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Credit file disputes UK: complete guide

Found something on your credit file that shouldn’t be there? You’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Errors on credit reports are surprisingly common, and they can cost you approvals for credit cards, loans, and mortgages you should be getting.

Here’s what matters: you have a legal right to get mistakes fixed, for free. Credit reference agencies must investigate your dispute within 28 days and correct anything that’s wrong. This guide shows you exactly how.

Important
This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Wollit does not provide credit repair or dispute services. If you’re struggling with debt, contact StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice for free help.

Pick your credit agency

Each CRA has its own dispute process and timeline. Find the one you need:

Experian

Score range
0–1,250
Free access
Free Experian account
Phone
0344 481 8000

Equifax

Score range
0–1,000
Free access
ClearScore
Phone
0800 014 2955

TransUnion

Score range
0–710
Free access
Credit Karma
Phone
0330 024 7574

What’s wrong on your report?

Different errors need different approaches. Find the one that matches your situation:

Late Payment

A payment marked as late when you paid on time.

Straightforward process

Default

A default registered without proper notice or process.

Moderate process

County Court Judgment (CCJ)

A CCJ that was paid in time, satisfied, or over 6 years old.

Moderate process

Old or Statute-Barred Debt

Debt still showing after the 6-year retention period.

Straightforward process

Account Not Yours

An account on your file that belongs to someone else.

Moderate process

Fraud or Identity Theft

Accounts opened fraudulently in your name.

Complex process

Duplicate Account

The same account appearing more than once on your file.

Straightforward process

Incorrect Balance

A balance or credit limit that doesn’t match reality.

Straightforward process

Financial Association

Linked to someone you no longer share finances with.

Moderate process

Unauthorised Hard Search

A credit check you didn’t agree to.

Moderate process

Incorrect Account Status

An account showing as open, active, or in arrears when it isn’t.

Straightforward process

Wrong Address

An old or incorrect address on your credit file.

Straightforward process

Tools to help you dispute

Letter templates, step-by-step walkthroughs, and everything you need to get started:

Notice of Correction

Add a 200-word statement to your credit file explaining your side.

Dispute Letter Templates

Ready-to-use letters for every dispute type and CRA.

Step-by-Step Dispute Guide

The full process from checking your file to escalating if needed.

The law is on your side

You have real legal teeth when it comes to credit file errors:

Consumer Credit Act 1974

Section 159

CRAs must investigate and respond within 28 days. Not happy? You can require them to add a Notice of Correction (up to 200 words) to your file.

UK GDPR

Article 16

You have the right to get inaccurate personal data corrected without undue delay. Full stop.

Financial Ombudsman Service

Free to use

If the lender or CRA won’t budge, the FOS can order them to fix it and award you compensation (up to £445,000).

FAQs

Does it cost anything to dispute?

Not a penny. It’s your legal right under the Consumer Credit Act and UK GDPR. All three CRAs must investigate within 28 days, completely free of charge.

How long will this take?

CRAs have 28 days to respond by law. In practice, many disputes get sorted in 2–3 weeks. Equifax is often fastest because they give lenders just 21 days.

Do I really need to check all three agencies?

Yes — lenders report to different CRAs, so an error might appear on one but not the others. Check Experian (free account), Equifax (via ClearScore), and TransUnion (via Credit Karma).

What if they say no?

You’ve got options. Add a Notice of Correction (a 200-word statement on your file), complain to the lender directly, take it to the Financial Ombudsman (free), or raise it with the ICO.

What evidence will I need?

It depends on the error. Bank statements, payment confirmations, and lender correspondence are the heavy hitters. Check our guide for your specific dispute type — each one has an evidence checklist.

My payment was only a few days late — can I dispute that?

Not as a dispute, no — if it was genuinely late, the data is technically accurate. But you can ask the lender for a goodwill removal, or add a Notice of Correction explaining what happened.

How long will negative marks stay on my file?

Most things (defaults, CCJs, late payments) stick around for 6 years. Hard searches drop off after 1–2 years. One bright spot: a CCJ paid within one calendar month can be wiped completely.

What exactly is a Notice of Correction?

It’s a short statement (up to 200 words) you can attach to any entry on your file. Lenders must read it before making a decision. Think of it as your chance to tell your side of the story. It’s a statutory right under CCA s.159.

Take control of your credit health.

Wollit reports your subscription to all three CRAs every month, helping you build a positive credit history while you sort out the errors.

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