How to Remove Inquiries on Your Credit Report

A credit inquiry appears on your credit report whenever a lender or other entity accesses your credit history. These inquiries are categorized as either “hard” or “soft.” Hard inquiries typically occur when you apply for new credit, such as a loan or credit card, and can temporarily affect your credit score. Soft inquiries are usually generated when you check your own credit or when lenders pre-screen you for offers, and they do not impact your credit score. While most inquiries are legitimate, this guide outlines the specific circumstances under which an inquiry can be removed and details the dispute process.

Which Inquiries Can Be Removed

Soft inquiries, which arise from activities like checking your own credit score or pre-approved credit offers, do not affect your credit score and are visible only to you. Because they have no impact on your financial standing, soft inquiries are generally not eligible for removal.

Hard inquiries occur when a lender reviews your credit report for a new credit application, such as a mortgage or credit card. These inquiries can slightly lower your credit score, usually by a few points, and typically remain on your credit report for up to two years, though their impact diminishes after 12 months. While authorized hard inquiries generally cannot be removed, specific situations allow for their dispute and potential removal.

Hard inquiries can be removed if they are unauthorized or fraudulent, such as those resulting from identity theft. Inquiries made in error, such as by a creditor you never applied with, or duplicate inquiries for a single credit application, are also disputable. For instance, if you apply for an auto loan and multiple inquiries from the same lender appear, some may be erroneous. Outdated inquiries that remain on your report beyond the typical two-year reporting period are also candidates for removal.

Preparing for a Dispute

Gather all relevant information and documentation before initiating a dispute. Begin by obtaining copies of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. By law, you are entitled to a free copy from each bureau annually through AnnualCreditReport.com. Review these reports meticulously, as errors may appear on one but not another.

Once you have your reports, carefully examine each one to identify the specific inquiries you intend to dispute. Note the date of the inquiry, the name of the creditor, and any associated account numbers. Look for any inquiries that do not correspond to applications you made or that appear to be duplicates.

Gather supporting documentation to strengthen your dispute. For identity theft cases, a police report or an Identity Theft Report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is often required. If an inquiry was made in error, proof of non-application or communication with the creditor acknowledging their mistake can serve as evidence. Keep copies of all documents, never sending originals. Determine which credit bureau or bureaus the questionable inquiry appears on, as you will need to file a separate dispute with each relevant bureau.

Disputing Inquiries

You can dispute inquiries with the credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—using multiple methods: online, via mail, or by phone. Choose the most suitable method based on your case’s complexity and tracking preference.

Online dispute portals are generally the quickest way to submit a dispute. You will typically need to create an account or log in to the bureau’s website, navigate to their dispute center, and follow the prompts to input the details of the inquiry you are disputing. These platforms usually allow you to upload supporting documents directly, which streamlines the process. Ensure that all information entered matches the details you gathered during your preparation.

For mail disputes, send a dispute letter to the credit bureau. This letter should clearly state your name, address, and the specific inquiry you are disputing, including the creditor’s name and the date of the inquiry. Include copies of your supporting documentation and a copy of the section of your credit report with the disputed item highlighted. Send your dispute letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested for proof of receipt. The mailing addresses for disputes are:

• Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30348
• Experian, P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013
• TransUnion LLC Consumer Dispute Center, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016

Disputing by phone can be an option, particularly for simpler errors. You can usually find the phone number for disputes on your credit report or the bureau’s website. When disputing over the phone, be prepared to verify your identity and have all the details of the inquiry readily available. While convenient, phone disputes may not provide the same level of documentation as online or mail submissions, making a written record beneficial for complex cases.

After Submitting a Dispute

Once you submit your dispute, the credit bureau must investigate within a specific timeframe. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), bureaus generally have 30 days to investigate, extending to 45 days if you provided additional information. This period allows the bureau to contact the information furnisher, such as the lender, to verify the inquiry’s accuracy.

During this period, you can often monitor the status of your dispute online through the bureau’s portal. You may also receive email updates or postal mail correspondence regarding the progress of the investigation. Maintaining a record of all communications, including confirmation numbers and dates, is important for future reference.

If the bureau determines the inquiry is inaccurate or cannot be verified by the furnisher within the allotted time, it will be removed from your credit report. If verified as accurate, it will remain on your report, and the bureau will provide a reason for their decision. Should the dispute be denied and you believe the inquiry is still erroneous, you have further options, including resubmitting the dispute with new evidence, contacting the creditor directly, or filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).