Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a credit bureau generally has 30 days to investigate a dispute you file with it, counted from the day it receives your dispute. The bureau can take up to 45 days if you send additional relevant information during that period. When it finishes, it must tell you the results in writing, and any item it cannot verify must be corrected or deleted.
The clock starts when the bureau receives your dispute, not when you mail it or submit it online. Mail can take several days to arrive, so keep proof of the mailing date and any delivery confirmation.
The extension applies only when you give the bureau additional relevant information during the investigation. To avoid a longer wait, send all of your supporting documents with your first dispute whenever you can.
The bureau must give you written results within five business days of finishing. If its findings change your report, you are entitled to a free updated copy. Check the new report carefully, and dispute again if an error remains.
The law sets deadlines, not guaranteed outcomes. Delays can come from mail time, a creditor that responds slowly or missing information. If you are applying for a loan, tell your lender that a dispute is open so you can plan around the timing.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026 by Sandra Ruiz, CEO.
Start with a free consultation and a general review of your credit scores from the three bureaus. Individual results vary.