How Long Do Credit Disputes Take to Resolve in 2025?
If you’ve found an error on your credit report and filed a dispute, you’re probably wondering when you’ll see results. In 2025, credit bureaus are required to handle disputes within a certain timeframe but the process behind the scenes can be more complex than most people realize.
This article breaks down how long credit disputes take, what happens during the investigation, how updates show up on your report, and what to do if things stall. Whether you’re correcting a billing mistake, challenging a collection account, or removing fraudulent activity, understanding the credit dispute timeline can help you stay informed and in control.
The Standard Credit Dispute Timeline (Under the FCRA)
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), credit bureaus are legally required to investigate and resolve most disputes within 30 days of receiving your request.
Here’s how it works:
- Day 0–5: You submit your dispute (by mail or online), and the bureau logs it.
- Day 5–10: The bureau contacts the data furnisher (like a lender or collection agency) to request verification.
- Day 10–25: The data furnisher investigates and replies with either a confirmation, correction, or deletion of the disputed item.
- Day 25–30: The credit bureau reviews the results, updates your credit report if needed, and notifies you of the outcome.
So, in most cases, you’ll receive a formal response within 30 calendar days, not business days. If you send additional documentation mid-investigation, the bureau can extend the timeline to 45 days.
Quick Recap:
- Normal disputes: 30 days
- If you submit extra info: Up to 45 days
- Disputes from AnnualCreditReport.com: Same rules apply
What Happens During a Credit Bureau Investigation?
Once your dispute is submitted, the credit bureau doesn’t independently verify the information it contacts the company that reported the data (called the furnisher). That company must then:
- Review your dispute
- Check their own records
- Provide evidence to support or correct the information
If they can’t verify the data, the bureau must delete or update it.
Some investigations wrap up faster — especially when the furnisher responds early. But if your dispute involves multiple accounts, fraud, or complex documentation, it can take closer to the full 30 or 45 days.
When Will You See the Changes on Your Credit Report?
If your dispute results in a correction or deletion, you’ll typically see updates on your credit report within a few days to a week after the investigation closes.
Here’s how the timing breaks down:
- Online reports (e.g., Experian.com) may reflect changes almost immediately
- Third-party services (like Credit Karma) might take a bit longer to refresh
- Printed reports from the bureaus will include updates if you request a free copy after the dispute
You’ll also receive a Dispute Results letter that summarizes:
- What was investigated
- Whether the item was deleted, corrected, or verified
- An updated version of your credit report (in most cases)
What If Your Credit Dispute Is Denied?
It’s not uncommon for a dispute to come back as “verified,” even when the information seems wrong. If that happens:
- Review the creditor’s response to see what evidence they used
- Contact the furnisher directly to request more details or escalate
- Resubmit your dispute with stronger documentation (e.g., billing records, payment confirmations, fraud reports)
- File a complaint with the CFPB if you believe your dispute wasn’t handled properly
You can also add a consumer statement to your report explaining your side while this won’t change your score, it may help lenders reviewing your report manually.
How to Follow Up If Your Dispute Is Taking Too Long
If more than 30–45 days have passed and you haven’t received a decision, take these steps:
- Contact the bureau via phone or online account for a status update
- Check your mail or email for correspondence you might’ve missed
- Review your credit report again for any silent updates
- Keep copies of all communication in case you need to escalate
Most disputes resolve on time, but if delays persist, consider submitting a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.
What About Disputes Through Third-Party Apps?
Many people use apps like Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, or Chase Credit Journey to file disputes. These platforms submit the dispute to the bureau on your behalf but the timeline and process are the same.
Be aware: Third-party platforms may not give you full visibility into the communication between the bureau and creditor. If your dispute is complex or involves identity theft, you may want to submit directly through the bureau’s official portal or by certified mail.
Final Thoughts
Credit disputes in 2025 generally take 30 to 45 days, but that time can vary depending on the nature of the dispute, the bureau’s process, and the lender’s responsiveness. Being organized, providing clear documentation, and following up when needed will help your dispute get resolved as quickly as possible.
Still, even after a successful dispute, some negative marks may reappear and you’ll need to know what to do if that happens.
Up next: Why Some Negative Marks Come Back (And What to Do) — learn how to protect your credit score from recurring errors and how to challenge reinserted items effectively.