These are the steps to follow to clear negative entries off your credit report. Print out a copy and check off each item as you complete it.

Review and print out a free copy of your credit reports from www.annualcreditreport.com. They’ll ask you about your prior addresses and items that may appear on your credit record to verify your identity. Also, you’ll be directed to each of the 3 reporting agencies independently from that site. Once you access your reports, you’ll have 30 days to log back in to see the same report. If you want a refreshed copy, you’ll need to pay for it.

Look through your reports to check for errors. Each report will probably have differences since not every creditor reports to every agency. If one agency removes something from your report, they are required to tell the other two to do the same.

Write a letter explaining why each of those negative items should not be on your report. Additionally, if you have an account that’s in good standing that’s not listed, you can have them add that. You’ll need verification and it might be easier to ask your creditor to report it directly.

In listing negative items to dispute, include account names, numbers, dates, etc. Write why you’re disputing it as well. Valid reasons are that it’s an account you never had, the dates or amounts are wrong, etc. If you don’t have a better reason, you can always say you don’t recall having that account. I’m not saying to dispute items you know are true because most creditors have staff dedicated to verifying accounts and that won’t get it off just because you listed it. Plus, lying can get you in trouble.

Your letter MUST include: your full name with middle name and generation (Jr, Sr, etc), your current mailing address, addresses from the last two years, date of birth and social security number.

You must include a copy of a government issued ID AND a copy of a utility bill, insurance or bank statement. NOT valid: credit card statements, voided checks, lease agreements, magazine subscriptions, or post office forwarding orders. You have to include these items exactly or the reporting agencies will reply they don’t have enough information to identify you and tell you to do it again.

Send your letter USPS certified mail. If you don’t, you run the risk of them “losing” your letter and you having no way to verify you sent it.

You can track the letter on the USPS website to find out when it was delivered. They are required to investigate and verify within 30 days or they have to take the items off your report and let you know.

That’s it. You can now take steps to start building better credit.

Find out how to do your own credit history repair without an agency. Visit www.creditrepairsecrets.org for free credit repair secrets.

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