The 5 Most Common Credit Report Errors That Could Be Hurting Your Score

Your credit report is supposed to tell the story of your financial life — but what happens when the story is full of errors? Unfortunately, mistakes on credit reports are far more common than most people realize. And when they go uncorrected, they can drag down your score, cost you approvals, and even raise your interest rates.

Here are the five most common credit report errors you should be on the lookout for:

1. Conflicting Account Statuses

Is your account showing as paid on one bureau but derogatory on another? Or maybe it says closed in one place and open somewhere else? These conflicting statuses create confusion for lenders and unfairly damage your score.

2. Wrong Dates (Last Payment or Last Active)

The “date of last payment” and “date of last activity” are critical to how long negative items can legally stay on your report. If those dates don’t match across all three bureaus — or worse, if they appear to be re-aged — that’s a serious error.

3. Duplicate Accounts or Re-Aged Debts

Sometimes the same debt is reported more than once (like when it’s sold to a new collector). Other times, old debts suddenly look “new” again. Both situations inflate the negative impact on your score and may violate reporting rules.

4. Incorrect Balances or Credit Limits

If your report shows a balance you don’t actually owe, or a credit limit that doesn’t match your account, it can throw off your utilization ratio — one of the biggest factors in your credit score.

5. Outdated Personal Information

Old addresses, misspelled names, or outdated employers might seem harmless, but they can create confusion and even link you to accounts that aren’t yours. Cleaning this up helps ensure your report truly reflects you.

Final Thoughts

Your credit report should reflect the truth — not a patchwork of errors. The good news? These mistakes can be corrected. You have the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to dispute inaccurate information and demand that the credit bureaus fix it.

If you’ve noticed any of these errors (or just aren’t sure), we can help. At N.C.S., we specialize in cleaning up reports, disputing inaccuracies, and helping you rebuild your credit the right way.

 Don’t let errors hold you back — Message us today and take the first step toward the credit score you deserve.

Reach a Certified Credit Consultant by email - tl.nygaard@outlook.com or rebecca.robinson22@outlook.com