How to Remove an Incorrect Address From Your Credit Report

Why an Address You Don't Live at Might Appear on Your Credit Report

There are a few reasons an address may show on your credit report, and most aren't cause for alarm.

1. You've recently moved from the address. If you've just moved and your old address is still showing up on your report, no action is needed. Your mailing address will automatically update after your creditors report it to the bureaus, and some delay is expected.
2. You're an authorized user on a joint account associated with the address. If you are a joint account holder or authorized user on an account with a friend or family member, their address could be associated with you and subsequently show up on your credit report. You can't remove the address in this case because it's a legitimate piece of your credit history, but it won't hurt your credit in any way.
3. You've received mail at the address. Your creditors may report any address where you have received mail, and any address associated with an account that has your name on it. This means your credit report might include addresses unrelated to your residential address, such as temporary mailing addresses, work addresses and P.O. boxes.

If any of the above apply, there's no reason to dispute the address.

However, if the address isn't explained away by any of the above and is truly unfamiliar to you, it's time to take action. An inexplicable address on your credit report could be an indication of fraud. You have the right to report the incorrect information right away by filing a dispute.

How to Dispute an Incorrect Address on Your Credit Report

The fastest way to report an incorrect address on your Experian credit report is to open a dispute online. Experian will investigate the origin of the address. As long as it isn't associated with any of your accounts, Experian can remove it. In certain cases, you may be asked to submit your dispute by phone or mail.

To initiate an online dispute, navigate to the Experian Dispute Center. Then, click "Start a new dispute online" and follow the prompts on the screen.

After you file your dispute, expect to hear back from Experian with dispute results within 30 days, though it can take up to 45 days. You will be able to check your dispute results from your Experian account or via the Dispute Center.

Tip: While incorrect information can be removed from your credit history, information verified as correct will remain on your report.

Learn more: How to Dispute Credit Report Information

Your Address Has No Impact on Your Credit Scores

Addresses have no impact on your creditworthiness or your credit scores, so removing former addresses won't help or hurt your scores. Any previous addresses reported to Experian will remain on your report as part of your identifying information, including P.O. boxes, work addresses or the address of someone you have a joint account with. Once your creditors report your new address, it will be shown as the most recent and current address on file.

Can I Update My Address on My Experian Credit Report When I Move?

As long as you have open credit accounts, you don't need to notify Experian that your address has changed. You should provide your new address to each of your creditors, which will in turn update the address on your accounts.

The new address will be reported to Experian when the lenders update your account history. Updates are usually made after the end of the billing cycle, so you should allow at least 30 to 45 days for the new address to be added.

If you need your new address to appear on your credit report sooner, you can submit documentation to Experian showing proof of your new address, such as a copy of your electric bill or bank statement along with a copy of your photo ID. Simply let Experian know you would like to have your new address added to your credit history.

Check Your Credit Report and Remain Proactive

Act defensively to avoid identity theft by signing up for Experian's free credit monitoring service, which will alert you to changes in your credit report. Check routinely for any unexpected changes, and report inaccurate information right away.

If activity on your report leads you to suspect fraud, Experian's Fraud Alert Center can help you avoid potential identity theft going forward. Placing a fraud alert on your account notifies lenders that identity thieves may be attempting to take out credit in your name and instructs them to take extra steps to verify your identity.