Complaints · US · Loans and credit reports

How to complain about a lender or credit report (US)

Put your dispute in writing to the lender, loan servicer or credit bureau first, with copies of documents that show the error. If it is not fixed, file a free complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which covers credit reports, debt collection, mortgages and student, vehicle, payday and personal loans. The CFPB sends it to the company, which generally responds within 15 days.

Complaint routes and time limits checked against official sources on 27 September 2026.

First

Complain to the company

in writing

Wait

See below

or a final response

Then

Consumer Financial Protection Bur…

free

Checked

27 Sep 2026

official sources

1. Complain to the company first

Contact the lender, servicer or credit bureau directly first and put the dispute in writing. Include: loan or report reference number; the error or problem, with dates; copies of documents that show it; what you want corrected.

2. How long to wait

There is no fixed wait before you complain to the CFPB, but give the company a chance to answer first.

3. Escalate to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

No filing deadline. Companies generally respond within 15 days, sometimes with a final answer within 60 days. It is free. It can: sends your complaint to the company for a response and shares complaint data with other agencies. consumerfinance.gov/complaint

Where to escalate and the time limits

Time limits run from the date shown in each row. Keep the final response or deadlock letter, because the ombudsman will ask for it.

Who	Time limit	Cost
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)	No filing deadline. Companies generally respond within 15 days, sometimes with a final answer within 60 days.	Free

Evidence to keep

Loan agreement and payment history. The credit report page with the error marked. Letters to and from the company. Proof of payment.

Also worth knowing

The CFPB covers credit reports, debt collection, mortgages, student, vehicle, payday and personal loans.

Guides and definitions

How to file a CFPB complaint, what happens next and does it work (Guide)
Regulation E (Regulation E is the US federal rule that limits your liability for unauthorized debit card and electronic transfers to $50 or $500 if you report them in time.)

Get your route with dates and a letter

Complaints about something else

All complaint guides · Get your route with dates and a letter

Common questions

Where do I complain about a credit report error?

Dispute it with the credit bureau and the company that supplied the information, then file with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if it is not corrected. The CFPB accepts complaints about credit reports and other consumer reports.

How long does a company have to respond to a CFPB complaint?

Companies generally respond within 15 days. In some cases they say the response is in progress and give a final answer within 60 days. You then have 60 days to tell the CFPB what you think of the response.

Which loans can I complain about to the CFPB?

Mortgages, student loans, vehicle loans and leases, payday loans and personal loans such as installment, advance and title loans, plus debt collection. The CFPB forwards your complaint to the company for a response.

Is there a deadline to file a CFPB complaint?

The CFPB does not state a filing deadline, but other time limits in your loan agreement or state law may apply. Filing online usually takes under 10 minutes, or you can call (855) 411-2372.

What should I include in a loan complaint?

Your loan or report reference number, the error with dates, copies of your agreement, payment history and proof of payment, and letters to and from the company. Say exactly what you want corrected.

Sources and assumptions

General routes from official sources; a scheme may ask for more before it takes your case.

Guidance on where to complain, not legal advice.