How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample credit dispute letter as a template for your formal notification.
How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter
Generally, chances are more than good that if anyone has credit, there will come a time that they will be faced with the chore of writing a credit dispute letter to one’s creditors. Generally, creditors can take the form of credit card agencies, credit reporting agencies, the court system or even the local bank.
In any case, knowing how to write an effective and well-written dispute letter will not only facilitate taking off any errors from one’s credit background, but may also save one’s credit rating for any possible future use.
Dispute Letter Basics
Firstly, a dispute letter to creditors must be done as a signed written letter as the use of emails, phone calls and faxes will generally not be accepted by the credit issuing company.
Secondly, any pertinent information that lends itself to supporting the writer's position such as: bills, statements and even receipts in the form of copies [not originals] must be included within the letter.
Likewise, vitally important is the date of the dispute in question and the name, address, email address and/or phone number where the writer of the letter can be alternatively reached.
However, the foremost important thing to remember is that the letter needs to clearly and simply identify disputed items in question with a statement of the facts and the reason for one’s dispute. It is also appropriate for a user or customer to suggest a resolution that is satisfiable; this may include a credit to a balance, or an actual physical refund of monies spent. However, the resolution must be reflected in a user’s records with a note that there was indeed a credit transaction recorded with the recorded date.
Credit Department’s Response
Any credit dispute letter should be written immediately and sent off with a registered or certified receipt being kept by the writer. Typically, credit companies require the letter be sent before a two week to 30-day period elapses; however, it would be prudent to notify the company immediately by a simple phone call or email of the intent to file such a dispute letter.
A reputable credit card company, credit reporting agency or bank will research and investigate the disputed item(s)stated in the letter; moreover, this normally should be done within 30 days after initially receiving the letter of dispute.
In any case, knowing how to write an effective and well-written dispute letter will not only facilitate taking off any errors from one’s credit background, but may also save one’s credit rating for any possible future use.
Dispute Letter Basics
Firstly, a dispute letter to creditors must be done as a signed written letter as the use of emails, phone calls and faxes will generally not be accepted by the credit issuing company.
Secondly, any pertinent information that lends itself to supporting the writer's position such as: bills, statements and even receipts in the form of copies [not originals] must be included within the letter.
Likewise, vitally important is the date of the dispute in question and the name, address, email address and/or phone number where the writer of the letter can be alternatively reached.
However, the foremost important thing to remember is that the letter needs to clearly and simply identify disputed items in question with a statement of the facts and the reason for one’s dispute. It is also appropriate for a user or customer to suggest a resolution that is satisfiable; this may include a credit to a balance, or an actual physical refund of monies spent. However, the resolution must be reflected in a user’s records with a note that there was indeed a credit transaction recorded with the recorded date.
Credit Department’s Response
Any credit dispute letter should be written immediately and sent off with a registered or certified receipt being kept by the writer. Typically, credit companies require the letter be sent before a two week to 30-day period elapses; however, it would be prudent to notify the company immediately by a simple phone call or email of the intent to file such a dispute letter.
A reputable credit card company, credit reporting agency or bank will research and investigate the disputed item(s)stated in the letter; moreover, this normally should be done within 30 days after initially receiving the letter of dispute.
Sample Dispute Letter
Date:
Writer's Name:
Writer's Address: Address, City, State, Zip Code
Attention: Complaint, Credit or Billing Department [whatever is more appropriate]
Company's Name:
Company's Address: City, State, Zip Code
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to dispute the following information in my account. I have circled the items I dispute on the attached copy of the report I received.
This item [identify item(s) disputed by name such as: creditors or tax court. Also, identify type of item, such as a credit account, judgment, etc.] is [inaccurate or incomplete] because [describe what is inaccurate or incomplete and why].
I am requesting that the item be removed [or request another specific change] to correct the information.
Enclosed are copies of [use this sentence if applicable and describe any enclosed documentation, such as payment records and court documents] supporting my position. Please investigate this matter(s) and [delete or correct] the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Writer's Name
Enclosures:
[List items being enclosed.]
Typically, an effectively thought-out letter of dispute may include the information in a similar format as that of the above sample. Faithfully applied in the letter, it may be the foremost factor in facilitating a credit disputer's claims and lead to a quick and satisfactory resolution.
By Andre Bradley
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