If you have errors or old debts on your credit record that need to be removed, you should know how to go about reporting them. You can repair your credit yourself.

Why It Matters: It is possible that there are errors on your credit report. Finding and reporting them can help you raise your credit score and increase your chances of obtaining loans and new lines of credit.

What You Need to Know: Everything in your credit report must be accurate and verifiable. If you find something in your report that you question, it almost always can be removed.

1. The first thing you should do is order a copy of your report from the three credit bureaus. Once every 12 months, you are entitled to a free report and can obtain it by contacting the Annual Credit Report Request service. You can visit them online at www.annualcreditreport.com, call them at 877-322-8228, or request your report via mail by writing to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281. You are also entitled a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureaus if you are declined credit. You have 60 days after receiving the denial notice to get your credit report for free.

2. Review the report carefully for any mistakes or old debts. Ask yourself:
   • Are the balances, credit limits, payment information and open dates all correct?
     
   • Is the date of last activity correct?
     
   • Is the account being reported by a creditor and a collection agency?
     
   • Has the debt been paid off but is still reflected?
     
   • Did you close an account that still states it is open?
     
   • Is a current account paid but showing up as delinquent?
     
   • Is your name and other personal information correct?
     
   • Are there duplicate accounts listed?
     
   • Are there any medical bills listed that insurance should have paid?
     

   • Did you file bankruptcy but not all accounts included are listed as such?

3. If you do have errors, you should report them immediately. The longer they sit on your credit report, the more harm they can do. Correcting even a small error can increase your score by several points. To report an error:
   • Send a letter to the credit bureau reporting the information you think is incorrect. Make sure you provide any copies of supporting documentation you may have. They must investigate any disputes and provide the results to you in writing.
     
   • Always dispute an item with the reporting credit bureau. Involving the other bureaus may cause confusion and further inaccuracies.
     
   • Report the dispute to your creditor, also including any copies of supporting documentation.

Steps to Take:

1. Check your credit report each year and verify all information in it.
   
2. Be proactive. If you have an error on your report, take the proper steps to remove it. It only serves to benefit you.
   
3. Credit bureaus are not perfect. Don't assume they can't make mistakes.
   
4. Keep precise records of your debts and credit information.
   
5. Keep copies of all correspondence you have when disputing a credit report error. Try to keep all communication in writing, as this is more substantial.

Select a link from the list below to begin learning more about your credit.

Get a FREE Copy of Your Credit Report
It’s Never Too Late to Repair Your Credit
Inside Your Credit Report
What’s In Your FICO Score
What Is Good Credit
Establishing Good Credit
How to Improve Your FICO Score
Using Credit Cards Wisely
30 Reasons Your Credit Score Is Low
Repairing Your Own Credit
Judgment Strategies
Facts About Credit Inquiries
Your Rights Regarding Debt Collection
Divorce and Credit
Coming Back After Bankruptcy
Charge-Off Debt & the Seven Year Rule
Top Ten Do's and Don'ts During the Loan Process
Identity Theft and the FACT Act
CRC – What You Can Expect