Use this checklist before filing a dispute with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Educational only — not legal advice. A dispute does not guarantee removal, correction, or a score change.
- I pulled my own credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or another lawful source.
- I can point to the exact line item (account, balance, status, inquiry, or personal info) I believe is wrong.
- I understand that accurate negative information generally cannot be removed just because it hurts my score.
- Copy of the report page showing the error (with bureau name and report date noted)
- Photo ID and proof of address if the bureau's current instructions require them
- Supporting records for my specific situation (statements, payoff letters, police report for identity theft, etc.)
- I reviewed the credit dispute document checklist for document ideas by dispute type
- I redacted full Social Security numbers, full card numbers, and full bank account numbers on attachments when possible
- I am sending copies, keeping originals
- Plain-English description of why the item is inaccurate
- What I want investigated (delete, update balance, correct dates, etc.)
- Optional: used the dispute letter template as a starting point
- Read the how-to dispute credit report errors guide for process context
Confirm current steps on the official page — do not use unofficial phone lists.
| Bureau | Official hub | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| TransUnion | https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/dispute-your-credit | [ ] |
| Experian | https://www.experian.com/disputes/main.html | [ ] |
| Equifax | https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-dispute/ | [ ] |
- If the same error appears on more than one bureau's report, I will file with each bureau that lists it
- I saved the submission date and confirmation number (online) or mailing receipt (mail)
- I started a tracking log (see
docs/bureau-response-tracking.md) - I marked my calendar for the typical investigation window described in CFPB materials
- I will re-pull reports after the response to verify all three bureaus if needed