How to Remove Hard Inquiries From Your Credit

Identifying Removable Inquiries

A hard inquiry occurs when a lender or creditor checks your credit report after you apply for new credit, such as a loan or a credit card. This allows the potential creditor to assess your creditworthiness. While a single hard inquiry typically has a minor impact on your credit score, multiple inquiries in a short period can signal higher risk to lenders.

Not all hard inquiries can be removed from your credit report. Legitimate inquiries, which you authorized, generally remain on your report for up to two years. Their impact on your credit score typically diminishes significantly after the first few months. These authorized inquiries are a standard part of the credit application process and are not subject to removal.

Removal efforts focus on inquiries that are unauthorized, fraudulent, or inaccurate due to reporting errors. For instance, an inquiry from identity theft, where someone applied for credit in your name without your consent, is a prime candidate for removal. Similarly, if you find duplicate inquiries for the same application or inquiries from companies you never interacted with, these could indicate an error or fraud. Identifying these types of inquiries is the initial step in determining if removal is viable.

Gathering Information for a Dispute

Before initiating any dispute regarding an unauthorized or inaccurate hard inquiry, gather all necessary information and documentation. This preparatory step ensures you have a comprehensive case to present to the credit bureaus and any involved creditors. Organizing all relevant details in advance can streamline the dispute process.

Begin by obtaining copies of your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You are entitled to a free copy from each bureau once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com. Carefully review each report to pinpoint specific hard inquiries you believe are unauthorized or erroneous, noting the date of the inquiry and the name of the inquiring creditor.

In addition to your credit reports, assemble personal identification documents such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID, and a utility bill that verifies your current address. This documentation helps the credit bureaus confirm your identity. Collect any evidence supporting your claim of inaccuracy or fraud, which might include a police report if identity theft is involved, or correspondence with a creditor that clarifies an error. Maintaining detailed records of all communications and documents will prove beneficial throughout the process.

Disputing the Inquiry

After gathering all necessary information and supporting documentation, formally dispute the unauthorized or inaccurate hard inquiry. The primary method is by directly contacting the credit bureau that reported the inquiry. You can typically file a dispute online through their dedicated portal, by mail, or by phone.

When contacting Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, clearly identify the specific inquiry you are disputing, providing the inquiring entity’s name and date. Explain why you believe the inquiry is unauthorized or inaccurate, such as due to identity theft or a reporting error. Always send copies of your supporting documents, never originals, and retain your own copies for your records. Credit bureaus are generally required to investigate your dispute within 30 days of receiving your submission.

While disputing with credit bureaus is standard, consider contacting the company that made the inquiry directly. If the inquiry was an error, reaching out to the original creditor might resolve the issue more quickly. After submitting your dispute, the credit bureau will investigate your claim, contacting the creditor to verify the information. You will receive notification of the outcome, which could result in the inquiry being removed, verified as legitimate, or remaining on your report if accurate.