Normally, credit bureaus will retain all addresses where you’ve received bills. This could include your college apartment, an ex’s house from 10 years ago, or the work address from an old job. In those cases, you don’t need to remove addresses from the credit report. An old address cannot harm your credit score, but incorrect address information can indicate identity theft or that your credit is compromised.
Whether your previous employer has requested that you remove its address or there’s an incorrect address, below you’ll find the steps for how to remove old addresses from a credit report.
Can you remove an old address from your credit report?
Yes, you can remove addresses from your credit report as long as it isn’t currently associated with any of your accounts. Usually, you’ll need to file a dispute with the credit bureaus. Each of the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and Transunion — have ways to dispute a charge online or through the mail. Experian, for example, allows you to initiate a dispute online directly at the Experian Dispute Center. You may need to send an address removal letter for credit reporting.
Not sure which addresses are showing up on a credit report? You can check them at AnnualCreditReport.com. Through December 2023, you can get a free credit report every week.
Does removing an old address impact your credit score?
No. Removing addresses from the credit report won’t impact your credit score. But incorrect identifying information can be a sign that someone else’s file has been mixed up with yours. Or, more seriously, incorrect information can be a red flag of identity theft.
Keep in mind that the addresses themselves aren’t a problem. Address or other personal identifying information won’t impact your credit score. But an incorrect address can be a sign of a current (or future) problem.
Reasons your address may not update on your credit report
If you see an old or different address on your credit report, there are several harmless explanations. An old joint account or being an authorized user on someone else’s account can be reasons you see an unfamiliar address on your credit report. Here are some other reasons your address may not update on your credit report.
You’ve moved recently
If you’ve recently moved, your old address may still show up on your credit report. In that case, you don’t need to do anything. Your mailing address and physical address will be automatically updated after creditors report to the credit bureaus. A delay of 30 to 60 days can be normal.
A joint account user is associated with another address
If someone adds you as an authorized user to their credit card, their address will show up on your credit report. Likewise, if you add an authorized user with a different address, that address will also appear on your credit report. An authorized user’s address will not affect your credit score, although their account activity can.
The address is associated with an account
If the address is currently associated with an account — even a forgotten credit card — it will remain on your credit report as a current address. If you’ve received mail for an account at the address, it will most likely show up on your credit report as a past address. That includes P.O. boxes, work addresses, or temporary mailing addresses. Even if the address is no longer associated with any account, it will remain on the record as information to verify your identity.
Why it’s important to keep your credit report updated
Keeping your credit report updated is important to protect your personal information. When you check the credit report, you’re able to ensure that the information on file is correct and see what creditors see when evaluating your account. It’s worth regularly checking your credit report as a part of your financial planning.
This allows you to spot and dispute any inaccuracies and remove addresses from the credit report as well as track your credit score before applying for a mortgage or other loan. By making a habit of checking your credit report, you can also spot signs of identity theft and take steps to protect your accounts.
How to dispute an incorrect address on your credit report
If there is an address that you or authorized users never used as an address on your credit report, you can ask for it to be removed from the credit file. To do this, you’ll need to contact both the credit reporting agency and may also need to contact creditors. You may need to send an address removal letter for credit. Here’s how:
Contact the credit reporting agency
There are three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. The incorrect address may show up on one credit file or with all three credit bureaus. You may be able to request the credit reporting agency to remove addresses from the credit report by calling it.
Here are the phone numbers:
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- Equifax: 888-378-4329
- TransUnion: 888-909-8872
In the case of incorrect information, you’ll need to explain that the address and related information was never associated with you and must be a mistake. If the credit bureau is not willing to remove the old or incorrect address, you still have the option to request that creditors remove the address or file a dispute with the credit bureau.
Contact creditors associated with the old address
Creditors associated with the old address can update the address information in your file. This will automatically update current address information with the creditors they report to. Even if your current address is updated, old addresses can remain in your credit file.
File a dispute
If you’ve received a late payment because of a wrong address, discuss this with your creditor. If calling to dispute the payment doesn’t work, you’ll need to file a dispute. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides detailed information on how to file a dispute with each of the credit bureaus. You can file an online dispute with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, or you can mail in a dispute form.
If you think you’re a victim of identity theft, there are government resources available through the Federal Trade Commission.
Summary of how to remove old addresses from a credit report
An address removal letter for a credit report is simpler than it sounds. And whether you need to act at all depends on the type of address. If it’s just one of your old addresses, you usually don’t need to do anything to remove it. It will remain in your credit file as a way to verify your identity. But if it is an incorrect address, you’ll want to contact the credit bureaus and remove the addresses from the credit report right away. In either case, making a habit of regularly checking your credit report for inaccuracies can save time and hassle down the road and prepare you for big credit steps like a mortgage.
FAQ
Why does my credit report have my old address?
Your credit report will maintain your old addresses as a part of your account history. They may be used to verify identity when applying for new lines of credit, loans, or on job applications.
How do I remove old information from my credit report?
To remove incorrect information or expired debt from your credit report, contact the credit bureau. You may need to file a dispute with both the creditor and the credit bureaus.
How can I get something removed from my credit report before seven years?
Accurate information cannot be removed before the legal term, which is usually seven years. But you can request that incorrect information is removed. If it isn’t removed after a phone request, you can submit a dispute to the credit bureau.
