our credit score is only as accurate as the information on your credit report. Unfortunately, credit report errors are more common than most people realize, and even small mistakes can lower your score, increase interest rates, or lead to loan denials.
The good news? You have the legal right to dispute inaccurate information—and fixing these errors can lead to meaningful credit score improvements.
In this blog, we’ll cover 10 common credit report errors, how they affect your credit, and step-by-step guidance on how to fix them.
Why Credit Report Accuracy Matters
Lenders rely on your credit report to judge risk. When incorrect negative information appears, it can:
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Lower your credit score
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Reduce approval chances
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Increase borrowing costs
That’s why reviewing your credit report regularly is essential.
1. Incorrect Personal Information
What This Error Looks Like
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Misspelled name
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Wrong address or phone number
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Incorrect employer
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Mixed credit files
How It Hurts Your Credit
Incorrect personal details can cause your report to merge with someone else’s data, leading to serious errors.
How to Fix It
Dispute incorrect personal information with the credit bureaus and provide documentation if required.
2. Accounts That Don’t Belong to You
What This Error Looks Like
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Loans or credit cards you never opened
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Accounts from identity theft or mixed files
How It Hurts Your Credit
These accounts often include missed payments or balances that damage your score unfairly.
How to Fix It
Dispute immediately and include a fraud or identity theft claim if applicable.
3. Duplicate Accounts
What This Error Looks Like
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Same account listed multiple times
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Collection accounts duplicated
How It Hurts Your Credit
Duplicate entries can double the negative impact of a single debt.
How to Fix It
Dispute duplicates and request verification.
4. Incorrect Account Status
What This Error Looks Like
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Accounts marked open when closed
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Paid accounts listed as unpaid
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Current accounts reported as late
How It Hurts Your Credit
Incorrect status creates false risk indicators.
How to Fix It
Dispute with proof of payment or account closure.
5. Incorrect Payment History
What This Error Looks Like
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Payments marked late when paid on time
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Missing on-time payments
How It Hurts Your Credit
Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score.
How to Fix It
Dispute with bank statements or receipts.
6. Incorrect Balances or Credit Limits
What This Error Looks Like
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Higher balances than owed
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Lower credit limits than actual
How It Hurts Your Credit
Incorrect balances increase credit utilization, lowering your score.
How to Fix It
Dispute balance and limit inaccuracies with documentation.
7. Outdated Negative Information
What This Error Looks Like
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Collections older than seven years
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Late payments past reporting limits
How It Hurts Your Credit
Outdated negatives unfairly continue damaging your score.
How to Fix It
Dispute as obsolete or beyond reporting time limits.
8. Incorrect Collection Reporting
What This Error Looks Like
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Collections reported with wrong dates
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Paid collections still marked unpaid
How It Hurts Your Credit
Incorrect collection data exaggerates risk.
How to Fix It
Dispute inaccuracies and request updated status.
9. Charge-Off Errors
What This Error Looks Like
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Charge-offs reported with wrong amounts
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Charge-offs reporting monthly late updates incorrectly
How It Hurts Your Credit
Charge-offs already harm credit—errors make it worse.
How to Fix It
Dispute inaccurate charge-off reporting.
10. Incorrect Public Records
What This Error Looks Like
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Bankruptcies that don’t belong to you
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Judgments reported incorrectly
How It Hurts Your Credit
Public record errors severely damage creditworthiness.
How to Fix It
Dispute with legal documentation and court records.
How to Dispute Credit Report Errors Step by Step
Step 1: Get Your Credit Reports
Review all credit bureaus for inconsistencies.
Step 2: Identify and Document Errors
List each error and gather supporting evidence.
Step 3: File Disputes
Submit disputes clearly and accurately.
Step 4: Follow Up
Check responses and re-dispute if necessary.
How Long Does It Take to Fix Credit Report Errors?
Most disputes are resolved within 30–45 days, but complex cases may take longer.
DIY vs Professional Credit Repair
DIY credit repair works for simple errors, but professional help saves time and ensures compliance for complex cases.
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Report?
At least once every few months, or before major financial decisions.
Final Thoughts: Small Errors, Big Impact
Credit report errors can silently damage your financial opportunities. The sooner you identify and correct them, the faster your credit score can recover.
Your credit report tells your financial story—make sure it’s accurate.
