How do I write a letter to crediting agencies to make a correction?

Factual Questions
1

Hi, it’s me. I recently found out that there is an error on my credit report. It’s an old loan that has been paid but still looks like it’s in some limbo from something my landlord showed me. I just got all my paperwork in order w. copies to show that the loan is all taken care of… now what?

I’ve been told that there are a “Big Three” of these agencies that do credit reports. Where can I find them, and how much information should I include in a letter along with the proof of payment?

Any info and even simple links would be appreciated. Thanks

2

Visit their websites for instructions. Generally, you have two options:

  1. Challenge the reported item in an attempt to remove it from your credit history. This requires a letter containing documentation.

  2. Write a short explanation that will appear on your credit report following that particular item.

I had a huge error on my report (showed up with all three companies), and spent a whole day trying to figure out how to speak to an actual human being to get it cleared up. The system seems to be set up to make it very difficult for consumers to deal with the company unless you pay them for the service.

Incidentally, I was told that I could file either a challenge or an explanation, but not both. It took me almost three years to get the item cleared up.

Good luck.

3

The credit services will generally not accept “proof of payment” from you, at least not right away. If you dispute an item on the report, they will investigate with the creditor. If the creditor does not agree with you, you need to settle that first. It may therefore be easier and faster to contact the creditor first.

The first thing you’ll need to deal with the credit bureau is a report not more than 90 days old; if you don’t have that, you can get free reports from all three major credit bureaus here. Then follow the instructions; both Experian and Equifax strongly prefer that you do this online, TransUnion has an online service or a mail-in form.

4

Call 800-916-8800 and TransUnion will answer your call in less than a minute (probably w/out any wait) and tell you how to resolve problems on Equifax and Experian files, too. You do NOT need a credit report to get help from TransUnion and you won’t face a huge menu of tricky options.

Mail sucks. Call.