No one wants mistakes on their credit report. This is because it can adversely affect your chances of getting a loan and even a job. Moreover, checking for mistakes is a good way to protect yourself against identity theft and to make sure no one is opening accounts in your name without you knowing. The good news is that the process to fix your credit report is relatively easy to do with a credit dispute letter. Although, don’t forget that you can get help from credit repair companies if you prefer. 

How to Fix Errors on your Credit Report 

• Follow the process for each of the credit bureaus 
• Update the information provider 

Assuming that you’ve already received your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus, then you can check for errors. Each one of the credit bureaus has an online dispute process that you can view on their website. Nevertheless, you should send a credit dispute letter by mail. Although, credit repair companies can help you with this if you’re unsure about how to structure the letter.

The aim of a credit dispute letter is to ask the credit bureaus to check and amend any information on your credit report. Don’t forget though that you should also update the relevant lending company that provided the information. This helps to make sure they don’t re-include it on your next credit report. Again, credit repair companies can advise you on the best approach and wording for each of your relevant lenders. Visit here to know more

How a Credit Dispute Letter Works 

• State the item and facts 
• Online and by mail 
• Takes on average 30 to 45 days 

As mentioned, a credit dispute letter is a formal statement giving the true facts about mistakes on your credit report. It’s worth noting though that it’s illegal to dispute correct information and could cause you a lot of trouble. Naturally, this is true if you or credit repair companies send in the dispute so don’t let them tell you otherwise. 

Overall, the credit bureaus have 30 days to review any dispute according to the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Having said that, some special cases can take up to 45 days. Either way, it’s worth noting that you should follow their process online but that a physical credit dispute letter is a useful backup for your records. If anything goes wrong, then you have a legal document to prove your actions. After all, these are legal processes so if you feel overwhelmed then it’s helpful working with credit repair companies. 

How Credit Repair Companies Can Support your Credit Dispute 

Don’t forget that you can dispute mistakes on your credit report for free. On the flip side, credit repair companies charge a fee to do this for you. Nevertheless, they do bring many advantages as detailed below: 

• Manage the process on your behalf
• Communicate with lenders 

Manage Process 

If you feel that your disputes are relatively straight forward then of course you should do them yourself without the help of a credit repair company. Nevertheless, these things can get quite complex. This is partly because each of the credit bureaus calculates your credit score slightly differently and according to what it’s used for, such as car loans or mortgages. Credit repair companies know these details and how to strategize accordingly so that you have greater chances of a quick resolution.

Communicate with Lenders 

Some lenders can be very tough to handle. Rightly so because after all, they want their money according to the originally agreed timelines. However, a credit repair company can deal with them on your behalf and take away the stress of the whole experience.

Choosing the Right Credit Repair Company 

• Make sure they’re registered
• Check their guarantee policy 

There are many scams out there because everything that credit repair companies do can actually be done for free by yourself. Having said that, credit repair teams have experience and legal knowledge of dealing with these things. There’s something to be said about having experts to support you such that you don’t fall down a legal loophole. Simply make sure that the company you choose is registered with the Department of Justice and rated with the Better Business Bureau. 

Last but not least, every credit repair company has a different fee structure and guarantee policy. The best credit repair companies though offer a full 90-day money-back guarantee. This says a lot about their confidence and overall transparency. 

Final Recommendations for Using a Credit Dispute Letter 

Sending a credit dispute letter is a relatively simple thing to do. It allows you to request for amendments on your credit report because you believe something has gone wrong. These things happen and it’s the perfect way to remove negative items to fix your credit score. Remember though that you have the choice of doing this on your own for free or with the help of a credit repair company. They can manage the whole process for you and represent you should anything go wrong. Of course, they do this for a fee but then again, how much is a hassle-free experience worth to you?