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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a credit report number in order to file a credit dispute?

The only way to get a full disclosure of your credit information in Experian’s database is to get your report directly from Experian.

Why is my credit report number no longer active?

Credit information is reported to us daily, so the information in your report changes frequently. Report numbers remain active for 90 days.

How can I order a copy of my personal credit report?

You can order online for quick access to your personal credit report.

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You also may call 1 866 200 6020 to request a copy of your personal credit report to be delivered by U.S. mail.

Where can I mail documents supporting my dispute?

If you have a document that you would like to submit to substantiate a dispute regarding the information on your personal credit report, mail it to the address displayed on your credit report from Experian's National Consumer Assistance Center.

What can I do if the credit dispute is closed, but I still disagree with the creditor that provided the information to you?

If you have additional relevant information to substantiate your claim, then you should mail it to the address displayed on your report and request a new investigation. If you do not have additional information, but you still disagree, then you should contact your creditor directly. The contact information for each of your creditors is listed on your credit report.

What happens after I complete the credit dispute form?

When you question information on your personal credit report and tell us specifically why you believe the information is inaccurate or incomplete, we contact the source of the information directly by telephone, by letter or through an automated verification system. We ask the source to check their records to verify all of the information regarding the item you questioned and report back within 30 days of the date that we received your request (21 days for Maine residents). Once we receive their response, we'll send you the results of the investigation. If we do not receive a response within 30 days (21 days for Maine residents), we'll update the item as you have requested or delete the information and send you the results. When we complete our investigation process, which may take up to 30 days, we'll send you the results.

If I do not owe a balance, why is my credit card not listed as ‘paid’ on my credit report?

Revolving lines of credit, retail charge cards and bank credit card accounts are open-ended lines of credit. This doesn’t mean that you still owe a balance; it only means that you have credit available. A “current” status tells creditors that the account is not past due. The report also tells creditors whether the account carries a balance.

Why does a collection account appear on my credit report if I paid it?

When your creditor turns over a seriously past-due account to a collection company, your credit report will show the status of the account as “collection.” If you pay the account, the status will be “paid collection.”

How long does an item remain on my credit report?

A credit reporting agency stores information from credit grantors and public records, including bankruptcies, judgments and liens. Potentially negative information, such as missed payments and most public record items, remain on a personal credit report for seven years. The exceptions are Chapters 7, 11 and 12 bankruptcies, which remain for 10 years, and unpaid tax liens, which remain for 15 years. A paid tax lien will remain for seven years. Positive information may remain on a report indefinitely. Paid closed accounts generally display for 10 years. Requests for your credit history remain on your personal credit report for two years.

Can information from my credit report be removed?

We store information from credit grantors, public records and other reliable sources following the guidelines in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Your payment history is stored in the records of credit reporting agencies. If you believe the information in your personal credit report is inaccurate, then we'll investigate and correct or remove any inaccurate information or information that cannot be verified. Accurate information cannot be deleted.

I made a payment that my credit report does not show. Why is this?

Credit grantors send us updated payment information routinely, but that does not guarantee that your most recent payment will show on your personal credit report. We update our records as soon as we receive the information from the credit grantor.

Why is there an inquiry on my credit report from a company with which I didn’t apply for credit?

By federal law, your personal credit report must list all parties that have requested your information. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, businesses with a permissible purpose may review your information. Some examples of permissible purpose are, your current creditors to monitor your accounts; other creditors that want to offer you preapproved credit; an employer that wishes to extend an offer of employment; and a potential investor assessing the risk of a current credit obligation. We report these requests only to you as a record of activities, and we do not include them on credit reports to others. They remain on your personal credit report for two years.

Why does an account that belongs to my ex-spouse appear on my credit report?

A divorce decree may not affect your contracts with creditors. You will need to negotiate repayment with each one. Check out Life events and credit for more information on divorce and how it affects your credit.

What information on my credit report will hurt me if I apply for credit?

These statuses, either open or paid, are considered potentially negative: missed payments, accounts included in bankruptcies, public record items, collection, creditor-received deed, foreclosed, foreclosure proceedings started, claim filed with government, insurance claim filed, paid by creditor, paid in settlement, creditor cannot locate individual, repossession, defaulted on contract, voluntarily surrendered, and charge-off.

How long will the accounts I included in my bankruptcy remain on my credit report?

Any account included in a bankruptcy remains on your personal credit report for a maximum of seven years from the date the bankruptcy was filed. The bankruptcy itself, listed in the public record information section of a credit report, remains for either seven years from the filing date if it was a Chapter 13 or 10 years from the filing date if it was a Chapter 7, 11 or 12.

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