HOOK
One wrong account on your credit report can drag down your score for months. The good news? You can dispute credit report errors yourself—and you should, if something looks off. [B-roll: person reviewing credit report on laptop, highlighting an account]
KEY POINT 1
First, pull all three of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for incorrect balances, accounts that aren’t yours, late payments marked wrong, or duplicate debts. Don’t dispute what you can’t verify—focus on clear errors. [B-roll: three credit report screens side by side]
KEY POINT 2
Next, gather proof. That could be bank statements, payment confirmations, letters from the lender, or ID documents if an account isn’t yours. The stronger your evidence, the easier it is for the credit bureau to investigate and remove the mistake. [B-roll: folder with documents, receipts, and highlighted statements]
KEY POINT 3
Then file your dispute directly with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. Be specific, stay factual, and include copies—not originals—of your documents. You can dispute online, but sending a certified letter gives you a paper trail. [B-roll: hand writing a dispute letter, mailbox, online dispute form]
KEY POINT 4
Finally, the bureau usually has about 30 days to respond. If they verify the item but you still think it’s wrong, ask the lender for a reinvestigation or add a consumer statement while you keep pushing. [B-roll: calendar flipping pages, person checking follow-up email]
CTA
If you’re working on credit repair, start with your reports today. Catching one error can make a real difference. For more step-by-step credit tips, check our next video. [B-roll: credit score app on phone, “subscribe” style end card]
