How do I correct my credit report?

Credit reporters must take reasonable steps to ensure the information they hold is accurate, and promptly correct any errors they become aware of.

If you tell a credit reporter that your report contains an inaccuracy, the credit reporter must, if appropriate, take steps to correct it. They will usually check the information you provide with the source − for example, the credit provider who submitted a default.

The credit reporter must decide as soon as they can whether to make the correction you have requested or to confirm the accuracy of the information. If the credit reporter needs longer than 20 working days to make a decision they must let you know and tell you why.

If the correction you asked for is not made, you must be told why. You may also ask for a note of your request to be added to your file. This note will be included with future reports.

If a correction is made, the credit reporter must tell anyone who has recently received your credit report. The credit reporter must tell you what they have done and give you a copy of the amended report.

Sometimes correction may not be appropriate. A credit report describes your credit history, not simply your current debts.

Certain information can continue to be reported, as long as it is updated to reflect later developments. This includes things like a past bankruptcy or a default that has since been paid in full. In this way, your credit report remains an accurate statement of those past events. For more information about how long a credit reporter can keep your credit information, visit this AskUs article.