Checking and disputing errors on your credit report is free and can significantly boost your credit score. US law entitles you to free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus.
- SSN
- Identity verification questions (your previous addresses, accounts)
- Documentation of any errors you find (account statements, payment receipts)
Get your free credit reports
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com — the only federally authorized free credit report website. Request reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Since 2021, all three reports are available free weekly (not just annually).
Review each report carefully
Look for: accounts you do not recognize (possible fraud), incorrect late payments, accounts incorrectly listed as open/closed, wrong balance amounts, incorrect personal information, duplicate accounts listed twice.
Dispute errors with the credit bureau
For each error, file a dispute directly with the bureau reporting it: Equifax (equifax.com/dispute), Experian (experian.com/disputes), TransUnion (transunion.com/disputes). Describe the error and upload supporting documents.
Dispute with the original creditor too
Contact the creditor (bank, lender) directly alongside the bureau dispute. Under FCRA, both must investigate within 30 days. The bureau must remove or correct items they cannot verify.
Monitor your score after corrections
After successful disputes, your score can improve within 30–45 days when the bureau updates its records. Use Credit Karma or your bank’s free credit score tool to monitor changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Late payments and most negative items: 7 years. Bankruptcy (Chapter 7): 10 years. Bankruptcy (Chapter 13): 7 years. Unpaid tax liens: indefinitely until paid. Positive accounts: 10 years after closing.
A credit freeze (security freeze) prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name. It is free at all three bureaus and does not affect your score. Strongly recommended if you have been a victim of identity theft.
Credit Karma provides free weekly TransUnion and Equifax scores. Experian offers free monthly FICO Score 8.