How to Correct Credit Information

Credit reports are viewed by banks, insurers and employers as a method for screening applicants. "Your credit report contains information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy," according to the Federal Trade Commission website. Accurate credit information will give requestors a true representation of your credit.

Instructions

1




Order a copy of your credit report.

Request a copy of your credit report from the Annual Credit Report website at AnnualCreditReport.com, the federal government-recommended site. One free credit report is available per year from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can order credit reports from all three companies at once or choose to spread your reports over a 12-month period. Credit reports are only available upon request.

2

Review your credit data for incorrect information. Analyze your open and closed accounts, public records, employment history, address records, date of birth and Social Security number. Ensure your name is spelled correctly and note any variations for which you are not associated. Also, confirm collections, judgments and tax liens that have been paid, are reported properly.

3

List items that are incorrect. As you discover credit information that is flawed, make notes of each error.

4

Gather your personal documents. To have information corrected or changed on your credit report, you will have to establish your identity. A copy of your driver's license or a state-issued identification card and Social Security card will suffice.

5




Locate your payment records.

Assemble your records. For items that you dispute such as a paid collection or an account that has been closed, you will need to supply information that supports your claim. Copies of paid receipts and canceled checks may be required to correct your credit information.

6

File a dispute to have your credit information corrected. The credit report that you get online has a section for disputing erroneous credit information. Complete the requested information for each dispute. After verification of your disputes, the credit bureaus will correct your information accordingly.

7

Write a letter to each credit bureau for information that remains unresolved. A sample credit dispute letter is also available on the Federal Trade Commission website.