Finding an error on your credit report — an account that isn't yours, a payment marked late that you actually paid on time — is more common than most people expect, and fixing it doesn't require a lawyer. * The dispute has to go to two places to actually get resolved: the credit reporting company (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion, whichever one shows the error) and separately, the company that originally reported the incorrect information, often called the "furnisher." Disputing with only one side can leave the error only partially corrected. * Each bureau has its own submission method — Experian and Equifax both accept disputes online, while TransUnion currently directs disputes through a phone line. Whichever method you use, be specific: clearly explain what's wrong, and include copies (never originals) of any documents that support your position, like a payment confirmation or account statement. * Once filed, credit reporting companies are generally required to investigate within 30 days, though some cases can stretch to 45 days depending on the circumstances. If the furnisher confirms the disputed information is accurate after investigation, you still have the right to add a brief statement to your file explaining your side of the disagreement, which future lenders reviewing your report will see. * If your dispute doesn't resolve the issue, or the bureau doesn't respond within the required window, you can escalate by filing a complaint directly with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which oversees how credit reporting companies are required to handle these disputes.