The fastest way to dispute something on your Equifax report
Equifax has three main channels for disputing errors on your credit report: online through their dispute portal, by phone at 1-888-378-4329, or by mail. The online route is usually fastest — you can file a dispute in 15 to 20 minutes and get a case number when ready. The phone line connects you to a representative who can walk you through what information you need and answer questions about your specific situation before you submit anything.
When you call, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the details of what you're disputing ready. The representative will ask you to describe the error — whether it's a late payment that wasn't yours, an account you never opened, a balance that's wrong, or something else. They'll explain what documents you may need to send and give you a case number on the spot.
If you prefer not to call, the online dispute tool at equifax.com walks you through the same questions and lets you upload documents directly. You'll get your case number before you leave the site.
Key Takeaways
- Call Equifax at 1-888-378-4329 to dispute an error by phone, or use their online dispute portal at equifax.com for faster processing without waiting on hold.
- Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a clear description of the error ready before you contact them.
- Equifax must investigate your dispute within 30 days and send you the results in writing, whether they found the error or not.
- If Equifax doesn't fix the error after investigation, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at no cost.
What happens after you file a dispute
Once you submit your dispute — whether by phone, online, or mail — Equifax has 30 days to investigate. During that time, they contact the creditor or data furnisher (the bank, credit card company, or collection agency that reported the information) and ask them to verify the accuracy of what they reported. If the creditor can't verify it, Equifax removes it from your report.
You'll receive written results by mail, even if the dispute is resolved online or by phone. The letter will tell you whether Equifax found an error, what they changed, and what your report looks like now. If they didn't find an error, the letter explains why and tells you how to request a copy of the creditor's verification.
If the error is still on your report after the investigation closes, you have the right to add a statement to your file explaining your side. This statement appears whenever someone pulls your credit report.
Disputing by mail if you prefer written documentation
Some people choose to dispute by mail because it creates a paper trail and gives them a dated record of when Equifax received the dispute. Send your letter to Equifax's dispute mailing address — you can find the current address on equifax.com or by calling 1-888-378-4329. Include your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and a clear description of each error you're disputing.
Attach copies (not originals) of any documents that support your claim — a statement showing the correct balance, a letter from the creditor, proof you paid something, or anything else that proves the error. Keep a copy of everything you send and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Equifax's 30-day investigation period starts when they receive your letter, so mail takes longer overall than calling or filing online. If speed matters, the phone or online route will get you a case number and faster processing.
What to do if Equifax doesn't fix the error
If Equifax investigated and the error is still on your report, or if you believe their investigation was incomplete, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB is a federal agency that oversees credit reporting and can pressure Equifax to take another look or correct the error.
You can also dispute the same item again with Equifax if you have new evidence — for example, if the creditor sends you a letter admitting the error, or if you get a court judgment in your favor. Include the new evidence with your second dispute and explain what changed since your first attempt.
If the error is harming your credit and you've documented that Equifax failed to fix it, you may have grounds to sue. Many credit reporting errors are handled by lawyers on contingency (meaning you pay nothing upfront), so it's worth consulting with one if the error is costing you money — like a higher interest rate on a mortgage or a denied credit card.
Errors that are worth disputing when ready
Not every item on your report needs a dispute, but some errors are urgent. Dispute when ready if you see an account you never opened, a late payment that wasn't late, a balance that's wrong by more than a small amount, or a collection account that's already been paid. These errors can lower your score by 50 to 100 points or more and cost you thousands in higher interest rates.
Errors that are less urgent but still worth fixing include duplicate accounts (the same debt listed twice), accounts that should have fallen off after seven years, or outdated information. These take longer to hurt you, but fixing them now prevents problems later.
If you're not sure whether something is an error, call the creditor directly first. Sometimes a late payment or collection account is accurate, and disputing it won't help. But if the creditor confirms it's wrong, then file your dispute with Equifax right away.
Getting a copy of your report before you dispute
Before you call or file a dispute, get a copy of your actual Equifax report so you know exactly what you're disputing. You're may have access to to one free report per year from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through annualcreditreport.com. This is the official government site — don't use other sites that claim to be free but ask for a credit card.
Once you have the report in hand, read through it carefully. Look for accounts you don't recognize, balances that don't match your statements, and late payments you know weren't late. Write down the specific account name, account number, and what's wrong with it. This makes your dispute clearer and faster to process.
If you've already used your free report this year, Equifax will sell you another copy for a small fee, or you can wait until next year for your next free one. But if you're disputing an error, call 1-888-378-4329 and ask — some disputes can be filed without seeing the full report first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take Equifax to respond to a dispute?
Equifax has 30 days by law to investigate and send you written results. In practice, many disputes are resolved in two to three weeks. If you filed online or by phone, you'll get a case number when ready, but the written results come by mail.
Can I dispute something on Equifax if I'm not sure it's wrong?
Yes. You can dispute any item you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. Equifax will investigate and either confirm it's correct or remove it. There's no penalty for disputing something that turns out to be accurate.
What if the same error appears on my Experian or TransUnion report?
You'll need to dispute it with each bureau separately. They don't share dispute information. Call Experian at 1-888-397-3742 and TransUnion at 1-800-916-8800 to file disputes with them. The 30-day investigation period applies to each bureau independently.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute with Equifax?
No. You can dispute on your own by calling, going online, or mailing a letter. A lawyer is only necessary if you want to sue Equifax for failing to correct an error or for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Will disputing hurt my credit score?
No. Filing a dispute does not lower your score. If Equifax removes an error, your score may actually go up.