What Does Account Information Disputed by Consumer Meets FCRA Requirements Mean?

Dena Standley | September 13, 2023

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Fact-checked by Partick Austin, J.D.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects you from inaccurate credit reporting. So, you can dispute any mistake you find on your credit report. Contesting an error is crucial because the report affects your ability to borrow money, buy a home, and find employment.

Launching an official dispute with the major credit reporting bureaus is relatively simple. But you must keep track of what transpires. In 30 days, the agency should complete the investigation and post its findings.

When the analysis is complete, you may see "meets FCRA requirements" next to the disputed account. What are the FCRA requirements on accuracy? What does the statement mean? And how does it affect your credit? Find out in this article.

The FCRA requires accurate credit reporting

The law prohibits credit bureaus from reporting false information on a consumer's credit because doing so can adversely affect their financial health. However, your responsibility as the consumer is to ensure that your file contains up-to-date and accurate information.

When you find and report an error, the agency must act fast to rectify it. The FCRA sets the time limit at 30 days. You will receive a confirmation number that you may use to track any developments in the investigation.

Use the addresses below to dispute an error in your report.

Credit Reporting Dispute Addresses

Experian	Equifax	TransUnion
P.O. Box 9701 Allen, TX 75013 Online: Experian	P.O. Box 740256 Atlanta, GA 30374-0256 Online: Equifax	P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 Online: TransUnion

You may need to provide additional documents and personal information along with the complaint. As mentioned, the bureau has 30 days from the time you file a dispute to rectify, delete, or confirm the entry.

Note: It takes time for recent activity on an account to reflect on your file. For example, if you recently reduced a debt balance, you may have to wait a month (sometimes 45 days) before that activity shows on your report.

Debt Validation can help resolve issues before they reach your credit report. Learn more about how a Debt Validation Letter can protect your credit score and prevent a debt lawsuit.

The meaning of "account information disputed by consumer meets FCRA requirements"

After filing a dispute, consumers must wait for the results of the investigation. You must know how to interpret any remarks a creditor adds to your report.

For example, if the investigation finds that the account does not contain any errors, the creditor may add the notation: account information disputed by the consumer meets FCRA requirements. In other words, the bureau is saying that it conducted an analysis and found out that there is nothing inaccurate, unfair, or false. It can also mean that they have revised the information, which is now correct.

Let's look at an illustration.

But you may wonder whether the remark affects your credit score.

Do credit report dispute remarks affect credit scores?

The answer depends on the type of remark. For instance, an account under investigation is "hidden" from your FICO score. Consequently, it does not contribute to your credit calculation for the duration it is marked as "disputed."

If the disputed account is derogatory, your score may even go up momentarily (artificially). But if it is positive, the dispute may lower your credit score pending resolution.

What about the statement that it "meets FCRA requirements?" The remark itself does not interfere with your credit.

However, if you had an issue with a derogatory entry and now the bureau says nothing is wrong with the account, you may notice a drop in your score.

It may be a mistake if you notice an "in dispute" remark on your report but have not launched any complaints on the account. Contact the bureau and the creditor or debt collector to remove the comment.

Remember, you can only correct mistakes on your report if you keep up with it. All bureaus allow you free annual access to your files. During hardships, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be additional resources to help you improve your financial health. Visit the three major credit bureaus' websites for any such updates.

Also, the fact that the creditor and bureaus say that the information meets FCRA requirements does not necessarily mean it does. If you still disagree, feel free to:

• Resubmit the dispute.
• Speak directly with the creditor.
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can also help you to resolve any issues you feel the creditor needs to handle better.

Key takeaways

"Account information disputed by consumer meets FCRA requirements" simply means that an investigation into a dispute is complete, and the bureau believes the account has no errors.

The remark will not affect your credit by itself. Still, if you disagree with the findings, relaunch the complaint with the bureau, contact your lender, or report to the CFPB. If you never disputed the account, let the bureau know.

Consumers like you rely on SoloSuit to resolve and eliminate debts quickly, protecting your credit score and helping you avoid or win a debt lawsuit.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

• Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC
• Accredited Collection Services
• Alliance One
• Amcol Clmbia
• American Recovery Service
• Asset Acceptance LLC
• Asset Recovery Solutions
• Associated Credit Services
• Autovest LLC
• Cach LLC
• Cavalry SPV I LLC
• Cerastes LLC
• Colinfobur
• Covington Credit
• Crown Asset Management
• CTC Debt Collector
• Cypress Financial Recoveries
• Delanor Kemper & Associates
• Eagle Loan of Ohio
• Educap
• Estate Information Services
• FIA Card Services
• Forster & Garbus
• Freshview Solutions
• Fulton Friedman & Gullace LLP
• Harvest Credit Management
• Howard Lee Schiff
• Hudson & Keyse LLC
• Integras Capital Recovery LLC
• Javitch Block
• Jefferson Capital Systems LLC
• LVNV Funding
• Mannbracken
• Mariner Finance
• Medicredit
• Michael J Adams PC
• Michael J Scott
• Midland Funding LLC
• Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Flynn
• Mountain Land Collections
• MRS Associates
• National Collegiate Trust
• Nationstar Foreclosure
• Northstar Capital Acquisition
• NCEP LLC
• NRC Collection Agency
• OneMain Financial
• Palisades Collection LLC
• Pallida LLC
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Pinnacle Collections Agency
• PMAB LLC
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• Provest Law
• PYOD LLC
• Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation
• Revenue Group
• Regents and Associates
• RSIEH
• Salander Enterprises LLC
• Second Round Sub LLC
• Security Credit Services
• Sherman Financial Group
• Suttell and Hammer
• T-Mobile
• Transworld Systems
• Tulsa Teachers Credit Union
• UCB Collection
• Velo Law Office
• Velocity Investments
• Waypoint Resource Group
• Weinberg and Associates
• Wolpoff & Abramson

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Credit One Bank
• PayPal Synchrony Card
• SYNCB/PPEXTR
• Synchrony Bank
• Target National Bank
• Wells Fargo

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court