Disputing inaccuracies on your credit report is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy credit score. Errors, outdated information, or even accounts that don’t belong to you can negatively impact your ability to secure loans, rent an apartment, or even get a job. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute information on your credit reports and requires credit bureaus to investigate your claims. This article provides 13 sample letters you can adapt to challenge various inaccuracies and work towards a more accurate and favorable credit profile.
These sample letters cover a range of common credit report discrepancies. Remember to always send your dispute letters via certified mail with return receipt requested, allowing you to track delivery and have proof that the credit bureau received your request. Keep copies of all letters and supporting documentation for your records. Be clear and concise in your communication, focusing on the specific inaccuracies you want corrected. It’s important to understand that removing legitimate, negative information is generally not possible; these letters are designed for disputing errors.
13 Sample Letters to Remove Items from Your Credit Report
Sample Letter 1: General Dispute of Inaccurate Information
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report. I am enclosing a copy of my credit report with the disputed item(s) highlighted.
[Describe the inaccurate item(s) in detail. Be specific. Include account numbers, dates, and amounts.]
I believe this information is inaccurate because [Explain why you believe the information is inaccurate. Be factual and provide supporting documentation if available.]
I request that you investigate this matter and remove the inaccurate information from my credit report. Please provide me with written confirmation of your investigation results and any corrections made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Dispute of an Account Not Belonging to You
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Account Not Belonging to Me
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute an account listed on my credit report that does not belong to me. I am enclosing a copy of my credit report with the disputed account highlighted.
The account in question is: [Account Name, Account Number (if available)]
I have never opened or authorized this account. I believe this may be a case of identity theft or mistaken identity. I request that you immediately remove this account from my credit report and conduct a thorough investigation.
I am also providing a copy of my driver’s license and a recent utility bill as proof of my identity and address.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Dispute of Outdated Information
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Outdated Information on Credit Report
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute information on my credit report that is older than seven years and should be removed according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). I am enclosing a copy of my credit report with the disputed item(s) highlighted.
[Describe the outdated item(s) in detail. Be specific. Include account numbers, dates, and amounts.]
According to the FCRA, negative information, with some exceptions such as bankruptcy, should be removed from my credit report after seven years. I request that you investigate this matter and remove the outdated information from my credit report. Please provide me with written confirmation of your investigation results and any corrections made.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Dispute of a Duplicate Account
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Duplicate Account on Credit Report
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute a duplicate account that is appearing on my credit report. This account appears to be a redundant listing of an existing account.
The accounts in question are: [List both account names and numbers, highlighting the duplicate.]
I believe this is a duplicate because [Explain why you believe it is a duplicate. For example, “the account numbers are nearly identical and represent the same debt.”]. This duplicate listing is negatively impacting my credit score. I request that you investigate this matter and remove the duplicate account from my credit report.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Dispute After Identity Theft
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute Due to Identity Theft
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute inaccuracies on my credit report that are the result of identity theft. I have already filed a police report and attached a copy for your reference.
The fraudulent items include: [List all accounts, debts, or other information that are fraudulent.]
Because these items are the result of identity theft, I request that you block the reporting of all information relating to the above-mentioned fraudulent accounts, as provided under Section 605B of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. I am enclosing a copy of the police report as well as a completed identity theft affidavit.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Dispute of a Debt with Incorrect Balance
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Incorrect Balance on Credit Report
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the balance reported for the following account on my credit report, which I believe is incorrect:
[Account Name and Account Number]
The balance listed on my credit report is [Amount Reported]. The correct balance is [Your Correct Balance]. [Explain why the reported balance is incorrect. For example, “I made a payment on [Date] for [Amount], which should have reduced the balance.”] I am attaching documentation to support my claim, including [List attached documents, e.g., bank statements, payment confirmations].
Please investigate this matter and correct the balance on my credit report. I request written confirmation of the correction.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Dispute of Late Payment History
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Inaccurate Late Payment History
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the reported late payment history on my credit report for the following account:
[Account Name and Account Number]
According to my records, [Explain why the late payment history is inaccurate. For example, “I made all payments on time,” or “The payment was late due to [reason, e.g., a billing error by the creditor], which has since been resolved.”] I am attaching documentation to support my claim, including [List attached documents, e.g., bank statements, payment confirmations, letters from the creditor].
I request that you investigate this matter and remove the inaccurate late payment entries from my credit report. I request written confirmation of the correction.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Dispute of a Closed Account Reported as Open
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute: Closed Account Incorrectly Reported as Open
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the status of the following account, which is incorrectly being reported as “open” on my credit report when it has been closed for some time:
[Account Name and Account Number]
This account was closed on [Date of Account Closure]. I am attaching documentation to support my claim, including [List attached documents, e.g., a letter from the creditor confirming closure]. The incorrect “open” status is negatively impacting my credit utilization ratio.
I request that you investigate this matter and update the status of this account to “closed” on my credit report. I request written confirmation of the correction.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Second Dispute Letter (If First Was Ignored)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Second Request: Dispute of Inaccurate Information on Credit Report – Account [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to follow up on my previous dispute letter, dated [Date of Original Letter], regarding inaccurate information on my credit report. I have not received a response or confirmation that the disputed items have been investigated.
I am again disputing the following information related to account [Account Number]: [Specifically describe the inaccurate information again.] I have enclosed a copy of my original dispute letter and supporting documentation.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires you to investigate disputed information within 30 days. Please investigate this matter immediately and provide me with written confirmation of your investigation results and any corrections made.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Request for Method of Verification
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
[Credit Bureau City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Method of Verification – Account [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to your communication dated [Date of Credit Bureau’s Response] regarding my dispute of information on my credit report for account [Account Number]. While you state that the information has been verified, I request detailed information regarding the method used to verify the accuracy of this information.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I am entitled to know the specific details of the verification process. Please provide me with a written explanation of the process used to verify the disputed information, including the source of the information and the documents relied upon.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Disputing with the Creditor Directly
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
[Creditor City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Dispute of Inaccurate Information – Account [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute inaccurate information that you are reporting to the credit bureaus regarding account number [Account Number].
The specific inaccuracy is: [Clearly explain the inaccurate information – e.g., incorrect balance, late payment history, etc.]
I believe this information is incorrect because [Explain why you believe the information is inaccurate and provide any supporting documentation.] I am enclosing copies of [List any enclosed documents supporting your claim].
Please investigate this matter and correct the information you are reporting to the credit bureaus. I request written confirmation that you have corrected the information and that you have notified the credit bureaus of the correction.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Requesting Goodwill Deletion
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Creditor Name]
[Creditor Address]
[Creditor City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Request for Goodwill Deletion of Late Payment – Account [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to respectfully request a goodwill deletion of a late payment that occurred on [Date of Late Payment] for account number [Account Number].
Since that time, I have consistently made on-time payments and have been a loyal customer/client of yours for [Number] years. The circumstances surrounding this late payment were due to [Briefly explain the reason for the late payment – e.g., a temporary financial hardship, a medical emergency, etc.]. I understand that late payments can negatively impact credit scores, and I am working hard to improve my credit.
I am hopeful that you will consider my request for a goodwill adjustment given my payment history and the circumstances surrounding the late payment. I understand this is an exception to your standard policy, and I greatly appreciate your consideration.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Requesting Validation of Debt
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Debt Collector Name]
[Debt Collector Address]
[Debt Collector City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Formal Request for Debt Validation – Account [Account Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in response to your letter dated [Date of Debt Collector’s Letter] regarding account number [Account Number]. I am formally requesting validation of this debt under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Please provide the following information to validate this debt:
- The original creditor’s name and address
- The original account number
- A copy of the original contract or agreement that created the debt
- An itemized accounting of the current balance, including all charges and fees
- Proof that you are legally entitled to collect this debt
Until this debt is properly validated, I request that you cease all communication with me regarding this account. Please note that if you cannot provide the requested validation within 30 days, you are required by law to cease collection activities.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
Utilizing these sample letters is a proactive approach to ensuring the accuracy of your credit report. While no letter guarantees removal of a legitimate debt, they provide a structured way to dispute inaccuracies and enforce your rights under the FCRA. Remember to tailor each letter to your specific situation, provide supporting documentation whenever possible, and maintain diligent records of all correspondence. Consistent follow-up and a clear understanding of your rights are essential for achieving a fair and accurate credit report. Regularly review your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to identify and address any issues promptly.
