Federal law overview
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681i, requires credit bureaus to investigate disputed items within 30 days (or 45 days if you provide additional information). The bureau must notify the furnisher of the dispute. If the furnisher cannot verify the information, the bureau must delete or correct it.
Generic AI prompt template
I am disputing the following item on my [EQUIFAX / EXPERIAN / TRANSUNION] credit report: [CREDITOR NAME, ACCOUNT NUMBER (last 4), TYPE OF ERROR — e.g., account not mine / balance incorrect / late payment posted in error / account discharged in bankruptcy still showing as active]. Draft a formal FCRA Section 611 dispute letter that: (1) clearly identifies the disputed item, (2) states the specific inaccuracy, (3) lists the enclosed documentation (e.g., payment records, discharge order, identity theft report), (4) demands investigation and correction within 30 days under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i, and (5) requests a free copy of my updated report after the investigation. My full name is [NAME], date of birth [DOB], address [ADDRESS], SSN last four [XXXX].
State-specific guides — FCRA Credit Dispute
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Frequently asked questions
Do I dispute with the bureau, the creditor, or both? +
Both. Send a dispute to each bureau reporting the error AND to the original furnisher (the lender or collector that reported the account). The bureaus are required to forward your dispute to the furnisher. Disputing directly with the furnisher also triggers FCRA obligations on their side.
What if the bureau says the item is verified? +
Ask the bureau for the 'method of verification' — the specific process and data used to confirm the item. This is your right under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(6). If the verification is vague, you have grounds for a second dispute or a lawsuit.
Can I sue if the error is not corrected? +
Yes. The FCRA allows consumers to sue credit bureaus and furnishers for willful noncompliance ($100–$1,000 statutory damages per violation) or for negligent noncompliance (actual damages). Attorney fees are also recoverable.
Is a credit repair company worth using? +
Credit repair companies charge for services you can do yourself for free under the FCRA. The FTC warns that many make claims they cannot deliver. The FCRA's dispute process is available to you at no cost — a well-drafted letter is as effective as anything a credit repair company sends.