Writing Credit Dispute Letters

How to write a credit dispute letter

When writing your dispute letter to a credit bureau, please remember these simple guidelines:

In most cases, it’s unnecessary to mention laws, procedures, court rulings, or threaten lawsuits, etc. The credit bureaus know the law.
Similarly, remember to be kind. Combative language doesn’t help and could hurt. You’re not going to scare the credit bureaus into doing anything.
Include copies of information that supports your claims, but remember, anything you send them can also be used against you. Do not send original documents. Please be very careful with this one. If you’re not sure, don’t send it.
Do not send original documents. Make and send copies, but always keep the originals for your own records.
Make it clear which item or items on your credit report you dispute. It’s not always necessary to tell them why you are disputing. The burden of proof is on them.
Credit bureaus are not obligated to investigate requests that appear frivolous. Make sure your letter is understandable and concise. It’s a good idea to proofread the letter before you send it.

Note: Always include a photocopy of your driver’s license, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport and a copy of your social security card, pay stub, W-2 or a recent utility bill. Only 2 forms of ID are required.

Sample Credit Dispute Letter

Below is a sample dispute letter that can be used for an Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion dispute. Please remember that these letters are just examples. They are intended to give you an idea of what a dispute letter should look like and what it should contain.

Tailor your message to your specific circumstances. It’s always best to write the letter in your own words and know what you are doing. If you don’t know what you are doing, it is possible to make your credit situation worse.

{Name} {Address} {City, St ZIP} Social Security number: {XXX-XX-XXXX} Date of birth: {XX/XX/19XX}

Equifax P. O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

01/01/2017

Dear Credit Reporting Agency,

Please provide evidence the following account belongs on my report and that my rights have not been abrogated. In the event that no record exists, please delete this damaging account information.

Account Name Account ####### Your report or confirmation number (if available).

{Name}

Note: The above letter is for an Equifax dispute, but works for all three credit bureaus. Replace their name & address to do a TransUnion dispute or an Experian dispute based on the information listed below.

TransUnion P. O. Box 1000 Chester, PA 19022

Experian 2220 Ritchey Santa Ana, CA 92705