Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion generally must finish a reinvestigation within 30 days of receiving your dispute, and must send you the results in writing within 5 business days after it is complete.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets the clock. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681i(a)(1), when you dispute the completeness or accuracy of an item in your file, the credit bureau must conduct a reasonable reinvestigation free of charge and either record the current status of the item or delete it within 30 days of receiving your dispute. The same rules apply to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Key deadlines inside the 30 days
- 5 business days to notify the furnisher. The bureau must give the company that reported the item (the lender, collector, or servicer) notice of your dispute, with all relevant information you provided, within 5 business days of receiving it (§ 1681i(a)(2)).
- Your documents must be considered. The bureau must review and consider all relevant information you submit (§ 1681i(a)(4)).
- 5 business days to report results. After the reinvestigation ends, the bureau has 5 business days to send you written results (§ 1681i(a)(6)).
When the deadline can be longer
The 30-day period can be extended by up to 15 days if you send the bureau relevant information during the first 30 days. A dispute filed after you receive your free annual report through the centralized source has a 45-day limit (§ 1681j(a)(3)). Neither exception lets the bureau wait indefinitely for a furnisher that does not respond.
Practical tips
- Keep proof of the date the bureau received your dispute, such as a certified mail return receipt or an online confirmation number. The clock runs from receipt.
- Calendar day 30, and allow a few more days for the results notice to arrive by mail.
- If you receive no response, or the bureau simply repeats the furnisher’s position without addressing your documents, keep copies of everything.
Step-by-step dispute guidance is on our how to dispute credit report errors page. A dispute that is ignored or not reasonably investigated may give rise to a claim under the FCRA; a free case review can help you see whether that applies, with no fee unless we win.
Related
- How to Dispute Credit Report Errors With Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
- Experian lawsuit guide
- Equifax lawsuit guide
- TransUnion lawsuit guide
Sources
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681i — Procedure in case of disputed accuracy (Cornell LII)
- FTC — Disputing Errors on Your Credit Reports
- CFPB — How do I dispute an error on my credit report?
Updated November 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.