Disputing Your Credit Score: A Step-by-Step Guide

## Direct Answer
To dispute your credit score, you’ll need to identify the error on your credit report, gather evidence to support your claim, and submit a dispute to the credit bureau. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail.

## Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Obtain a copy of your credit report**: You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) once a year from AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. **Review your credit report**: Look for errors or inaccuracies, such as incorrect account information, late payments, or accounts that don’t belong to you.
3. **Gather evidence**: Collect documents that support your dispute, such as receipts, bank statements, or payment records.
4. **Submit a dispute**: You can dispute errors online, by phone, or by mail. Provide detailed information about the error and include your evidence.
5. **Wait for the investigation**: The credit bureau will investigate your dispute and respond with the results.
6. **Follow up**: If the error is corrected, your credit score may improve. If not, you can appeal the decision or seek further assistance.

## Common Errors to Dispute
* Inaccurate account information
* Late payments that were made on time
* Accounts that don’t belong to you
* Incorrect credit limits or balances
* Public records that are outdated or incorrect

## FAQ
### Q: How long does a dispute take to resolve?
A: The investigation process typically takes 30-45 days.
### Q: Can I dispute my credit score online?
A: Yes, all three major credit bureaus offer online dispute platforms.
### Q: What if my dispute is denied?
A: You can appeal the decision or seek further assistance from a credit counselor or attorney.
### Q: Will disputing my credit report affect my credit score?
A: Disputing an error on your credit report should not negatively affect your credit score. In fact, correcting errors can help improve your score.