What Should A Credit Bureau Letter Say?

A credit bureau letter can be used to request a copy of your credit report, or to dispute an item on your report. If the letter doesn’t contain the correct information the first time around, you will have to write it again to make your request. Here’s how you can avoid that entirely.

Keep Cool

It’s not uncommon to be very angry when you have to write a letter to the credit bureau. Most often the letter is being written because there is information on the report that shouldn’t be there. Remember you get more flies with honey, so take a deep breath and stay cordial.

Reporting an Error

If you need to report an error you will need to include information about the item in question, a copy of a cancelled check or proof of payment (if this is the issue), drivers license number, social security number, a copy of the credit report in question, and your full name and address. Make sure you include an explanation of why you think the report contains erroneous information.

Requesting a Copy of Your Report

When you request a copy of your credit report by mail, there is information that the credit bureau will need to properly identify you. After you write the request, you will want to make sure you include your full name and social security number. Also include your home phone number and current address. If you’ve had more than one address in the past five years, include those as well with dates you lived there. You are entitled to one free credit report every year or a free report anytime you are denied credit. Be sure you include this information as well so you don’t get a bill for it.