How to Ask Creditors to Remove Negative Information From Your Credit Report

Your credit report is a record of your borrowing and payment history and its contents can have a profound impact on your life. Yet, 25 percent of all credit reports contain errors, according a study conducted by PIRG, a consumer group. Negative information and inaccuracies can damage your ability to rent or purchase a home, obtain credit or insurance, open a bank account, and get a job. While you cant have negative credit history removed from your report, if it's accurate, you should take action to correct all inaccuracies.

Instructions

1

Get your credit reports from the three major credit-reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can do this online at AnnualCreditReport.com (http://www.annualcreditreport.com).

If you can't access your credit reports online, request them in writing by providing your name, current and former addresses and employers, Social Security number, date of birth, and signature. Never send original documentation and always keep copies of your correspondence. Use certified mail for legal verifiable proof of your communication.

Equifax Inc.? ?
P.O. Box 740241 ?
Atlanta, GA 30374 ?
(888) 685-1111 ?
equifax.com??

TransUnion ?
2 Baldwin Place ?
P.O. Box 2000 ?
Chester, PA 19022 ?
(800) 888-4213 ?
transunion.com??

Experian? ?
P.O. Box 9595 ?
Allen, TX 75013 ?
(888) 397-3742 ?
experian.com

2

If ordering your reports online, choose your state and hit \"request report.\" Complete the requested information and select \"continue.\" Verify your identification and proceed. Choose the credit reports you wish to access, but you should obtain the reports from all three bureaus. View and print your reports.

3

Check for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find incorrect entries, complete the dispute forms online or write to each credit-reporting agency. Explain any errors succinctly, and respectfully request an investigation. Credit-reporting agencies are allowed 30 days to contact creditors and verify your claims. After the 30-day period, the credit bureaus must inform you in writing of their findings and provide you with a new, free credit report if any changes have been made.

4

Contact each creditor and request that negative information be removed from your credit history. It never hurts to ask. If you've improved your payment history, creditors might be inclined to give you a second chance. Remember to keep copies of your correspondence, especially if you receive letters or receipts showing your account in good standing. Provide copies of any favorable documentation to the credit bureaus.

5

Inaccuracies could indicate identity theft. If your identity has been compromised, immediately place a fraud alert on all of your credit reports by calling just one of the credit-reporting agencies. Contact your creditors and bank and close your credit cards, debit cards and bank accounts. File a fraud complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by going online to ftccomplaintassistant.gov or calling (877) ID-THEFT, and file a fraud complaint with your local police department.