Credit report mistakes to look for
The quick answer
The most common credit report mistakes are wrong personal details, accounts that belong to someone else, late payments you paid on time, wrong balances or limits, the same debt listed twice and wrong dates. Check each account on all three reports, because a mistake can show on one and not the others.
Mistakes about you
- A name, address or phone number that is not yours
- Accounts from someone with a name like yours
- Accounts opened by someone who stole your identity. See accounts that are not yours.
Mistakes in how an account is reported
- An account you closed shows as open.
- You are listed as the owner when you were only an authorized user.
- A payment you made on time shows as late.
- The date of your last payment, the date the account opened or the date you first fell behind is wrong.
- The same debt is listed more than once.
The date you first fell behind matters most. It decides how long a negative item can stay, so a wrong date can keep it on your report too long.
Wrong balances and limits
- A balance that is higher than what you owe
- A paid account that still shows a balance
- A credit limit that is lower than your real limit, which can make your card look maxed out
Mistakes that come back
- A mistake that was fixed and then shows up again
- The same account showing several times under different company names
A deleted item can only come back if the company certifies it is accurate, and the credit bureau has to tell you in writing within five business days.
How to check your report
- Get all three reports free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Go account by account. Compare each one with your own records, like statements and receipts.
- Write down every mistake and what is wrong with it.
- Dispute each one with every bureau that shows it. Use our sample dispute letter.
Common questions
Should I check accounts that look fine?
Yes. A wrong balance, limit or date on a good account can still hurt your score.
Can I dispute a mistake on just one report?
Yes. Dispute it with each bureau that shows it. The others do not need a letter.
Do it from your phone
Open your report in ZungiDill, tap what is wrong, and it writes the letter and reminds you when the answer is due.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Common errors on credit reports and how to get them fixed
- Federal Trade Commission: Disputing errors on your credit reports
- Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681i: disputes
- AnnualCreditReport.com, the official free credit report site
General information, not legal advice.