How to dispute an incorrect balance on Equifax
Your Equifax report says you owe more than you actually do? That can inflate your credit utilisation and drag your score down. But before you dispute, check the “last updated” date — balances can lag by 4–6 weeks.
If it’s not just a timing issue, here’s how to get it fixed with Equifax.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- Equifax must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 21 days to respond to Equifax’s enquiry.
- Check your Equifax report free via ClearScore.
How to dispute with Equifax
Use the Online Help portal. Select “Financial Account information” and explain the balance discrepancy. Upload your latest lender statement.
Equifax gives the lender 21 days to respond — the shortest window of any CRA.
Equifax-specific tips
Equifax’s 21-day lender response window makes balance disputes slightly faster than with other CRAs.
Evidence you’ll need
- The most important evidence is your latest account statement from the lender showing the correct balance. Back this up with bank statements showing payments, payment receipts, and a settlement letter if applicable.
- Upload through the Online Help portal at help.equifax.co.uk/EquifaxOnlineHelp, selecting “Financial Account information”. Standard formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG) are accepted. Equifax gives the lender 21 days to respond — the shortest window of any CRA, making balance corrections slightly faster.
Timeline
Equifax contacts the lender. The lender has 21 days to respond — the shortest window of any CRA, which means balance disputes often resolve faster with Equifax. Expect resolution within 2–3 weeks. Equifax confirms receipt within 24 hours.
A dispute flag is added to the entry during investigation, visible to lenders checking your file.
If your dispute is rejected
If the lender refuses to correct the balance, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service with your statement evidence.
Equifax has an alternative dispute form at disputeuk.zendesk.com for re-submissions. Formal complaints go to [email protected] or call 0800 014 2955.
FAQs
Why does my Equifax balance differ from my lender statement?
Lenders report to CRAs monthly. Your Equifax balance may be 4–6 weeks behind your actual balance. Check the “last updated” date on the entry.
Dispute this on another CRA
Other disputes on Equifax
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