Keep the two questions separate
A report can help you check whether information is accurate. It cannot tell you that a particular lender will approve an application.
Get the report through a verified bureau
The NCR’s consumer-rights guide describes your right to request a credit record and receive one free record per year. Check the bureau’s official route and identity-verification requirements. Avoid a link in an unsolicited message offering instant approval after a paid “credit clean-up”.
Read more than the score
| Area to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Personal information | An unfamiliar identity detail or account that may belong to someone else. |
| Credit accounts | The provider, account reference, open or closed status and reported balance. |
| Payment history | A payment marked late when your records show it was made. |
| Dates and updates | Whether a recent settlement has been reflected; keep the dated confirmation. |
| Information you dispute | Identify the exact entry and why you believe it is wrong. |
Use your agreements, statements and bank confirmations to build a clear timeline. A different number from an earlier report is a reason to inspect the details, not proof on its own that an error occurred.
Raise a specific dispute
Follow the bureau’s official dispute process, provide the requested supporting information securely and keep the reference number. The NCR’s December 2024 guideline gives the bureau 20 business days from receipt of a complete notification, including required supporting documents, to complete the dispute process.
If you disagree with the outcome, follow the NCR escalation route in that guideline. It specifies a 20-business-day window after receiving supporting evidence for the NCR complaint. Check the full instructions and the applicable deadline promptly.
Keep your evidence together
The report date and the precise entry being challenged.- A short explanation of the correction requested.
- Relevant payment or settlement confirmations.
- The dispute reference, submission date and bureau response.
A dispute does not automatically remove accurate information, cancel a debt or guarantee a loan. If a repayment is also difficult, discuss that separately with the creditor. See how credit checks differ from affordability checks.
Sources and further reading
Reviewed 28 October 2026. General information from Lendeka; your agreement and applicable law govern your loan.