Fixing a credit report starts with reading it carefully. You can get a copy of your credit report for free online; just search for “free credit report”. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year; also, if you are denied credit on the basis of your credit report, you may then request a free credit report from that credit reporting bureau (this must be done in writing within 30 days of the denial of credit).

One look at your credit report should give you the answers you need on why you were turned down for credit. However, how can you set things right again? What if there is something inaccurate on your report or something which while not inaccurate, is unfair?

If there are items on your credit report, you can dispute them (in writing) with the credit bureau. You have to tell them that a given item is incorrect and by law they must investigate the matter within 30 days. You should send your dispute via certified mail and include any supporting documentation (for example, canceled checks and the like).

In the course of their investigation, the credit agency has to contact the business which reported the inaccurate item. If your do not receive a responce with proof within 14 days the credit agency must remove the item from your credit report. They will send you an updated copy of your credit report and if you request, a copy of this new report will also be furnished to any creditor who has seen your report in the previous six months. You need to ask specifically for this, since it is not done automatically.

Many creditors will not bother to respond to the credit agency if the disputed item is over a year old or if it represents a debt of under $500. Fixing a credit report can be done, even if the items contained are accurate. Even if you can’t have an item removed the first time you try, you are allowed to dispute it again after 30 days have passed.

If a disputed item cannot be removed, you will be allowed to add an explanation of up to 100 words to your credit report; this will be seen by anyone who sees your report. This explanation will be viewable to any prospective creditor who looks at your credit report.

If there is a long history of late payments and defaults, fixing a credit report can be a long term project. However, you can correct some of the problems and provide an explanation for others. This kind of effort will go along way in helping to repair your credit report.