When you get a instant free credit report you're able to check on your credit for any
problems. If an account is in error or incomplete, it's usually fairly simple to correct it.
But it's best if you can avoid problems before they happen and keep them out of your instant
free credit report.
The Fair Credit Billing Act(FCBA) provides procedures that can keep little
problems with bills from becoming a big problem in your instant free credit report. Maybe
you were billed for an item you returned or never received. Or maybe your credit card was
charged twice for the same purchase. Whatever the type of billing problem, there are steps you
can take to solve it and maintain your rights.
Any billing dispute that shows up in your instant free credit report isn't necessarily
covered by the FCBA. The types of "billing errors" that are covered include:
- unauthorized charges;
- charges with the wrong date or amount;
- bills for purchases that weren't delivered as agreed or you didn't accept;
- math mistakes;
- failure to post an account credit;
- failure to send bills to your current address;
- and billing for an unclear or disputed purchase.
When an error occurs, you should write the creditor at the billing inquiries address,
describing the nature of the error. The creditor must acknowledge your letter within 30 days
and resolve the dispute within 90 days. And while the bill is in dispute, it can't be recorded
as delinquent and show up in your instant free credit report. A creditor may only report
that you're contesting the bill. Additionally other creditors are prohibited from discriminating
against you for disputing the bill.
To get your instant free credit report, free credit score and free 30 days of credit
monitoring, please go to
free instant credit reports.
