How to Check and Dispute Your Credit Report
An error on your credit report can cost you a better rate. This walkthrough shows you how to pull your free reports from all three bureaus and dispute anything that's wrong before you apply for a mortgage.
How do I check and dispute my credit report before buying a home?
Get your free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com, read them for errors, dispute anything wrong with each bureau and the company that reported it, and follow up if it isn't fixed. Why it matters to you: fixes can take 30 to 45 days to show, so start early.
On this page
-
Get your reports
-
Read them for errors
-
Dispute what's wrong
-
If it isn't fixed
Common Questions
How do I check and dispute my credit report before buying a home?
Get your free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com, read them for errors, dispute anything wrong with each bureau and the company that reported it, and follow up if it isn’t fixed. Fixes can take 30 to 45 days to show, so start early.
Where can I get my credit report for free?
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only official free site. You can check all three bureaus there every week, and checking your own report never hurts your score.
What errors should I look for on my credit report?
Look for wrong personal information, accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize, late payments you actually made on time, wrong balances or credit limits, the same debt listed twice, and negative items older than about 7 years.
How long does a credit report dispute take?
The bureau generally has 30 days to investigate, sometimes up to 45, and must send you the results in writing. The company that reported the item generally must respond within 30 days, and if it corrects the item, it has to notify all three bureaus.
What if my credit report dispute isn’t fixed?
Ask the bureau to add a short statement to your file explaining your side, and file a free complaint with the CFPB. If you’re already working with a lender, tell them about any open dispute, since some loans require disputes to be resolved before closing.
If you want to talk through your situation, the form is below.
