How Likely Is Your Credit Dispute to Succeed?
Not all disputes are equal. Filing a weak dispute wastes 30–45 days and can give you a false sense of progress. DisputeOdds uses published CFPB and consumer research to estimate your odds before you file — so you can strengthen your case or choose a better strategy.
Your information never leaves your browser. All calculations are done locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DisputeOdds estimate my chances?
DisputeOdds uses a heuristic model built from CFPB complaint outcome data and the US PIRG "Mistakes Do Happen" study series. It weighs four factors: dispute reason (the strongest predictor), item age relative to the 7-year FCRA limit, which bureau you are disputing with, and whether you have supporting documentation. In beta, all estimates are labeled "research-estimate" — accuracy will improve as users report real outcomes.
What dispute reason has the highest success rate?
Items past the 7-year FCRA reporting window have the highest success rate (85%+) because removal is legally required — bureaus cannot refuse. Identity theft disputes also perform well (60–75%) when supported with an FTC Identity Theft Report. Disputes of correct negative information have the lowest success rate (around 10%) because bureaus are not required to remove accurate data.
Does documentation really make a difference?
Yes — significantly. Our model adds 15 percentage points for disputes backed by documentation. When a bureau investigates, it contacts the creditor and asks them to verify the item. If you simultaneously provide a creditor statement, payment record, or police report that contradicts their claim, the creditor is more likely to update or delete the item rather than re-verify it.
Which bureau is easiest to dispute with?
Published research and CFPB complaint data consistently show that TransUnion and Experian have slightly faster resolution times than Equifax. However, differences are modest — the dispute reason and documentation quality matter far more than which bureau you are disputing with. If an item appears on all three, dispute all three simultaneously to maximize impact.
What happens if my dispute is denied?
A denial means the bureau completed its investigation and the furnisher (creditor) verified the information. You have several options: add a 100-word consumer statement to your report explaining the item, dispute directly with the original creditor under FCRA §623, escalate to the CFPB complaint database (this often prompts a re-investigation), or consult a consumer protection attorney about potential FCRA violations.