Remove Negative Items From Your Credit Report

• 1). Order a copy of your credit report. Under federal law, consumers can receive one free credit report per year. The Annual Credit Report service, overseen by the Federal Trade Commission, allows consumers to order their report online, by phone or mail.
  
  
• 2). Search for negative and inaccurate information on your credit report. Mistakes often occur due to incomplete information or clerical errors --- such as payments applied to the wrong account, transposing a Social Security number or misreading handwritten applications. Negative information may also reveal a case of identity theft.
  
  
• 3). Contact the particular credit bureau that published the negative information. In some cases, a bureau may offer consumers the choice to submit the dispute online or through the mail. If you choose to write a letter, clearly identify the negative items you are disputing and include supporting documentation to back up your case. Request that the item is deleted or corrected.
  
  
• 4). Mail your letter and documents, including photocopies of your driver's license, Social Security card and/or utility bill (for address verification) using certified mail. Keep copies of your documents and expect to wait 30 to 90 days for processing.