Errors on your credit report—especially duplicate entries—can have a major negative effect on your credit score. Even if you don’t use credit often, reviewing your credit report at least once a year is critical to catching and correcting these mistakes early.
Duplicate listings can look like double the debt to credit scoring models, potentially lowering your score and making it harder to get approved for loans, credit cards, or even rental applications.
Here’s how to spot and fix duplicate entries on your credit report.
Step 1: Write a Dispute Letter
Your first move is to create a dispute letter to challenge the incorrect information. The letter should include:
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Your name and address
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The creditor’s name
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The account number(s)
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A clear explanation of the duplicate error
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The incorrect balances listed
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Any supporting documentation
Before sending the dispute letter, verify that the entry is truly a duplicate. For example, if one of your accounts went into collections, both the original lender and the collection agency might report it—but that doesn’t always count as a duplicate unless the reporting is inaccurate.
Pro Tip:
Reach out to the original creditor first and ask them to correct the error. If they agree, request that they send updates to the credit bureaus directly.
Step 2: Contact All Three Credit Bureaus
To fix your credit report, you must contact the three major bureaus individually:
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Experian
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TransUnion
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Equifax
Send each bureau a copy of your dispute letter via certified mail with return receipt requested, and keep copies for your records. This gives you a legal paper trail showing when your dispute was submitted.
What Happens Next?
Each credit bureau has 30 days to investigate your claim. After reviewing, they will notify you of the results and provide a free updated credit report if changes are made.
Step 3: Confirm the Correction Was Made
Once the 30-day period passes, carefully review your updated credit reports from each bureau.
If the duplicate entry has not been removed, take the following steps:
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Contact the original creditor again and explain that the item is still being reported incorrectly.
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Ask them to reissue a corrected report to all credit bureaus.
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Follow up with a second dispute letter if needed—include new supporting documentation and a copy of your original request.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of:
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Your dispute letters
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Return receipts
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Email correspondence
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Notes from any phone calls
These records can help protect your rights if you need to escalate your complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or take legal action.
Why Removing Duplicate Entries Matters
Even a single duplicate debt entry can double your reported debt, hurt your credit utilization ratio, and drag down your credit score. Keeping your credit report clean and accurate helps ensure:
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Better chances of loan approval
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Lower interest rates
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Higher credit limits
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Stronger financial reputation
Final Thoughts
Duplicate entries are more than just clerical errors—they can cost you thousands in missed financial opportunities. Be proactive:
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Check your credit report regularly
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Dispute any inaccuracies in writing
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Follow up until the issue is resolved
Fixing duplicate entries on your credit report isn’t instant, but it’s worth the time and effort to protect your credit health.
FAQs: Duplicate Entries on Credit Reports
What causes duplicate entries on a credit report?
Duplicate entries often occur due to clerical errors by creditors or when both an original creditor and a collection agency report the same debt.
Do duplicate entries hurt my credit score?
Yes. Duplicate listings can inflate your debt and negatively affect your credit utilization, which lowers your score.
How long does it take to fix a credit report error?
Credit bureaus typically take 30 days to investigate a dispute and respond. If additional verification is needed, it may take slightly longer.
Can I file a dispute online?
Yes. All three credit bureaus offer online dispute portals. However, mailing your dispute with return receipt provides a better paper trail.
What if the credit bureau doesn’t fix the duplicate entry?
Contact the creditor directly and send a second dispute with more documentation. You can also file a complaint with the CFPB or your state attorney general’s office.
