How to Dispute Credit Report Errors and Improve Your FICO Score [2025 Guide]

Your FICO® score is the financial heartbeat of your American dream. It dictates the interest rates you get on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. But what if that score is based on wrong information? A staggering 1 in 4 Americans have found errors on their credit reports, and these mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars.

This definitive 2025 guide will provide a clear, step-by-step blueprint for US consumers to dispute credit report errors directly with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Taking control of your credit history is your legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and it’s one of the fastest ways to improve your FICO score.

Why Disputing Errors is Your #1 Financial Priority

Even minor inaccuracies can have a major impact. A collections account that isn’t yours or a missed payment that you actually made can drop your score by 100 points or more. This can mean the difference between qualifying for a 5% mortgage rate and a 7% rate, costing you over $100,000 on a 30-year loan.

Step 1: Get Your Official Credit Reports for Free

You cannot dispute what you cannot see. The only federally authorized website for free weekly credit reports is AnnualCreditReport.com. Due to US law, you can request a report from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) for free every week.

Step 2: Review Your Reports Like a Detective

Look for these common errors that hurt your score:

Incorrect Personal Information: Wrong name, address, or Social Security Number.
Accounts That Aren’t Yours: This is a major red flag for potential identity theft.
Incorrect Account Status: An account listed as “open” that you closed, or incorrect payment history (e.g., showing a late payment you made on time).
Duplicate Accounts: The same debt listed more than once.
Outdated Negative Information: Most negative items must be removed after 7 years. Bankruptcies fall off after 7-10 years.

Step 3: How to File Your Dispute (The Right Way)

While you can dispute online, disputing by mail is often more effective as it allows you to create a paper trail and include supporting documentation.

What to Include in Your Dispute Letter:

Your full name, address, and date of birth.
A clear identification of each mistake (list the creditor name, account number, and the specific error).
The reason for the dispute (e.g., “This is not my account,” “I paid this on time,” “This is outdated”).
A request for the item to be removed or corrected.
Copies (NOT originals) of any proof you have (payment receipts, statements, ID).

Send your letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested to the credit bureaus at their designated dispute addresses.

Step 4: What Happens Next? The Investigation Process

By law, the credit bureaus must investigate your dispute, usually within 30 days. They will forward your claim to the data furnisher (the lender or creditor), who must investigate and report back. If the furnisher cannot verify the information, the bureau must delete it.

When to Seek Professional Credit Repair Help

The DIY method works for clear errors. However, if your disputes are complex, you’re short on time, or your initial disputes were unsuccessful, a reputable credit repair service may be a valuable investment. These companies understand the intricacies of the FCRA and can handle the follow-up and escalation for you.

For a detailed analysis of the top-rated services that specialize in helping Americans clean up their reports, you can read our expert review of the best credit repair companies.

Final Thoughts: Your Financial Power

Your credit report is not set in stone. Regularly monitoring your reports from all three bureaus and aggressively disputing any inaccuracies is the most powerful step you can take to protect your financial future. By exercising your rights under US law, you ensure your FICO score accurately reflects your true creditworthiness, saving you money and opening doors to new opportunities.