Hard inquiries on your credit report can negatively impact your credit score and affect your ability to get loans or credit cards. However, if these inquiries are unauthorized or incorrect, you have the right to dispute them and have them removed. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove hard inquiries from your credit report quickly and effectively.
Tools and Materials You Might Need:
- Copies of your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Identification documents (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
- Pen and paper or a computer for writing your dispute letter
- Access to the internet or phone for contacting credit bureaus
Steps to Remove Hard Inquiries from Your Credit Report:
- Obtain Your Credit Reports: Start by getting copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can get one free copy of each report annually from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the reports carefully to identify any hard inquiries that you do not recognize or authorize.
- Gather Documentation: Collect any documents that support your claim that the hard inquiries are unauthorized or incorrect. This may include bank statements, loan agreements, or any correspondence with the lender or creditor.
- Write a Dispute Letter: Write a formal dispute letter to the credit bureau that reported the hard inquiry. Include your personal information (name, address, phone number, email), account information, details of the hard inquiry you are disputing, and any supporting documentation1. Be clear and concise in your letter, and request that the inquiry be removed from your report.
- Send the Dispute Letter: Mail your dispute letter to the credit bureau along with copies (not originals) of your supporting documentation. Make sure to keep a copy of the letter and any documents for your records.
- Contact the Credit Bureau: You can also contact the credit bureau directly by phone to initiate the dispute process. Follow the instructions provided by the bureau and be prepared to provide your personal information and details of the hard inquiry2.
- Follow Up: After submitting your dispute, follow up with the credit bureau to ensure that your request is being processed. You can check the status of your dispute online or by contacting the bureau again.
- Wait for a Response: The credit bureau is required to investigate your dispute within 30 days. They will contact the lender or creditor to verify the information and may remove the hard inquiry if it is found to be unauthorized or incorrect.
- Review Your Credit Report: Once the investigation is complete, review your credit report to ensure that the hard inquiry has been removed. If it has not, you may need to submit a second dispute or contact the credit bureau again.