Step 1: Get all 3 reports
Download your reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for free at annualcreditreport.com. Each bureau can show different information, so check all three.
Step 2: Find what's wrong
Look for things that are inaccurate, incomplete or out of date, such as:
- Accounts that aren't yours, or names and addresses you've never used.
- Late payments you actually paid on time.
- The same debt listed twice.
- Wrong balances, dates or account status.
- Negative items older than 7 years (10 for some bankruptcies).
Step 3: Send a dispute
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA §611) gives you the right to dispute errors with each bureau. Explain what's wrong, include copies of your proof, and send it by certified mail so you have a record.
Step 4: The bureau investigates
The bureau usually has 30 days to investigate. It must correct or delete anything that's wrong or can't be verified, and send you the results.
What credit repair can't do
It can't legally remove negative items that are accurate and within the time limit. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, companies can't promise that, and they can't charge you before doing the work. You can always dispute errors yourself for free.
Where Clean Slate fits in
Clean Slate is a do-it-yourself tool. It reads your report, flags items that may be reported wrong, explains why in plain language, and writes the dispute letters for you to review and mail.