If you spot a mistake on your Experian credit report, you have the right to dispute it for free. You can do it online through their platform, by mail, or over the phone.
Credit reports play a key role in your financial life. Around 90% of top lenders use credit reports to decide whether to approve applications for credit cards, loans, and mortgages. That means even one small error, like a late payment that wasn’t actually late can impact your ability to borrow or get a good interest rate.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, about 1 in 5 people have an error on at least one of their credit reports. That’s why it’s important to check your report regularly and fix any mistakes you find.
If you notice an error, filing a dispute with Experian is a free and straightforward way to have it reviewed and corrected.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to file a dispute step by step, so you can protect your credit and keep your financial record accurate.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or credit advice. What works for others may not work for your specific situation. Credit report disputes can vary in outcome depending on individual circumstances. We aim to provide accurate, up-to-date guidance, but you should always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your needs.
What Is Experian?
Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus in the U.S., along with Equifax and TransUnion.
They collect information about how you use credit. These are details like credit cards, loans, payments, and more, and put it into what's called a credit report. That report is then used to create your credit score.
Your credit report helps lenders (like banks, credit card companies, landlords, etc.) decide:
- If they should lend you money
- How much to lend
- What interest rate to charge you
That’s why it’s important to make sure all the information on your report is correct.
If you see something that doesn’t look right, like a late payment you know you made on time, you can file a free dispute with Experian. They will look into it and let you know if a change is made.
The steps we’ll share in this content will guide you through how to file a dispute quickly and easily.
Why Do People Dispute With Experian?
Sometimes, the information on your credit report is wrong, and it can hurt your credit score. That’s when people file a dispute to fix it.
Here are common reasons people file disputes:
- A credit card or loan account that isn’t theirs shows up
- A payment was marked late but was actually paid on time
- The balance on an account is wrong
- Someone stole their identity and opened accounts in their name
- Their name, address, or Social Security number is incorrect
Even a small mistake can hurt your ability to get approved for a loan or a good interest rate.
Think of Experian a school report card... but for your money habits.
If the report card says you failed math when you didn’t, you’d want to get that fixed, right? That’s what disputing is.
How to Dispute with Experian
Here are five simple steps to help you file an effective dispute with Experian.
1. Get Your Most Recent Credit Report
To begin, you’ll need a current copy of your Experian credit report. You can request it for free once a week at the Annual Credit report site, or directly through your Experian account.
Once you have your report, review it carefully. Look for:
- Accounts you don’t recognize
- Incorrect balances or payment history
- Personal details that are inaccurate, such as your name or address
Verifying the accuracy of this information is an important first step in protecting your credit. If you don’t know how to get your credit report, you can easily do it by:
How to Get Your Free Credit Report
Step 1: Go to the official website
Visit: www.AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the ONLY government-authorized website that gives you access to your credit reports for free.
Avoid other websites that ask you to pay or sign up for trials.
Step 2: Click “Request your free credit reports”
You’ll be guided through a simple process:
- Fill in your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address
- Choose which bureau(s) you want to pull from:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
You can choose one, two, or all three. (Since you're focusing on Experian, select that one at least.)
Step 3: Answer identity questions
They’ll ask some multiple-choice questions only you should know (like old addresses, car loan amounts, etc.)
Be careful because if you answer incorrectly, you might need to mail in a request instead.
Step 4: View and download your report
Once verified, you can see your report immediately online.
You can print or save it as a PDF for your records.
Bonus Tip: As of 2025, the FTC website confirms that you can still get one free credit report from each bureau every week, not just once a year. This policy began during the pandemic and remains in effect.
2. Identify the Item You Want to Dispute
Once you’ve located the information that appears to be incorrect, make a note of:
- The creditor’s name
- The account number (partial is okay)
- The specific issue (e.g., “Payment marked late but was paid on time”)
Be clear and specific. This helps Experian investigate your dispute more efficiently.
If you don’t know how to read your experian credit report, here’s how.
How to Read Your Experian Credit Report
When you open your credit report, it’s typically broken into these key sections:
1. Personal Information
This section tells you who you are according to Experian:
- Full name (and any name variations)
- Social Security number (only partial digits)
- Date of birth
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers
- Employers (if known)
Check this for errors like wrong names or old addresses. Mistakes here can link your report to someone else’s info.
2. Credit Accounts (also called “Trade Lines”)
This is the heart of your report. It lists all your accounts, like:
- Credit cards
- Auto loans
- Mortgages
- Student loans
- Personal loans
For each account, it will show:
- Creditor name (e.g., Capital One, Wells Fargo)
- Type of account (credit card, loan, etc.)
- Account number (partial)
- Date opened
- Balance owed
- Credit limit or loan amount
- Payment history (month-by-month record of on-time/late/missed payments)
- Current status (open, closed, paid, in collections, etc.)
What to look for:
- Accounts you don’t recognize (could be fraud!)
- Incorrect balances
- Late payments you believe were made on time
3. Credit Inquiries
This shows who looked at your credit, and when.
There are two types:
- Hard inquiries: When you apply for credit (can slightly lower your score
- Soft inquiries: When you check your own credit or pre-qualify for offers (no impact on score)
You might be interested: How to Eliminate Hard Inquiries from Your Credit Report in Just 15 Minutes
Tip: Too many hard inquiries in a short time can hurt your score. If you don’t recognize one, investigate!
4. Public Records
This may include:
- Bankruptcies
- Foreclosures
- Tax liens (older ones may not show anymore)
These are serious and can drop your credit score a lot. You’ll want to dispute any record here that isn’t accurate.
5. Collections Accounts
These are unpaid debts that a creditor has sold to a collection agency.
They usually include:
- Name of the collection agency
- Original creditor
- Amount owed
- Date the account was placed in collections
If you see a collection you don’t owe, or already paid, you can dispute it.
Good Read: How to Challenge Debt Collectors: 7 Essential Strategies for Debt Validation and Credit Repair
6. Credit Score (Optional)
Sometimes your report includes a free credit score and explanation.
- Scores range from 300 to 850
- A higher score = better credit = easier approvals
3. Gather Supporting Documents
Once you’ve identified an error on your credit report, the next step is to collect documents that support your claim. Providing clear and relevant evidence helps Experian verify the issue and resolve the dispute more efficiently.
Why This Step Is Crucial?
Credit bureaus don’t automatically remove or change information without proof. When you include supporting documents, it helps Experian confirm the mistake and speeds up the investigation process. Without documentation, the dispute may take longer — or may not lead to any change at all.
Examples of useful documents include:
- Bank or credit card statements showing correct payment dates or amounts
- Letters or emails from your lender or creditor confirming account status or corrections
- Identity documents such as your driver's license, utility bills, or Social Security card if you're disputing name, address, or other personal info
Pro Tip: Make sure the documents are clear and easy to read. If submitting online, scan or take a photo of each document before uploading.
4. File Your Dispute Online, by Mail, or by Phone
Experian allows you to file a dispute in three ways, online, by mail or by phone by calling the number provided on your credit report.
Option 1: Online (Fastest)
Go to: Experian Dispute Center
- Sign in or create an account
- Select the item you want to dispute
- Explain the issue and upload any documents
If you file online, you can track the status of your dispute in real time and receive updates electronically.
Option 2: By Mail
Send a dispute letter to:
Experian Dispute Department
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013
Include:
- Your full name and address
- A copy of your credit report with the error highlighted
- A written explanation of the error
- Supporting documentation
- A copy of your ID and a utility bill (to confirm identity)
If you want to know what should be on your dispute letter, check out our full guide about: What Should Be On Your Dispute Letter? Complete Guide to Effective Debt Disputes
Option 3: By Phone
Call Experian’s dispute line at 1-888-397-3742.
Note: Phone disputes are less common since written records are more reliable.
5. Wait for the Investigation to Be Completed
Experian typically completes investigations within 30 days. Once finished, you’ll receive the results, and your credit report will be updated if the dispute leads to a change.
If the information is corrected, Experian will also notify the lender or data provider. If the result isn’t what you expected, you may choose to add a consumer statement explaining your side of the story.
Tips:
- Only dispute one item at a time if you want quicker results
- Keep copies of everything you send
- Follow up if you don’t hear back after 30 days
What to Expect After the Investigation
After you file a dispute, Experian will contact the lender or data provider that reported the information. They’ll ask them to review the details and verify whether the information is accurate.
As mentioned, the investigation typically takes up to 30 days, and you’ll be notified once it’s complete. Here’s what can happen next:
The Information Is Updated or Removed
If the data provider agrees that the information was incorrect, Experian will update or delete it from your credit report. You’ll receive a notice showing what was changed and a copy of your updated report.
The Information Remains the Same
If the lender confirms the original information is correct, it will stay on your report. In this case, no changes will be made. However, Experian will send you the results so you know the outcome.
You Can Add a Consumer Statement
If the item wasn’t changed but you still disagree with it, you have the right to add a short consumer statement (usually up to 100 words) explaining your side of the story. This statement will appear on your credit report and can be viewed by lenders.
You Can Dispute Again with New Evidence
If you get new documents or details later on, you can file another dispute. There’s no limit to how many times you can dispute information, but it’s most effective when you have something new to support your claim.
Filing an Experian Dispute Through ASAP Credit Repair
While you can dispute credit report errors on your own, working with a professional service like ASAP Credit Repair can simplify the process and improve your chances of success. Our team uses advanced dispute strategies and proven templates that go beyond the basic online form. This can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with multiple errors, identity theft, or past disputes that didn’t work out.
ASAP Credit Repair also monitors responses, follows up with creditors, and helps build a stronger case using legal and credit industry standards. While not every case guarantees results, having experts on your side can save time, reduce frustration, and ensure the dispute is handled properly from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Filing a dispute with Experian is free and can help ensure your credit report reflects accurate and complete information. If you’re unsure about something on your report, taking action is an important part of protecting your credit health.
Start your dispute today. ASAP Credit Repair is here to guide you through every step.