How to Get Outdated Information Removed From My Credit Report

Old and outdated information can cause problems with your credit report, whether it results from prescreened offers going to a former address or incorrect credit information being associated with your file. You can submit a report detailing the inaccuracies on your credit report, whether it's for an account that needs to be removed or addresses you haven't used in years. The three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These credit reporting agencies contact the party that provided the disputed data to determine the accuracy of the information. The information is updated if necessary, and it is removed if the party that supplied the information does not respond to the credit reporting agency's request within 30 to 45 days.

Instructions

TransUnion

1

Click TransUnion's dispute page on the TransUnion website.

2

Click "First Time" to sign up for an account if you are new to TransUnion's website. If you have requested a credit report through annualcreditreport.com, you have a TransUnion account already. Likewise, if you ever used TransUnion credit services for monitoring or reviewing your report, you have an account. Click "Returning Users" to log in to your current or newly created account.

3

Click "Credit Report" and "Report Inaccuracy" to navigate to the dispute page. A dispute request asks the credit reporting agency to update your records with accurate information.

4

Click "Submit Dispute." Check each section of your TransUnion credit report, clicking any accounts and credit information that is not accurate. Click "Request Investigation" for each section that is inaccurate. Click "Submit."

Experian

5

Open Experian's online dispute web page on the Experian website. Experian requires everyone filing a a dispute or requesting a change in his credit information to have a credit report less than 90 days old. If you need a report, Experian provides a number of ways for you to obtain one.

6

Click the option labeled "Yes, I have a credit report number" once you obtain an Experian credit report. Enter the number and your personal information on this page. Click "Submit."

7

Click "Dispute this item" for any item on your credit report that is inaccurate or outdated. Provide the reason this item should be removed. Click "Submit this dispute."

Equifax

8

Click Equifax's dispute page link on the Equifax website.

9

Provide the Equifax credit report number, if you have one, in the first field. If you do not, skip this field and fill out the rest of the requested information. Click "Submit."

10

Answer each identification question with the multiple-choice selections. These questions determine whether you are the proper person requesting your credit report. Click "Submit."

11

Click each section of the Equifax credit report to check for outdated information. Click "Dispute this item" and provide the outdated information. Click "Add this dispute."