Dispute a Debt

Dispute a debt summary:

Disputing a debt involves notifying a creditor, debt collector, or credit bureau that a debt account isn’t yours or is incorrectly marked as unpaid.
You can dispute a debt with a creditor or collector within 30 days from when you're first contacted.
You need to dispute the debt in writing. Some credit report disputes can also be done online through the credit bureaus' websites.

Dispute a Debt Definition and Meaning

Disputing a debt means telling a creditor, debt collector, or credit bureau in writing that a debt account is incorrect. You can dispute a debt when you’re contacted about repaying a debt (or notice a debt on your credit reports) that has already been repaid or that you believe doesn't belong to you at all.

More about Disputing a Debt You Don't Owe

If you're contacted about a debt that doesn't belong to you, or that you’ve repaid, then you can dispute that debt with the creditor or debt collector. You can follow these steps:

Confirm it's not a scam. The first thing to do is check if the person is a real debt collector. Ask for their name, address, and phone number.
Request a validation notice. Debt collectors are required to tell you the name of the creditor, the original creditor (if different than the current owner of the debt), the amount owed, and that you're entitled to dispute the debt within 30 days.
Mail a dispute letter. You must mail your dispute letter in writing within the 30-day period. Sending this letter by certified mail is recommended so you’ll have proof you sent it.
Provide supporting documents. If you're contacted about a debt you have already repaid, it can help to provide evidence of repayment.
Keep notes of communications. Make sure to jot down dates and times of phone conversations and save copies of written communication for your records.

How to Dispute a Debt on Your Credit Report

You can dispute a debt on your credit reports if it's wrong, like a debt that's paid off but still showing up on your credit report. You can also dispute a debt account that doesn't belong to you.

The three major credit bureaus are independent agencies, so you'll need to dispute your account with each bureau separately. The process can be done online:

If the credit bureau finds that the debt account was reported incorrectly, it will be removed from your credit report within 30 days. Keep in mind that only accounts that are in error can be removed through a credit report dispute.

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Dispute a Debt FAQs

Can I dispute something I don’t like on my credit report?

Technically, yes, you can file a dispute about anything on your credit report. If that item is accurate, however, filing the dispute won't make it go away. The credit bureau will verify that the item is accurate, and that will be that.

It doesn't mean you're not stuck with a negative item forever, though. Here's how long different types of accounts stay on your credit reports:

Late payments and collections stay on your credit report for seven years.
Certain bankruptcy items remain for 10 years.
Accounts that are open and in good standing stay on indefinitely.
Accounts closed in good standing stay for 10 years.
Hard inquiries stay on for two years.

How long do you have to dispute credit report errors?

There's no deadline for disputing credit report errors. If it’s on your credit report, that means it was reported this month and will probably be reported next month. Dispute errors as soon as you discover them. That’s why checking your credit report at least annually is so important.

Can disputing errors hurt your credit?

Filing a credit report dispute has no impact on your credit. A successful dispute may even help your credit, particularly if a negative account is removed that didn't belong to you and was dragging down your credit scores.