Your Rights Under the FCRA: Disputing Inaccurate Items

A lot of people feel powerless about their credit, as if the bureaus get the final word. They don't. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that gives you specific, enforceable rights — and using them is exactly how accurate reports get cleaned up.

Here's what you're entitled to.

The right to an accurate report

Credit bureaus are required to follow "reasonable procedures" to keep your file accurate. If something on your report is inaccurate, incomplete, or can't be verified, you have the right to dispute it.

The right to dispute — for free

You can file a dispute directly with the bureau at no cost. Once you do, the bureau generally has 30 days to investigate and respond. If the information can't be verified, it must be corrected or removed.

A strong dispute usually includes:

• A clear statement of what's wrong
• The specific account or item in question
• Any documentation that supports your claim

The right to know who's looking

You're entitled to see who has accessed your report. Unauthorized or unfamiliar inquiries are worth a closer look, especially if you suspect identity theft.

The right to add a statement

If a dispute doesn't resolve the way you believe it should, you can add a brief statement of dispute to your file so future readers see your side.

What credit repair can — and can't — do

A legitimate credit-repair company helps you exercise these rights: identifying questionable items, organizing documentation, and challenging inaccurate or unverifiable information the right way. What no honest company can do is guarantee a specific score or remove information that is accurate and timely. By law (the Credit Repair Organizations Act, or CROA), a company also can't charge you before the work is performed.

If you've got items you believe are inaccurate, you don't have to navigate it alone — but you should never feel pressured or promised a number.

This article is educational and not legal or financial advice. Results vary by individual.