How do I Remove Charge Back Items From a Credit Report?

Chargebacks are tools that consumers can use, under the the Fair Credit Billing Act, to obtain refunds through their credit card companies. If you purchase a product with a credit card, and that product is damaged, shoddy or otherwise unsatisfactory, you can contact the credit card company and have them "chargeback" the purchase. Usually this applies only to items over $50. While the refund should change the balance on your credit card, chargebacks should not show up as individual entities (trade lines) on your credit report. If you discover one, you should take steps to remove it.

Instructions

1

Access your credit report at Annual Credit Report to verify the chargeback in your report.

2

Circle the chargeback on the report and make three copies. Make three copies of your credit card account statement, which shows the chargeback credited to your account. If you have any correspondence between yourself and the creditor, make three copies of this too.

3

Draft a short letter explaining why you initiated the chargeback with your credit card company, and why it should not be on your credit report. Include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, your Social Security number, and date of birth. Include the account number for the credit card where the chargeback occurred. Ask the credit bureaus to review your copies of the documents and remove the chargeback, listed as a trade line, from your credit report.

4

Pay close attention to all numbers involved. Dealing with the credit bureaus can be frustrating. You'll want to make sure all of your account numbers are listed accurately.

5

Send your letter with the copies of your documents to all three credit bureaus. The credit bureaus are legally required to acknowledge your inquiry within 30 days of receipt. They must address the inquiry within the next 90 days. You might want to consider sending your request via certified mail or request confirmation that it was received by the credit bureaus.