KNOW YOUR RIGHTS · THE UNITED STATES

Your credit reporting rights in the United States

Understand the federal credit-reporting baseline and the evidence needed to question inaccurate information. State protections may also apply.

Last reviewed: 20 October 2026

Accuracy and your right to dispute

The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets a federal framework for credit reporting. Reporting companies must use reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy. You can dispute an error with the bureau and the business that supplied it.

Official sources: CFPB: reporting periods (opens in a new tab) · CFPB: how to dispute an error (opens in a new tab)

How long can information stay?

Negative payment-history information can generally be reported for up to seven years. Bankruptcy information can remain for up to ten years. Exceptions apply. The type of entry and the legally relevant starting date matter; a recent update date alone does not prove the reporting period restarted.

Official sources: CFPB: reporting periods (opens in a new tab)

Investigation and response periods

A bureau generally has 30 days after receiving a dispute to investigate. Some cases allow 45 days, including certain disputes after a free annual report or when you send relevant extra information during the investigation. Results are due within five business days after the investigation ends.

Official sources: CFPB: investigation periods and exceptions (opens in a new tab)

Prepare your request and follow up

Name the disputed entry, explain why it is wrong and include copies of evidence. Keep proof of delivery. If information is wrong or cannot be verified, correction or removal may be required. If unresolved, follow the CFPB complaint instructions. Identity-theft cases may need a different process.

Official sources: CFPB: how to dispute an error (opens in a new tab)

Check state protections too

This page explains a federal baseline, not every state rule. Check the law and consumer-protection authority for your state before relying on a deadline or special right. A reporting limit is different from a deadline for suing over a debt.

Official sources: CFPB: reporting periods (opens in a new tab)

Use these rights with your own evidence

Save the report page, account details, relevant dates, supporting records and correspondence. A possible error needs evidence; this guide does not decide whether a particular entry breaks the law.

CRP explains supported issues in your uploaded report and helps you prepare a packet you review and approve. The rights described here are broader than the checks CRP currently supports. Check the available country, bureau and report options in your workspace. No correction, deletion or score increase is guaranteed.