How do I dispute an error on my credit report?

Start by getting your reports and identifying the specific inaccurate item. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute it for free directly with the credit bureau reporting it, online, by mail, or by phone, and the bureau generally must investigate, usually within about 30 days. Include copies of any supporting documents. If the information cannot be verified, it must be corrected or removed. You can dispute yourself without paying anyone.