Finding a mistake on your Equifax credit report can feel overwhelming, but fixing it is often easier than you might expect. Even small errors—like an outdated address or an incorrect balance—can lower your credit score and affect your ability to qualify for loans, credit cards, or even housing.
Federal law gives you the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information with Equifax. Whether the issue is a simple typo or a serious error linked to identity theft, you can take steps to have it corrected.
This guide walks you through how to dispute errors on your Equifax credit report, what documents to include, and what to expect once you’ve filed your dispute.
Key Information in Your Equifax Credit Report
Your Equifax credit report includes several categories of information. Each plays a different role in shaping how lenders view your financial history:
- Personal details: Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current and past addresses, and employment information. These details help confirm your identity but do not influence your credit score.
- Account history: Information about your credit cards, loans, and mortgages. This section shows account numbers, balances, credit limits, payment history, and whether accounts are open or closed.
- Credit inquiries: A record of when lenders or other authorized parties have checked your credit. Hard inquiries can affect your credit score, while soft inquiries do not.
- Collections and public records: Accounts sent to collections, as well as legal matters reported by courts, such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, tax liens, or judgments.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute any information that is inaccurate or incomplete. If you notice errors, you should act quickly to have them corrected. And if you suspect identity theft, Equifax allows you to place a fraud alert or freeze your credit file to protect yourself from further harm.
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How to Dispute Your Equifax Credit Report
You can dispute inaccurate information with Equifax by mail, online, or by phone. While all three methods are available, filing by mail is generally the strongest option because it creates a paper trail and gives you more protection as a consumer.
How to Dispute Equifax by Mail
When sending a dispute letter, include all the key details Equifax needs to investigate your claim. Be sure to send your letter by certified mail with a return receipt requested so you have proof it was delivered.
Your dispute letter should include:
- Report confirmation number
- Your current address
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Name of the company that furnished the disputed information
- Account number of the item in question
- A clear explanation of why you are disputing the entry
- Any updates to your personal information (if applicable)
Equifax dispute mailing address:
Equifax
Consumer Dispute Center
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Send only copies of your documents, not the originals, and keep a complete file of everything you send.
How to File an Equifax Dispute Online
Mail is recommended, but Equifax does allow online disputes if you prefer a faster process. To submit your dispute online:
- Visit the Equifax Online Dispute page.
- Enter your identifying information under “Step 1: Authentication” and click “Continue.”
- Answer the verification questions about your credit file.
- Select the red “Dispute item” box under the entry you want corrected.
- Upload supporting documentation, then click “Continue.”
- Review your claim and submit it.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a 10-digit confirmation code. Write it down, as you’ll need it to check the status of your dispute.
How to Dispute Your Equifax Credit Report by Phone
Equifax also accepts disputes by phone at 1-866-349-5191 (available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST). Have your Equifax credit report handy, along with a pen and paper, so you can take notes and confirm where to send supporting documentation if required.
What Happens After You File an Equifax Dispute
Once you file your dispute, Equifax has 30 days to investigate and respond. During that time, they will contact the creditor or lender that reported the item and request verification.
- If the dispute is approved: The inaccurate information will be removed or corrected on your Equifax credit report. You’ll also receive a written notice with the results and a free updated credit report showing the changes.
- If the creditor does not respond: Equifax must remove the disputed entry because the account could not be verified.
- If the dispute is denied: You’ll receive a written notice explaining why the item will remain. At that point, you have the right to file another dispute, add a personal statement to your Equifax credit report, or move forward with other options.
How to Dispute Errors Directly with Your Creditor
In addition to filing with Equifax, you can go straight to the source by disputing with the creditor who reported the information. To do this:
- Write a letter identifying the account and explaining the error.
- Include a copy of your Equifax credit report with the item highlighted.
- Black out sensitive details like your full Social Security number or unrelated account numbers.
Once the creditor receives your dispute, they are legally required to investigate and report back to Equifax. If they can’t verify the account information, it must be removed from your credit report.
Does Disputing an Equifax Credit Report Affect Your Credit Score?
Filing a dispute itself does not hurt your credit score. However:
- Removing positive accounts: If you accidentally dispute and remove a well-managed account, your credit score could drop.
- Correcting personal details: Disputing information such as your name, address, or employment will not affect your score.
As long as you focus on inaccurate negative items, disputes are generally safe and beneficial.
Why Your Credit Score Might Rise During a Dispute
Sometimes your credit score temporarily increases while a dispute is under review. That’s because the FICO scoring model ignores accounts marked with an “XB” code (accounts under investigation). For example, if you dispute a high-balance account, that debt will stop factoring into your score until the review is complete.
Keep in mind:
- This boost is temporary. Once the dispute is resolved, the account will either be corrected or restored.
- Lenders and credit card issuers know when accounts are under dispute. You generally won’t be able to close on a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit product until the dispute is finished.
The goal isn’t a short-term bump but long-term accuracy and improvement in your credit history.
Final Thoughts
Correcting mistakes on your Equifax credit report is an important step in protecting your financial health. By filing disputes promptly, you ensure your credit history reflects the truth and supports your financial goals.
The best way to protect yourself is through regular credit monitoring. Spotting errors early makes disputes faster and less stressful. Whether you handle the process yourself or get help from a credit repair company, taking action keeps your credit profile accurate and strengthens your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my Equifax credit report?
You should review your Equifax credit report at least once a year. You can request a free copy from each credit bureau every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com, and more often if you’ve recently filed a dispute or suspect fraud.
Can I file more than one Equifax dispute at a time?
Yes, you can dispute multiple errors at once. List each disputed item clearly in your letter or online submission, and provide documentation for each so Equifax can investigate them together.
What documents help support an Equifax dispute?
Helpful documents include a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill for identity verification, payment receipts, bank statements, or court records that prove the error. Always send copies, not originals.
How long do corrected items stay on my Equifax credit report?
If Equifax removes an inaccurate item, it should not reappear unless the creditor proves it is valid. Accurate negative items, like late payments or bankruptcies, still remain for seven to ten years.
Can I get updates while my Equifax dispute is being reviewed?
Yes, you can check the status of your dispute online using your confirmation code or by calling Equifax directly. Updates are usually available within a few days of filing.
