What is a data dispute?

A data dispute is when you highlight information from your report that you believe is incorrect. Resolving the matter directly with the lender is often the most time-effective approach.

Here's a how-to guide on starting a data dispute:

• Get in touch with the bank, lender, provider or utility supplier. Let them know that you've seen information on your credit report which you believe to be incorrect

• Give them time to investigate - each lender will typically outline its response time but it is usually around 28 days

• Give them time to resolve it. It normally takes 4-6 weeks for new or updated information to filter through to your credit report

Data Dispute Resolution is included in the Checkmyfile subscription, which enables us to contact the credit reference agencies on behalf of our customers. While raising a Notice of Dispute is usually advised as a last resort, we will be more than happy to assist where all options have already been exhausted with the lender directly.

If the lender fails to resolve the dispute or update the information after confirming it would do so, let us know and we can take a look to see if a data dispute with the credit reference agencies would be appropriate.

How long does a data dispute take?

As soon as a dispute has been raised, the credit reference agencies have 28 days under law to provide a response. During this time, they'll:

• Review the dispute raised

• Check that they have all required information from you

• Contact the relevant organisation

• Provide their outcome

If you've used our Data Dispute Resolution and more than 28 days have passed with no outcome, please let us know and we'll take a look.