Something wrong on your credit report? Start here.
Start by naming the exact problem: a wrong balance, a paid collection still showing as owed, a duplicate debt, or an account that is not yours. Each guide lists records to gather, steps for a self-directed dispute, and details to check after a response.
Not sure which fits? Compare the descriptions below and choose the closest match. Reviewing your own reports doesn't lower your score.
About 1 in 5 consumers finds an error on at least one of their three credit reports, per the FTC. Compare all three reports because the same item may not appear on each one.
Choose the issue showing on your report
Choose the closest match. Each page lists documents to gather, dispute steps for the bureau and furnisher, and details to check after a response.
Wrong Balance on Your Credit Report
Use this page when a report balance, amount past due, credit limit, or payoff status does not match your statement or lender records.
Open page Collection StatusPaid Collection Still Showing Unpaid
Use this page when payment or settlement records show a collection was resolved but a credit report still lists a balance or unpaid status.
Open page Duplicate DebtDuplicate Collection Account on Your Credit Report
Use this page when two collection entries may refer to the same original debt, especially after a transfer or sale.
Open page Mixed FileAccount That Is Not Yours on Your Credit Report
Use this page when you do not recognize an account and need to distinguish an unfamiliar creditor name from a mixed file or identity theft.
Open page Late PaymentWrong Late Payment on Your Credit Report
Use this page when a 30-, 60-, or 90-day late mark does not match your statements, payment confirmations, or account agreement.
Open page Reporting DatesOld Debt Re-Aged or Wrong Delinquency Date
Use this page when the date of first delinquency, estimated removal date, or age of a collection or charge-off appears wrong.
Open page Medical CollectionMedical Collection After Insurance or Payment
Use this page when a medical collection remains after insurance payment, direct payment, a billing adjustment, or financial assistance.
Open page InquiryHard Inquiry You Do Not Recognize
Use this page when you do not recognize a hard inquiry and need to check whether it came from a lender, an application, or identity theft.
Open page Identity InformationWrong Address, Name, or Employer on Your Credit Report
Use this page when a name, address, employer, phone number, or Social Security number variation is wrong or unfamiliar.
Open page Identity TheftIdentity-Theft Account on Your Credit Report
Use this page for an account created through identity theft. It covers FTC reports, fraud alerts, freezes, disputes, and FCRA block requests.
Open pageFour steps for documenting a report error
The documents vary by issue. Compare all three reports, identify the exact item, gather proof, dispute with the bureau and furnisher, and then check the updated reports.
- 1
Pull current reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- 2
Mark the exact field that's wrong: bureau, account, date, balance, status, or identity detail.
- 3
Gather copies of statements, letters, payment records, identity records, or fraud reports.
- 4
Track dispute dates, confirmation numbers, responses, and whether the same item returns later.
Credit reports and scores
Read how credit reports are organized, which details to check, and which factors can affect a credit score.
About Credit Proud: Credit Proud is independently owned and is an affiliate marketing partner of Credit Wellness. Its educational resources are free.
Compare report-review plans
Lite and Ultra include different levels of three-bureau report access, monitoring, and dispute-management tools.
Lite
- Reports from all three bureaus
- Dark web monitoring
- Monthly reports
- Dispute-management tools
Ultra
- Reports from all three bureaus
- Dark web monitoring
- Monthly reports
- Expanded dispute-management tools
- Priority customer support
- 90-day happiness guarantee