How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample credit dispute letters as templates for your formal notification.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 1 - Credit Dispute Letter
Name of Consumer
Last four digits of SS number 1234
Address of Consumer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Credit Bureau
Address of Credit Bureau
City, State, Zip Code
REF: Account or Report Number
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is a formal dispute of the information on my credit report that my mortgage payment to Name of Lender for the month of MONTH of AMOUNT was 30 days late.
Enclosed is my cancelled check for that payment as well as my bank statements for the three months prior to the date and three months after the date. It is clearly shown in the statements that my payment was not late.
Please correct this mistake as soon as possible on my credit report and send me an updated copy when the information is correct.
Thank you for your quick attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Consumer
Printed Name of Consumer
Enclosures: [List items being enclosed.]
Sample 1 - Credit Dispute Letter
Name of Consumer
Last four digits of SS number 1234
Address of Consumer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Credit Bureau
Address of Credit Bureau
City, State, Zip Code
REF: Account or Report Number
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is a formal dispute of the information on my credit report that my mortgage payment to Name of Lender for the month of MONTH of AMOUNT was 30 days late.
Enclosed is my cancelled check for that payment as well as my bank statements for the three months prior to the date and three months after the date. It is clearly shown in the statements that my payment was not late.
Please correct this mistake as soon as possible on my credit report and send me an updated copy when the information is correct.
Thank you for your quick attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Signature of Consumer
Printed Name of Consumer
Enclosures: [List items being enclosed.]
Sample 2 - Credit Dispute Letter
Name of Consumer
Last four digits of SS number 1234
Address of Consumer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Credit Bureau
Address of Credit Bureau
City, State, Zip Code
REF: Account or Report Number
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,
Signature of Consumer
Printed Name of Consumer
Enclosures: [List items being enclosed.]
By Andre Bradley
Related Articles