Step Three: Address mistakes. When you find an error, the fastest route to correcting it is through your credit report provider. For example, Transunion takes credit “dispute submissions” via phone, online or by snail mail. Online is your best bet; credit report specialists can get on the problem right away, and you can track the progress of your dispute online. If you file by mail, it can take days before you even get a response from the credit report company. You can reach out directly to the creditor in question, but going through a credit report provider generally yields better results. For instance, your creditor may or may not take required action unless you push hard. Creditors always respond when a credit report company comes calling.

Step Four: Be patient. When a credit report provider accepts your dispute, they’ll contact your creditor and alert them of the dispute. Your creditor has 45 days to review your claim dispute.  If the item on the report that is in dispute cannot be verified, then it will be removed from your credit report and your credit score will be updated, often immediately. Keep in mind that if you are in the midst of a credit report dispute, getting a loan or other new credit may be difficult. It may be better to wait until the situation is resolved, and your credit score is updated in your favor.

Step Five: If you disagree with the outcome. Even if the investigation goes against you and your credit dispute is rejected by the credit report company, you still have options. For example, you can write a “consumer statement” that explains your side of the story. Creditors will see your note and take that into consideration when weighing whether or not to give you credit. Beyond that, you can always ask for a new investigation. That’s especially useful if new information crops up to support your case. Make sure to keep all your records handy if you relaunch a dispute.

Overall, the keys to fixing errors on your credit report are knowing where you stand, keeping good records, working with your credit report provider and being patient. Ultimately, though, what you get out of a credit report dispute process depends on how much work you put into it.