A 2004 study by the U.S. PIRG -- federation of state Public Interest Research Groups -- found that one in four adults have serious errors on their credit reports. Not small errors either. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires credit-reporting agencies to fix these mistakes, but it will take some work on your part. Use this work sheet to assist you.ChecklistOrder a free copy of your credit report from each of the three reporting agencies in one of three ways: •www.annualcreditreport.com.•Call toll-free (877) 322-8228.•Complete the form on the back of the "Annual Credit Report Request" brochure, available from the FTC, and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.•If it's been more than 90 days since you requested your free report, you may have to buy one from each agency: ExperianTransUnionEquifaxTell the credit reporting agency about the error. •You can initiate an investigation online on the Web sites for all three credit reporting agencies.•If you use the online dispute feature on the credit-reporting agency Web site, follow that by sending a letter certified mail with return receipt requested.•Include in the letter: Your name and address. A list of the incorrect information, explain why and request that it be removed. Copies of your credit report with the erroneous item highlighted or circled.•Each agency has a phone number listed for disputes; if you call, keep copious, detailed notes and follow the phone call with a letter.Tell the creditor about the mistake. •Send a letter to the creditor notifying it that you dispute the information that the creditor has reported.•Explain what information is incorrect and ask the company to stop reporting it.•Include copies of information that supports your case.Here's a form letter for you to use.View Worksheet Archive advertisementRelated Links:Video: Gift card fees and termsAmerican Express gift cardDiscover gift cardRelated Articles:6 ways to get free gift cardsWhy credit limits get cutCredit card rates
A 2004 study by the U.S. PIRG -- federation of state Public Interest Research Groups -- found that one in four adults have serious errors on their credit reports. Not small errors either. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires credit-reporting agencies to fix these mistakes, but it will take some work on your part. Use this work sheet to assist you.
Here's a form letter for you to use.
View Worksheet Archive
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused.
By submitting a post, you agree to be bound by Bankrate's terms of use. Please refer to Bankrate's privacy policy for more information regarding Bankrate's privacy practices.
A little research could save you BIG on interest.