To write a letter to Equifax, address it to Equifax Information Services LLC, include your full name, current and previous addresses, Social Security number, date of birth, and a clear description of the dispute or request. Then send it via certified mail with return receipt requested to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256.
Background: Why Write to Equifax?
Equifax is one of the three major U.S. credit bureaus, along with Experian and TransUnion. It collects financial data about consumers and uses that data to create credit reports, which lenders, landlords, and employers may review. Errors on a credit report can hurt your credit score, leading to higher interest rates or loan denials. While you can file disputes online or by phone, a written letter provides a paper trail and is often required when sending supporting documentation. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute inaccurate information, and Equifax must investigate your dispute, typically within 30 days.
How to Write a Letter to Equifax
Writing a clear, complete letter speeds up the process. Follow these steps:
- Gather your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and previous addresses for the past two years.
- Identify the specific items you are disputing. List the creditor name, account number, and the reason you believe the information is incorrect.
- Explain the dispute clearly. State what is wrong (e.g., “This account is not mine,” “The balance is incorrect,” “This late payment was never late”).
- Include copies of supporting documents, such as a payment receipt or identity theft report. Do not send originals.
- Enclose a copy of your government-issued ID and a proof of address (utility bill, bank statement).
- Keep a copy of the letter and all enclosures for your records.
- Mail the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery.
What to Include in Your Letter
Your letter should contain your contact information at the top, followed by the date and Equifax’s address. Then write a concise subject line like “Dispute of Information on Credit Report.” In the body, state that you are writing to dispute information on your credit report. List each disputed item and explain the error. Mention that you have enclosed supporting documents. Close with a request for Equifax to investigate and correct the information, and ask for a written confirmation of the outcome. Sign the letter and include your printed name.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that you must send a letter to dispute an error. In reality, you can dispute online or by phone, but a letter gives you a record and may be necessary for complex disputes. Another problem is sending letters to the wrong address. Equifax has different addresses for regular disputes, for disputes related to identity theft, and for requesting a free annual report. Sending to the wrong department delays processing. Also, people often forget to include their Social Security number or proof of identity, which causes Equifax to return the letter. Finally, some believe that a dispute letter will automatically remove a negative item. Equifax will investigate, but if the information is verified as accurate, it will remain.
Equifax vs. Other Credit Bureaus
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each maintain separate credit reports. An error may appear on one report but not the others, so you may need to send a letter to each bureau separately. The dispute process is similar, but the mailing addresses differ. For example, Experian’s dispute address is P.O. Box 4500, Allen, TX 75013, and TransUnion’s is P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. You can also file disputes online with each bureau. Some consumers choose to send letters to all three bureaus when they suspect identity theft or widespread errors.
Costs and Response Times
Sending a letter to Equifax is free, but you will pay for postage and possibly for certified mail (about $3-5). If you request a copy of your credit report, you may be entitled to a free one if you were denied credit or are a victim of identity theft. Otherwise, a credit report from Equifax costs about $15.50. Equifax must respond to your dispute within 30 days of receiving it, though they may take up to 45 days if you send additional information after the initial dispute. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, Equifax will update your report and send you a notice. If not, you can add a statement of dispute to your file.
Template for a Letter to Equifax
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, ZIP
Date
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Subject: Dispute of Information on Credit Report
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report. Please investigate the item(s) listed below and correct or remove them as appropriate.
1. Creditor Name: ____________________
Account Number: ____________________
Reason for Dispute: ____________________
2. Creditor Name: ____________________
Account Number: ____________________
Reason for Dispute: ____________________
I have enclosed copies of supporting documents that show why this information is incorrect. Please update my credit report accordingly and send me a written confirmation of the outcome.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Printed Name
Social Security Number: ____________________
Date of Birth: ____________________
Sample (fictional):
John Doe
123 Main St., Anytown, USA 12345
October 5, 2023
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256
Subject: Dispute of Information on Credit Report
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to dispute the following information on my credit report. Please investigate the item(s) listed below and correct or remove them as appropriate.
1. Creditor Name: ABC Collections
Account Number: 123456789
Reason for Dispute: This account is not mine; I never opened an account with this company.
I have enclosed copies of my ID and a police report. Please update my credit report accordingly and send me a written confirmation of the outcome.
Sincerely,
John Doe
SSN: 123-45-6789
DOB: 01/01/1980
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct address to send a dispute letter to Equifax?
For most disputes, send to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0256. If you are a victim of identity theft, use P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788. Always check Equifax’s official website for the most current address.
Can I dispute online instead of sending a letter?
Yes, you can file a dispute online at Equifax’s website. However, a letter is useful for complex disputes, when you have many documents to send, or when you want a physical paper trail. Online disputes are often faster, but you may not be able to attach large files.
How long does Equifax take to respond to a letter?
Equifax generally investigates disputes within 30 days of receiving them. If you send additional information during the investigation, they may take up to 45 days. You will receive a written response with the results.
Do I need to include my Social Security number in the letter?
Yes, Equifax needs your Social Security number to locate your credit file. You can include it in the letter or on a separate verification form. Never send your SSN in an unencrypted email; a letter is fine.
What if Equifax doesn’t fix the error?
If Equifax completes its investigation and the information is still on your report, you can request that a statement of dispute be added to your file. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or contact a consumer attorney.
Is there a fee to send a letter to Equifax?
No, filing a dispute is free. You only pay for postage and optional certified mail. You may also pay for a copy of your credit report if you are not entitled to a free one.