Experian online dispute: full walkthrough

You can dispute an error with Experian online, by mail, or by phone. Online is quickest and gives you a confirmation. Mail gives you proof of delivery. The 30-day clock starts when Experian receives your dispute, whichever route you use.

Portals change their screens often. This guide describes the general flow and what to prepare. Follow what the Experian page asks for on the day you file.

What to have ready

• A current Experian credit report, so you can point to the exact item. Experian assigns a report number to each report you pull.
• Your own records that show the error: statements, payment confirmations, letters.
• Copies of any documents you plan to upload.
• Your personal details: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number.

Online

The official Experian dispute page is at experian.com/disputes/main.html.

The general steps are:

1. Open the dispute page and sign in or create the account the portal asks for.
2. Pull up your report or enter the report number from the copy you saved.
3. Select the item you want to dispute and the reason that fits.
4. Add a short explanation in plain words. Say what is wrong and what the correct information is.
5. Upload your supporting documents.
6. Read any terms shown before you submit.
7. Submit, and save the confirmation number or a screenshot of the confirmation page.

By mail

Experian P.O. Box 4500 Allen, TX 75013

Send your letter with copies of your proof, by certified mail with a return receipt. See how to dispute by mail.

By phone

Experian lists 1-888-397-3742. A phone call can start a dispute, but you have no written record unless you also send a letter or confirm online. If you call, write down the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke to.

A note on “609” requests

Experian’s own materials say that a request for your file under section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act is a request for disclosure, not a dispute. If you want a bureau to investigate, file a dispute. See the truth about 609 letters.

What happens next

Experian forwards your dispute to the furnisher and investigates. You get the results in writing. If Experian changed your report, you receive an updated copy. If it says the item is verified, see your dispute came back verified. Track the dates with the deadline calculator.

Sources

• Experian: dispute information on your credit report
• FTC: disputing errors on your credit reports
• Cornell LII: 15 U.S.C. 1681i (procedure in case of disputed accuracy)

Next steps

• Equifax online dispute: full walkthrough

  How to dispute an error with Equifax online or by mail: what to have ready, the general steps, what to write, and what happens after you submit.

• TransUnion online dispute: full walkthrough

  How to dispute an error with TransUnion online, by mail, or by phone: what to prepare, the general steps, how to word it, and what happens after you submit.

• What happens after you file a dispute: the 30-day timeline

  The credit dispute timeline under the FCRA: when the 30 days start, the 5-business-day notice to the furnisher, the possible 15-day extension, and the results.