How to Write a Credit Inquiry Removal Letter

If you’ve checked your credit report and spotted unfamiliar credit inquiries, it could be a reporting error or a sign of identity theft. While a few inquiries won’t do much to your credit score, too many—especially ones you didn’t authorize—can lower your chances of getting approved for new credit.

This guide explains how to write a credit inquiry removal letter and includes a free template you can use to dispute unauthorized hard inquiries in 2025.

What is a credit inquiry removal letter?

A credit inquiry removal letter is a written request you send to a credit bureau asking them to remove a hard credit inquiry from your credit report. This letter is usually used when you notice an inquiry that you didn’t authorize.

When the credit bureau receives your letter, they must contact the company that placed the inquiry and ask them to verify that you gave permission. If the company can’t provide proof, the bureau has to remove the inquiry from your report.

When should you dispute a credit inquiry?

You should send a credit inquiry dispute if you notice a hard inquiry on your report that you don’t recognize or didn’t approve. This can happen because of a clerical mistake or because someone else tried to open credit in your name.

Even though a few inquiries won’t do major damage, too many can lower your credit score. Removing unauthorized inquiries can help protect your score and catch potential fraud early.

How to Write a Credit Inquiry Removal Letter

Writing a credit inquiry removal letter is simple, but it’s important to include the right details. Your letter should clearly state which inquiry you’re disputing and explain that you didn’t authorize it. You’ll also need to provide enough information so the credit bureau can investigate your claim.

Once your letter is ready, send it to the credit bureau that listed the inquiry. Always use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof they received it.

Step 1: Check If the Inquiry Is Worth Disputing

Before you jump into writing a dispute letter, make sure the inquiry is worth addressing. Some inquiries aren’t worth the time or effort to remove.

Hard vs. Soft Inquiries

Hard inquiries happen when you apply for credit and give a lender permission to check your report. These can lower your credit score slightly and stay on your report for two years.

Soft inquiries happen when you check your own credit or when a lender checks your report for promotional offers. These do not affect your credit score and usually don’t need to be disputed.

When to Dispute

• You didn’t authorize the inquiry.
• You don’t recognize the lender or company name.
• You suspect identity theft.

When Not to Bother

• The inquiry is legitimate. If you applied for credit and the lender checked your report, the inquiry is valid.
• The inquiry is older than one year. It might still appear on your report, but it no longer affects your credit score.

Step 2: Write Your Credit Inquiry Removal Letter

Once you’ve confirmed that the inquiry is worth disputing, it’s time to write your letter.

Key Details to Include

Your letter should clearly explain which inquiry you’re disputing and request its removal. Make sure to include:

• Your full name and address: This should match the information on your credit report.
• A clear statement of the dispute: Explain that you’re disputing an unauthorized hard inquiry.
• Details of the inquiry: List the name of the company that made the inquiry and the date it appeared on your report.
• A request for removal: Ask the credit bureau to delete the inquiry if the creditor can’t prove you authorized it.
• A request for an updated credit report: Once the investigation is complete, ask for a copy of your updated report.
• Your signature: Sign the letter before sending it.

It’s also a good idea to include a copy of the credit report page showing the inquiry, with the inquiry highlighted.

Credit Inquiry Removal Letter Template

Here’s a sample letter you can use. Be sure to personalize it with your own details.

Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents

Including the right documents will help the credit bureau verify your identity and process your dispute faster. You should include:

• A copy of your credit report with the disputed inquiry highlighted.
• Proof of identity such as a driver’s license or state ID.
• Proof of address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.
• Your Social Security number (only the last four digits unless the bureau asks for the full number).

Step 4: Send Your Letter to the Credit Bureau

Mail your letter and supporting documents to the credit bureau that listed the inquiry. If the inquiry appears on reports from more than one bureau, send a separate letter to each one.

Mailing Addresses

Equifax
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Certified Mail Advice

Always send your letter by certified mail with a return receipt. This provides proof that the bureau received your dispute and helps you track the timeline for their response.

Step 5: Decide Whether to Dispute Online or by Mail

All three credit bureaus allow you to dispute inquiries online, which can be faster and easier. But online forms may not let you include as much detail or supporting documents.

If you want to provide complete information and create a paper trail, mailing a physical letter is usually the better choice.

What happens after you send the letter?

Once the credit bureau receives your letter, they will contact the company that placed the inquiry and ask them to verify that you authorized it.

By law, the company has 30 days to respond. If they cannot provide proof that you approved the inquiry, the credit bureau must remove it from your report.

After the investigation, the bureau will mail you the results along with an updated copy of your credit report if any changes were made.

How Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score (And When They Fall Off)

Hard inquiries can lower your credit score by a few points—usually around five. However, if you have many hard inquiries in a short period, the impact can be more noticeable.

The good news is that:

• Inquiries only affect your score for 12 months.
• They automatically fall off your credit report after two years.

If you applied for several credit products recently, those inquiries will stop affecting your credit score after the first year.

See also: When Do Hard Inquiries Fall Off Your Credit Report?

What to Do If It’s Actually Identity Theft

If you find inquiries you didn’t authorize and suspect identity theft, act quickly. Here’s what to do:

1. Visit identitytheft.gov to report the theft and create a recovery plan.
2. Contact the companies that placed the inquiries and let them know you believe they were made fraudulently.
3. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports to stop further inquiries or new accounts.

Reporting identity theft early can help limit the damage and prevent more serious issues down the road.

When to Hire a Credit Repair Company

If the thought of handling disputes yourself feels overwhelming—or if you have other negative items on your report—you might consider hiring a credit repair company.

A reputable company can help:

• Dispute unauthorized inquiries.
• Challenge other negative marks like late payments or collections.
• Save you time and effort.

However, not everyone needs professional help. If inquiries are your only concern, and you feel comfortable sending dispute letters, you can handle the process on your own.

Final Thoughts

Removing unauthorized credit inquiries from your report is a smart way to protect your credit score and prevent fraud. With the right steps—and the free template provided—you can dispute inquiries by mail or online and keep your credit report accurate.

If the inquiries are legitimate or too old to matter, it’s usually best to focus your time on more serious credit issues that have a bigger impact on your credit score.