Credit Dispute Tracker
Disputing a credit report error is mostly paperwork and waiting. This tracker keeps the paperwork in one place: what you sent, who you sent it to, when to check back, and what came back.
Haven't picked what to dispute yet? Start with the Credit Report Review Checklist, then come back here.
FINAVfinav.app/tools/credit-dispute-tracker
Credit Dispute Tracker
Before You Send Anything
One item per dispute
Name the account, say exactly what is wrong, and say what you think it should show. A specific dispute is easier to investigate than a long list.
Send copies, keep originals
Attach copies of the documents that back you up. Keep the originals and a copy of everything you send.
Keep proof that it arrived
If you mail it, certified mail with a return receipt gives you a delivery date. If you dispute online, save or screenshot the confirmation number.
Write it down the same day
Fill in a row below as soon as it goes out. It is much harder to piece together a month later.
My Disputes
One row per dispute. Only write the last 4 digits of an account number, and never your Social Security number.
| Item disputedCreditor + last 4 digits | Sent toBureau or company | Date sentHow + tracking # | Check back byAbout 6 weeks | What came backDate + result | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Working Out Your Check-Back Date
Credit bureaus generally have 30 days to look into a dispute, counted from when they receive it, not from when you sent it. In some situations it can be up to 45 days, for example if you send more information partway through. Once they finish, they have 5 business days to send you the results, and mail takes time too.
A simple rule: take the delivery date (or the date you submitted online), add 6 weeks, and write that in “Check back by.” If they told you they need longer, add 2 more weeks. If nothing has arrived by then, check your report and your mail, and contact the bureau with your confirmation number.
When a Response Comes Back
Write the date and the result in your tracker first, then decide what to do next.
Corrected or updated
Pull a fresh copy of that bureau's report and check the change is really there, and that it says what you expected.
Deleted
Check your reports from the other bureaus too. The same item can show up at more than one, and each dispute is separate.
Verified as accurate (no change)
You can ask the bureau how it checked the item, dispute directly with the company that reported it, or add a short statement to your file. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Asked for more information
Send what they asked for, note the date in the tracker, and set a new check-back date.
My Notes
Learn More
This tracker is from FINAV (finav.app). It is general information, not legal advice. We're building an app that helps you take on money tasks like this one step at a time. Join the waitlist at finav.app.
Waiting is the hard part
Finav is an app we're building to help you work through tasks like this one, one step at a time, without the judgment.
Join the Waitlist