What You Can Legally Dispute—and What You Can’t
Many people are unsure about what they can challenge on their credit report, bills, or accounts. Some mistakes are completely fair to dispute, while other items must remain if they are accurate.
Knowing the difference saves you time and frustration. It also helps you focus on issues that can actually be corrected, which can protect your finances and improve your credit score.
This guide breaks down what you can legally dispute, what you cannot, and the steps to take if you find an error.
What Does “Dispute” Mean Legally?
A dispute is a formal request to review information you believe is inaccurate. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit bureaus must investigate disputed information on your credit report. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) also gives you the right to question debts claimed by collectors.
The key difference is accuracy. You can challenge information that is incorrect, outdated, or unverifiable. However, you cannot remove accurate negative information simply because it hurts your credit score.
What You Can Legally Dispute
You have the right to dispute any entry that is false, outdated, or not backed by proper documentation. Below are the most common situations where disputes are allowed.
Errors on Your Credit Report
Mistakes on your credit report are more common than you might think. Some of the errors you can challenge include:
- Incorrect personal information: Name, address, or Social Security number reported incorrectly.
- Accounts that do not belong to you: Accounts opened fraudulently or mixed files with someone else.
- Duplicate listings: The same debt reported more than once.
- Wrong payment history: Late payments marked when you actually paid on time.
Debt Collection Issues
Debt collectors must follow strict rules, and you have the right to dispute questionable debts. Common issues include:
- Expired debts: Debts past the statute of limitations that should no longer be pursued in court.
- Already resolved debts: Debts that were settled, paid, or discharged in bankruptcy.
- Unverified debts: Debts reported without the collector providing proof you owe them.
Billing and Bank Account Errors
Federal law also protects you from mistakes on bills and account statements. You can dispute:
- Unauthorized transactions: Charges on your credit card or bank account you did not make.
- Clerical mistakes: Wrong amounts, duplicate charges, or fees billed in error.
- Electronic transfer errors: ATM withdrawals or online transfers recorded incorrectly.
Public Record Mistakes
Public records sometimes appear on your credit report, and they can contain errors. You can dispute:
- Incorrect records: Bankruptcies, liens, or judgments that do not belong to you.
- Outdated information: Records that remain past the legal reporting period.
Common Errors You Can Dispute vs. Governing Law
| Type of Error | Governing Law | Time to Dispute |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect personal info on credit report | FCRA | Anytime you spot the error |
| Unauthorized credit card charges | Fair Credit Billing Act | Within 60 days of statement |
| Unauthorized bank transactions | Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers) | Within 60 days of statement |
| Debt without verification | FDCPA | Within 30 days of collection notice |
| Bankruptcy listed past 10 years | FCRA | Anytime once reporting period expires |
What You Can’t Legally Dispute
Not every negative item can be challenged. If the information is accurate and reported within the legal time limits, it must stay on your credit report. Trying to dispute valid information will not remove it and may delay the resolution of actual mistakes.
Accurate Negative Information
Certain events can damage your credit score, and if they are correctly reported, they cannot be disputed:
- Late payments: Verified late payments stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
- Charge-offs: Accounts written off by lenders but still owed remain for up to seven years.
- Repossessions and foreclosures: These stay on your credit report for up to seven years if accurate.
- Bankruptcies: Chapter 7 can remain up to 10 years, and Chapter 13 up to 7 years.
- Valid collection accounts: Collections that are tied to a real, unpaid debt.
Preference-Based Disputes
Some people want negative but accurate information removed simply because it hurts their credit score or reputation. These cannot be disputed:
- Interest rates or fees you dislike: High charges from a lender are not errors.
- Authorized hard inquiries: If you applied for credit and gave permission, the inquiry must stay.
- Accounts you regret opening: Wanting an account removed because it looks bad is not a valid reason.
Can vs. Can’t Dispute: Quick Reference
| Situation | Can You Dispute It? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong address on credit report | Yes | Incorrect personal information |
| Late payment you actually made late | No | Accurate negative information |
| Duplicate debt listing | Yes | Same account reported more than once |
| Bankruptcy filed 8 years ago | No | Still within legal reporting window |
| Unauthorized credit card transaction | Yes | Covered under Fair Credit Billing Act |
| Hard inquiry from a credit card you applied for | No | You authorized the credit check |
Why Filing Unfounded Disputes Can Backfire
Submitting disputes without a valid reason may do more harm than good. Credit bureaus and lenders are quick to spot unfounded claims, and this can reduce the chances of fixing genuine mistakes later.
- Marked as frivolous: If your dispute lacks evidence or repeats old claims, credit bureaus may dismiss it.
- Delayed resolutions: Filing weak disputes can slow down the process for errors that actually matter.
- Credibility concerns: Repeatedly disputing accurate information can hurt your standing with creditors and make them less cooperative in the future.
How to File a Legitimate Dispute
A clear and well-documented process improves your chances of success. Each step helps ensure your dispute is taken seriously and resolved quickly.
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Collect evidence that supports your claim, such as billing statements, payment confirmations, or letters showing an account was closed or paid.
Step 2: Submit to the Credit Bureau, Creditor, or Collector
Send your dispute to the correct party. If the error is on your credit report, file with the credit bureau. If it is a billing issue, contact the creditor or bank directly. Always include copies of supporting documents.
Step 3: Wait for Investigation
Credit bureaus and creditors generally have 30 to 45 days to investigate. During this time, they must verify the accuracy of the item or remove it.
Step 4: Review Results and Take Next Steps
When the investigation is complete, you will receive the results. If the information is corrected, request a new copy of your credit report. If it is not, consider re-disputing with stronger evidence or filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
See also: How to Write a Credit Dispute Letter That Actually Works
Tips for Stronger Disputes
Taking a thoughtful approach can give your dispute more weight. Small details often make the difference between dismissal and correction.
- Keep copies: Save every letter, email, and supporting document.
- Be specific: State exactly what is wrong and why, instead of making general claims.
- Use certified mail: This creates proof that your dispute was received.
- Re-dispute if needed: If the error remains, gather additional evidence and file again.
Final Thoughts
The most effective disputes target information that is false, outdated, or unverified. Accurate negative information must remain on your credit report until it naturally falls off.
By focusing only on legitimate errors, you protect your credibility and improve the chances of meaningful corrections. While disputing mistakes is important, it is just one piece of building stronger credit health. If the process feels overwhelming, consider working with a professional who can guide you through it.
