How to Delete Inquiries Off Your Credit Report

Credit inquiries appear on your credit report whenever a party accesses your credit information. These inquiries are a common part of various financial transactions, including applications for new loans or services. While many credit inquiries are legitimate, instances of unauthorized or inaccurate entries can sometimes appear. This article details how to identify unwanted inquiries and outlines the steps to have them removed from a credit report, which is important for maintaining an accurate credit history.

Types of Credit Inquiries and Their Impact

A credit inquiry is a request for your credit report information from a credit bureau, typically made by financial institutions to assess your creditworthiness. There are two primary types: hard inquiries and soft inquiries. Understanding the distinction is fundamental, as their impact on your credit profile differs significantly.

Hard inquiries, also known as “hard pulls” or “hard credit checks,” occur when a lender reviews your credit report as part of a loan or credit application. This happens when you apply for new credit, such as a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, or credit card. These inquiries are recorded on your credit report and can temporarily affect your credit score. A single hard inquiry might reduce a FICO Score by less than five points, though the exact impact varies. Multiple hard inquiries over a short period can have a more pronounced effect, suggesting increased risk to lenders.

In contrast, soft inquiries, often called “soft pulls” or “soft credit checks,” occur when your credit report is accessed for informational purposes rather than for a credit application. Examples include when you check your own credit report, when a prospective lender pre-approves you for an offer, or when an employer conducts a background check. These inquiries are typically only visible to you and do not affect your credit score.

It is important to note that only unauthorized, inaccurate, or fraudulent hard inquiries can be disputed and removed from a credit report. Legitimate hard inquiries, those you authorized by applying for credit, cannot be removed as they accurately reflect your credit activity. Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for up to two years, though their impact on your credit score typically diminishes after one year.

Preparing to Dispute Inquiries

To begin, you must gather all necessary information and documentation. The first step involves obtaining copies of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Federal law allows you to get a free copy from each bureau once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports.

Once you have obtained your credit reports, carefully review each one to identify any inquiries that appear unauthorized, inaccurate, or suspicious. Pay close attention to the date of the inquiry, the name of the creditor, and the type of credit requested. An inquiry might be unauthorized if you did not apply for credit with that specific entity or on that particular date. Identifying these discrepancies is crucial for a successful dispute.

To support your dispute, gather specific personal information and supporting documentation. This includes proof of your identity, such as a government-issued identification card and a utility bill showing your current address. You should also have a copy of the credit report itself, with the specific unauthorized inquiry clearly highlighted. If you suspect identity theft, including a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) identity theft report can strengthen your case.

Evidence proving the inquiry was not authorized is also valuable. This could include a statement from the creditor confirming no application was made by you, or any correspondence that clarifies the nature of the inquiry. Having these details prepared streamlines the dispute process, providing the credit bureaus with necessary information to investigate your claim.

The Credit Inquiry Dispute Process

Once documentation is prepared, you can formally submit your dispute to the relevant credit bureaus. You can dispute inquiries online, by mail, or by phone. Mailing your dispute with certified return receipt requested is recommended for documentation. This provides proof that your dispute was sent and received.

When sending a dispute letter by mail, clearly state that you are disputing an unauthorized inquiry. The letter should include your full name, current address, Social Security number, and date of birth. Specify the exact inquiry you are disputing, including the creditor’s name and the date it appeared on your report. Do not re-explain why the inquiry is unauthorized in detail; instead, attach copies of supporting documents, such as your highlighted credit report and any evidence proving lack of authorization.

For online disputes, navigate to the dispute center on the respective credit bureau’s website. These portals guide you through the submission process, prompting you to enter inquiry details and upload supporting documents. While online submission can be quicker, retaining digital copies of your submission and any confirmation numbers is important. The credit bureau is required to investigate your dispute within 30 to 45 days of receiving it.

During this investigation, the credit bureau contacts the creditor that made the inquiry to verify its legitimacy. The creditor must then provide evidence that you authorized the inquiry. If the creditor cannot verify the inquiry, or if the investigation determines it was unauthorized, the inquiry will be removed from your credit report. If the inquiry is found to be valid, it will remain on your report. If your dispute is denied and you believe the inquiry is still inaccurate, you may consider contacting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for further assistance or to file a complaint.