Quick answer
A credit report dispute challenges information you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. Credit reporting companies generally must investigate within 30 days of receiving a dispute, with limited 45-day exceptions.
Why it matters
The practical meaning.
Disputes work best when they identify one specific item, explain the error, and include documents. The goal is to correct inaccurate reporting, not to remove accurate negative information early.
Key points
1.
Dispute with the credit reporting company and the company that supplied the information.
2.
Include copies of documents, not originals.
3.
Track submission dates and save investigation results.
Deadlines and timing
- Most credit-report disputes must be investigated within 30 days.
- Some reinvestigation periods can extend to 45 days in limited circumstances.