Do it Yourself Credit Repair

Initiate Self Disputes with the Credit Reporting Agencies

If you want to start to repair future credit then beging by telling the credit reporting companies, in writing, what information you think is inaccurate. Include copies (NOT originals) of any documents that support your position. In addition to providing your complete name and address, your letter should identify each item in your credit report that you dispute. State the facts and the reasons why you dispute the information, and ask that it be removed or corrected.

You may want to enclose a copy of your credit bureau report, and circle the items in question. Send your credit report dispute letters by certified mail and choose "return receipt requested" so you can document that the credit bureau company received it. Keep copies of your credit dispute letters and enclosures.

Note: We recommend using the postal service and certified mail. However, each of the bureaus has an online dispute form where you can initiate a dispute on the web.

Initiate Self Disputes Directly with Your Creditors

Tell the creditor or other information provider, in writing, that you dispute an item. Be sure to include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your claim. Many providers specify an address for disputes. If the provider reports the item to a consumer reporting company, it must include a notice of your dispute. And if you are correct and the information is found to be inaccurate, the information provider may not report it again.