Even if you’re making timely payments and have a stellar credit rating, it’s a good idea to monitor your credit report. Credit bureaus and lenders can make mistakes, too, so you need to try and keep a close on your report and take action as needed.
Identify Issues
The first thing you need to do is identify any issues in the credit report. That could mean anything from fraudulent accounts to items that have been paid off, but are not marked as such on the report.
File a Dispute
When you file a dispute, send it to all three credit bureaus. You can only file one dispute every 30 days, but you can put as many items on it as you need to. We’ve provided the addresses for the credit bureaus to help make this process easier for you. When you write the letter, you will want to tell them why you are writing and offer as many details and copies of receipts and other documentation as possible, but never send the originals. Once the dispute is filed, the credit bureaus have 30 days to respond to it. If the item(s) is not removed or repaired, you can request that an entry be included next to the item so that potential lenders can see what you have to say about it.
Credit Bureau Addresses
Experian National Consumer Assistance Center
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
Transunion Consumer Relations
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000
Equifax Credit Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
~Here’s to Your Financial Health!
