Contributed by Melanie Vannuys
When you determine there is inaccurate information on your credit report it's time to write a letter to repair your credit. These kinds of letters are also called dispute letters. By writing a letter aimed at repairing your credit, you take the opportunity to have negative or incorrect information removed from credit file, thus improving your credit score, which makes it easier to obtain credit.
Some of the most common areas that a credit repair letter addresses are mistakes made in the personal information portion of your credit report. Most commonly your married name on the file or an incorrect address will need to be corrected. If you have someone else's personal information, it could be negatively affecting your credit. Even if your social security number is off by one number, it can make a big difference.
These reasons alone are why it's important to keep an ever watchful eye on your credit report. You can obtain one free copy a year from each of the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. When you get your copies, any inaccurate information should be noted and a letter sent to the appropriate credit bureau.
In order for one of the credit bureaus to even investigate your claim, they have to your dispute in writing, thus the letter. You'll need to include your name, address, telephone number and social security number to start with. Then, you should list each inaccuracy or negative entry in question, with details supporting why you are making the claim. Request that the information be deleted or corrected, whatever the case may be.