Credit report guides
Free, plain-English guides to reading your credit reports, spotting errors, and disputing inaccurate information yourself, directly with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Disputing is free.
New here? Start with these three steps
- Get your free reports from all three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Check them for errors with our guide to common credit report errors and the free checklist.
- Dispute anything inaccurate yourself using the step-by-step dispute guide.
How to Dispute a Credit Report Error Yourself (Step by Step)
Get your reports, spot what looks wrong, gather proof, and send a clear dispute to each bureau yourself, for free.
Read the guideCredit Report Dispute Letter Template: What to Include
A fill-in-the-blanks sample letter, a checklist of what to include and attach, and common mistakes to avoid.
Read the guideCommon Credit Report Errors and How to Spot Them
Accounts that aren't yours, wrong late payments, duplicate debts, outdated items: what to look for, section by section.
Read the guideWhat Happens After You Dispute Your Credit Report?
Investigation timelines (generally 30 days, up to 45 in some cases), possible results, and what to do if an item is verified.
Read the guideFlorida Credit Repair Laws: Do You Need a Company to Dispute Errors?
Your right to dispute for free, what Florida's Credit Service Organizations Act and federal law require, and scam red flags.
Read the guideEvery guide is written by Travis Hart and cites primary sources like the CFPB, the FTC, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Education only. Not legal or financial advice. Results vary, and accurate, timely information can legally stay on your credit report.