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Free credit dispute letter

Found a mistake on your credit report? Pick the credit bureau and what's wrong, and we fill in a dispute letter you can print and mail. Free, no sign-up. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Key facts

Disputing is free. The bureau must investigate free of charge, usually within 30 days of getting your letter (up to 45 if you send new information during that time). (FCRA 611, FTC)
Within 5 business days, the bureau must pass your dispute to the company that reported the item. (FCRA 611)
If the item is wrong, incomplete or can't be checked, the bureau must fix it or delete it, and send you the results in writing. (FCRA 611)
As long as it's correct, most negative information, like late payments and collections, can stay on your report for 7 years (bankruptcy 10). A dispute is for mistakes; it can't remove correct information. (FCRA 605, FTC)
Credit repair companies can't charge you before they finish the work. Everything they do, you can do yourself for free. (CROA)

Step 1: Get your free reports

Get your reports from all three bureaus free at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site (FTC). Circle each mistake. A mistake can be on one report and not the others, so send a letter to each bureau that shows it.

Step 2: Make your letter

Make your letter

Put these in the envelope

Send it by certified mail with a return receipt, so you know the day it arrived (FTC). Equifax's list of accepted ID and address documents: Equifax.

Your 30-day timeline

Investigation should be done by

Show the math

The law counts a 30-day period that begins on the day the bureau gets your dispute, so the day they get it is day 1 and day 30 is 29 days later. It can run up to 15 more days (to day 45) if you send them new information during the 30 days (FCRA 611).

Where to mail it

Equifax

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

Phone 1-888-378-4329 · Equifax dispute page

Experian

Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013

Phone 1-888-397-3742 · Experian dispute page

TransUnion

TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000

Phone 1-800-916-8800 · TransUnion dispute page

Addresses as each bureau lists them on its own dispute page. You can also dispute online or by phone; mail gives you a paper record.

Also tell the company

You can send the same dispute straight to the company that reported the item, at the address on your report. It must investigate too, usually within 30 days (12 CFR 1022.43, CFPB).

If it isn't fixed

Ask the bureau to add a short statement of your side to your report, or file a free complaint with the CFPB. For the full guide, see free credit reports and how to dispute errors.

Sources

15 U.S.C. 1681i (FCRA section 611): procedure in case of disputed accuracy (checked October 20, 2026)
15 U.S.C. 1681c (FCRA section 605): how long items can be reported (checked October 20, 2026)
15 U.S.C. 1679b (Credit Repair Organizations Act): no payment in advance (checked October 20, 2026)
FTC: Disputing errors on your credit reports (checked October 20, 2026)
CFPB: How do I dispute an error on my credit report? (checked October 20, 2026)
12 CFR 1022.43: disputing directly with the company that reported it (checked October 20, 2026)
Equifax: How to dispute credit report information by mail (checked October 20, 2026)
Equifax: Documents to validate ID or address (checked October 20, 2026)
Experian: Dispute credit report information (checked October 20, 2026)
TransUnion: Dispute your credit report by mail or phone (checked October 20, 2026)
AnnualCreditReport.com: free credit reports (official site) (checked October 20, 2026)

Next step: print your letter, sign it, add the copies listed above, and mail it by certified mail with a return receipt. Then mark day 30 on your calendar.

We don't file anything for you. You print, sign and mail the letter yourself. You can do all of this for free on your own; you never need to pay anyone to dispute. The letter is made in your browser: nothing you type is sent to us or saved. No company pays to be on this page, and there are no partner links. General information, not legal advice. Sources last checked 2026-10-20.

FAQ

How long does a credit bureau have to investigate a dispute?

Usually 30 days from the day it gets your dispute, and up to 45 days if you send new information during those 30 days (15 U.S.C. 1681i).

Where do I mail a credit dispute?

Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256. Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013. TransUnion Consumer Solutions, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000. These are the addresses each bureau lists on its own dispute page.

Do I have to pay to dispute my credit report?

No. Disputing is free, and the bureau must investigate free of charge. Credit repair companies can't charge you before they finish the work, and they can't remove accurate information.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.