

• Deleted: The item was removed from the credit report.

• Updated: The disputed information has been revised. Check the credit report to see the specific updates.

• Verified: The item was confirmed and remains on the credit report. Sometimes, it takes multiple disputes to have it removed completely.

no response

No Response Step 1:

Pull out credit report and highlight all of your negative items that you would like to investigate/dispute. 

No Response Step 2:

Use this template if you do not receive a response from the Credit Bureaus within 30 - 45 days after your initial investigation letter was sent out. Download the Dispute Letter Round Two (No Response) to edit.

Dispute Letter Round Two (No Response)

No Response Step 3: 

Copy and paste the exact same disputed account information on Credit Bureaus Dispute Letter One on this document. If you used certified mail to send your round one disputes, state the date you sent the letter w/ a copy of your receipt. 

No Response Step 4:

Print, and mail at post office with stamp or certified mail (recommended). Save receipt for proof.

Responded / verified

Duplicate the steps above using the Dispute Letter Round Two (Verified) template if  the credit bureaus sent you a verification letter, responded to you, or "verified" an item without providing proof.

Dispute Letter Round Two (Verified)

Wait 30 -45 days after you sent your second dispute letter analyze your credit report. Go through each report and make a note of what was removed from what bureau, this can be taken off your list of what to continue fighting to remove. You will need to look for the following:

• Deleted: The item was removed from the credit report.

• Updated: The disputed information has been revised. Check the credit report to see the specific updates.

• Verified: The item was confirmed and remains on the credit report. Sometimes, it takes multiple disputes to have it removed completely.

LOCKED

LOCKED

Maintaining a low number of hard inquiries on each credit bureau within a specified timeframe, typically no more than three inquiries in the last six months, is crucial when applying for funding. 

Impact on Credit Score: Each hard inquiry can potentially lower an individual's credit score by a few points. While a single inquiry might have a minimal impact, multiple inquiries in a short period can signal to lenders that the individual is actively seeking credit, which may be interpreted as financial distress or an increased risk of default.

Lender Perception: Lenders often view multiple recent inquiries negatively, as it may indicate that the individual is taking on additional debt or facing financial difficulties. This perception could result in higher interest rates, lower loan amounts, or outright denial of credit, as lenders may be hesitant to extend financing to someone who appears to be overextending their credit.

Risk Assessment: The frequency and timing of inquiries provide insight into an individual's borrowing behavior and financial stability. Too many inquiries within a short timeframe may suggest that the individual is desperate for credit, potentially raising concerns about their ability to manage additional debt responsibly. This increased perceived risk could affect the lender's decision-making process and terms offered to the applicant.

Often times inquiries can be removed via phone call to each of the bureaus. Experian is the easiest to remove where as Equifax and Transunion will sometimes ask for a letter from your creditors.

Option 1: Call Each Bureau

Download the call in express inquiry removal guide

Option 2: inquiry dispute letters

Round 1 - INquiry Dispute Round 1

Send Inquiry Removal Letter 1 to the credit bureau to dispute unauthorized inquiries on your credit report

Round 2: INquiry Dispute Round 2

If the credit bureau do not reply within 30 days or they say the inquiries were “verified” from Inquiry Letter 1 send Inquiry Removal Letter 2.

Round 3 - INquiry Dispute Round 3

If the credit bureaus do not reply within 30 days or they say the inquiries were “verified” from Inquiry Letter 2 send Inquiry Removal Letter 3.

Option 3: Direct Dipsute - Creditor Direct Dispute Letter

Wait 30 days after you sent your inquiry Removal Letter 3 to request the removal of hard Inquiries directly from the creditor. When you send out this letter you are challenge whether the inquiring creditor had proper authorization to pull your credit file. Remember to keep a copy for your files and send the letters as registered mail for the best response.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a contemporary institution established to enforce federal consumer financial regulations and promote fairness, transparency, and competitiveness in consumer financial markets.

If you've followed the letter sequence provided in this guide and encountered stubborn accounts you're hesitant to address through small claims court, there's an alternative solution. Submitting a complaint to the CFPB requires only a few minutes.

To dispute unauthorized, unrecognized, and inaccurate accounts on your credit report, follow the steps below for Round 1.

 cfpb

dispute Round 1

create an account with cfpb & start new complaint

Step 1: 

1. What is this complaint about?

Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports (background checks, employment, or tenant screening)

2. What type of credit reporting product?

Credit reporting 

Step 2: check the following bubbles

1. What type of problem are you having?

Improper use of your report (shared without consent, credit inquiries from unknown sources)

2. Which best describes your problem?

Reporting company used your report improperly (obtained or used for purposes that aren't allowed by law)

3. Have you already tried to fix this problem with the company?

No

step 3: What happened?

Copy and paste the following. Edit the verbiage using the Reason to Dispute section of the Credit Repair Process tab above:

"In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 (A)(1) states that a person shall not furnish any information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. I received a copy of my credit report and the list of accounts below has violated my federally protected consumer rights to privacy and confidentiality under 15 USC 1681:

Account name: #1234, Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234.

By the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I demand that these items be investigated and removed from my report. It is my understanding that you will recheck these items with the creditor who has posted them. Please remove any information that the creditor cannot verify. I understand that under 15 U.S.C. Sec. 1681i(a), you must complete this reinvestigation within 30 days of receipt of this letter."

What would be a fair resolution to this issue?

Answer: Delete the following accounts from my report: Account name: #1234, Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234.

Attach documents

Attach a copy of your full 3-bureau credit report with highlighted errors

Step 4:

Add a complaint for all three bureaus using the following names (Select bureau names exactly as shown below): 

1. TransUnion

Check the boxes for Social Security number (last 4 digits), Name as it appears on credit report, Date of birth, and enter for each bureau.

Enter your Name as it appears on credit report

Do you want to complain about another company?

Yes - Follow the steps above for the following bureaus: 

2. Experion Information Solutions Inc.

3. Equifax Information Services LLC

Step 5: 

Who are you submitting this complaint for?

Myself

Finally: review & submit

Step 6: Wait & review

After submitting your letters via CFPB, expect a confirmation email. Log in to your account to review your submission for accuracy. Communication from the bureaus will come through this portal. They might request extra time for their investigation. Be patient for their responses—whether verified or deleted. If a bureau confirms the account in question, proceed with the next steps:

round 2 - Verified account

Step 1: Start a new compaint

Follow the steps above until you get to Step 2.3

Step 2.3: 

1. Have you already tried to fix this problem with the company?

Yes

2. Did you request information from the company?

Yes

3. What information did you request?

"I told Experian, Transunion, and Equifax to remove inaccurate accounts reporting on my credit report"

4. Did the company provide this information?

No

Step 3: What happened?

"In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The List of accounts below has violated my federally protected consumer rights to privacy and confidentiality under 15 USC 1681.

I told Experian, Transunion, and Equifax to reinvestigate these accounts: Account name: #1234, Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234. However, they stated everything was complete and accurate. But how is that possible if the open date, date of last activity and much more is incorrect. According to 15 USC 1681i(5), they are supposed to modify accounts that aren't reporting correctly. 

15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 (A)(1) A person shall not furnish any information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate."

What would be a fair resolution to this issue?

Answer: Delete the following accounts from my report: Account name: #1234, Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234.

Attach documents - Attach a copy of your Round One Letters sent out through CFPB for verification. Download your sent letter by logging into your CFPB account here.

steps 4: Repeat step 4 through 6 from round 1. 

round 3 - Verified account

Repeat the CFPB disputing steps above. At Step 3: What Happened? - input the following text: .

"In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681s-2 (A)(1) states that a person shall not furnish any information relating to a consumer to any consumer reporting agency if the person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information is inaccurate. I received a copy of my credit report and the list of accounts below has violated my federally protected consumer rights to privacy and confidentiality under 15 USC 1681:

Account name: #1234, Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234.

I told Experian, Transunion, and Equifax to remove these accounts. This is a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act Section 1681b(c) and a serious breach of my privacy rights. I am making this final goodwill gesture to allow you to correct your erroneous reporting, and I am maintaining a careful record of my communications with you for the purpose of filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Attorney General’s office, should you continue in your non-compliance. Failure to respond satisfactorily within 30 days of receipt of this certified letter may result in a small claims action against your company, seeking $1,000 per violation for:

1.) Defamation

2.) Negligent Enablement of Identity Fraud

3.) Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Please cease and desist inaccurate reporting on my credit report, immediately. 

Thank you for your time and help in this matter."

What would be a fair resolution to this issue?

Answer: Delete the following accounts from my report: Account name: #1234, Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234,  Account name: #1234.

Attach documents - Attach a copy of your Round two Letters sent out through CFPB for verification. Download your sent letter by logging into your CFPB account here.

cfpb inquiry disputing

(Coming Soon)

debtcleanse

select "get help" - get started 

If this is a little much for you, we completely understand. Our Partner's at DebtCleanse will personalize your credit restoration journey, tailoring a comprehensive plan for you to strategically remove inaccuracies and improve your overall profile month after month. Unlike other credit repair companies that hope for lengthy disputing processes so they can collect your cash month after month, DebtCleanse has a different end goal. Their AI Credit Restoration platform puts you in the driver's seat by providing you the recommendations and resources you need to prepare your dispute letters, getting started training videos, as well as offering credit education.

This next generation of credit restoration analyzes your 3 bureau credit reports, identifies negative accounts, and prepares an aggressive dispute strategy. If an account wasn’t deleted, our software will suggest a new strategy for additional disputes.  Every month you'll receive a progress report showing what accounts were deleted and your new credit scores.

This legal plan section will provide Members with the opportunity to connect with one of our network attorneys who specializes in various legal matters including bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt analysis, debt harassment, repossession, and creditor-related issues. 

Additionally, after completing one round of credit repair, if any verifiable errors still persist on a member's credit file, they are eligible to meet with one of our credit consumer protection attorneys. The best part? There will be no out-of-pocket expense for members for this service. This is a feature of our legal plan service that is "unlocked" after one round of letters. Our dedicated plan attorneys will offer expert guidance and prepare dispute letters to promptly and thoroughly address any inaccuracies. Additionally, they can assist in obtaining damages if members' rights have been violated

With a very high success rate, DebtCleanse only charges a one time intake fee of $149.90 for the first month, and $89.95 monthly until your credit is cleansed. Cancel anytime. 

What you get with their package: 

Monthly Attorney Guided Dispute Letters until inaccuracies are deleted

Monthly 3-Bureau Report and Score

Utility Payment and Credit Builder Reporting

Legal Consultation

Wealth Management Tools

Credit Education

Score Simulator and Tracker

Up to $1M in Stolen Funds Reimbursement

Budgeting and Tax Tools

Debt Analysis Tool

Student Loan Solutions

Family Protection - $25K ID Theft Insurance

How do they accomplish this?

Attorney Assistance

With access to our plan attorneys, qualifying members get help challenging their creditor's debt collection tactics, and even pursuing damages when debt collectors have broken the law.

Tools and Support

Get legal help dealing with unlawful debt collectors tactics and protect yourself financially with membership tools, including $1M against identity theft.

Foreclosure Prevention

At a reduced rate to DebtCleanse Legal Plan Members, our cross-country network of consumer protection attorneys help keep families at risk of foreclosure in their homes.

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Take advantage of our online and in-person education focused on teaching financial literacy to help you navigate the homebuying process.

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A national alliance of socially just real estate agents maybe able to help you qualify to buy an affordable home.