At Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC, we understand the importance of maintaining an accurate credit report. Many consumers wonder if there is a statute of limitations when it comes to disputing errors with the credit bureaus. The good news is that there is no time limit—you can dispute inaccuracies on your credit report at any time under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Your Right to Dispute Credit Report Errors
The FCRA gives you the right to dispute any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information on your credit report, no matter how long it has been there. The credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—are required to investigate disputes within 30 to 45 days and remove or correct any inaccurate information.
For more details on how to handle disputes, visit our Credit Dispute Process page.
How Long Do Negative Items Stay on Your Credit Report?
While you can dispute inaccuracies at any time, most negative marks on your credit report follow specific timelines before they naturally fall off:
- Late Payments – 7 years
- Charge-Offs – 7 years
- Collection Accounts – 7 years
- Judgments – Typically 7 years, unless renewed
- Bankruptcies – Chapter 7 (10 years), Chapter 13 (7 years)
- Hard Inquiries – 2 years
If you believe an item on your credit report is inaccurate, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Credit Report Disputes.
How to File a Credit Dispute
To dispute an error on your credit report, follow these steps:
- Obtain Your Credit Report – Get a free copy from AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Identify Errors – Look for incorrect balances, fraudulent accounts, and outdated information.
- File a Dispute – Submit a dispute directly with the credit bureaus:
- Follow Up – Credit bureaus must investigate and respond within 30 to 45 days.
For further assistance, visit our Frequently Asked Questions section.
What If the Credit Bureaus Do Not Correct the Error?
If a bureau fails to correct or remove an inaccurate item, you may have the right to file a lawsuit under the FCRA. At Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC, we specialize in helping consumers fight back against unfair credit reporting practices.
To discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
Final Thoughts
There is no statute of limitations for disputing credit report errors, meaning you can challenge inaccuracies at any time. However, acting quickly can help protect your credit score and financial future. If you need guidance on handling disputes, reach out to Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC for expert assistance.