Mistakes in credit reports happen: a loan you closed still shown as open, a payment marked late that you made on time, or an account that is not yours. Incorrect information can be corrected; correct information, even if unfavourable, stays.
Last reviewed on 19 October 2026.
Errors to look for
- An account or loan that is not yours.
- The same account shown twice.
- A loan you repaid still shown as active, or with a balance.
- A payment shown as late or missed when you paid on time.
- "Settled" or "written off" on an account you repaid in full.
- An enquiry from a lender you never applied to.
- Wrong name, date of birth, PAN, address or phone number.
How to raise a dispute
- Note each error and gather proof: statements, payment receipts, a closure letter or no-dues certificate.
- Raise a dispute with the credit information company whose report has the error, through its online dispute form, or write to the lender that reported it.
- Keep the reference number and the date you raised it.
- The company asks the lender to check; the lender sends the correction. If the request is rejected, you must be told why.
- Check the corrected report once you are told the dispute is resolved.
- If there is no reply within 30 days, or you disagree with it, complain to the RBI Ombudsman through the RBI Complaint Management System.
If something looks like fraud
An account or enquiry you do not recognise can mean someone used your details. Contact the lender and the credit information company at once, and report online fraud on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or its helpline 1930.
What the RBI rules say
- A lender must send corrected information to the credit information company within 21 days of being told, and the complaint must be resolved within 30 days of when you filed it. [1]
- If a complaint about credit information is not resolved within 30 days, you are entitled to compensation of ₹100 for each day of delay, credited within five working days of resolution. [1]
- If your correction request is rejected, the lender must tell you the reason. [2]
- Credit information companies are covered by the RBI Ombudsman. You can complain free of charge if the company or lender does not reply within 30 days or you are not satisfied, within 90 days after that. [3]
Rules referred to
- RBI circular: Framework for compensation to customers for delayed updation/rectification of credit information (opens in a new tab) (RBI/2023-24/72, 26 October 2023)
Time limits for correcting credit information (21 days for the lender, 30 days in all) and ₹100 a day compensation for delay. - RBI circular: Strengthening of customer service rendered by Credit Information Companies and Credit Institutions (opens in a new tab) (RBI/2023-24/73, 26 October 2023)
Alerts when your report is accessed and when a default is reported, reasons for rejecting a correction request, a prominent free-report link on credit information companies' websites. - Reserve Bank – Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 (opens in a new tab) (In force from 1 July 2026)
Covers banks, many NBFCs and credit information companies. Free; complain to the company first.
Finobazaar read these rules on rbi.org.in on 19 October 2026. Rules change: check the current text on the RBI website.
Important limitations
- The time limits and compensation apply under RBI's rules as summarised here; read the circular for exclusions and details.
- This guide is general information. It does not promise any change in your credit score, an approval or a particular result.
Official resources
- TransUnion CIBIL – dispute an error in your report (opens in a new tab)Raise a dispute about incorrect details in a CIBIL report.
- Equifax Credit Information Services (opens in a new tab)Credit information company: credit report and score.
- Experian Credit Information Company of India (opens in a new tab)Credit information company: credit report and score.
- CRIF Credit Information Services (opens in a new tab)Credit information company (formerly CRIF High Mark): credit report and score.
- RBI Complaint Management System (RBI Ombudsman) (opens in a new tab)File a free complaint against a bank, NBFC or credit information company that has not resolved your complaint.Complain to the company first; if there is no reply within 30 days or you are not satisfied, file within 90 days after that. Contact centre: 14448. Email: crpc@rbi.org.in.
- RBI – FAQs on the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026 (opens in a new tab)Who is covered, when and how to complain, and what the Ombudsman can award.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (opens in a new tab)Report online fraud, including a loan or card taken in your name without your knowledge.Toll-free helpline for help with online cyber complaints: 1930 (as stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Parliament, 6 February 2024).
Addresses checked on 19 October 2026.
Related
- Credit report error checklistThe errors people most often find in credit reports, and what each one may mean.
- Credit report dispute preparation checklistWhat to have ready before you raise a dispute with a credit information company or lender.
- How to get and read your credit reportGetting your free annual report from each credit information company, and what each part of the report means.
- Building and improving your credit profileHabits that generally support a healthy credit profile, what to avoid, and why there is no fixed timeline or number of points.