How credit report errors can hurt your credit?
Jackson Reed
Updated on January 23, 2026
Steps. Errors on your credit reports can cause your credit scores to be lower than they should be, which can affect your chances of getting a loan or credit card and how much interest you pay. Disputing credit report errors and getting those negative items removed can be a quick route to a better score.
Can I sue a company for running my credit?
If you believe that somebody wrongfully pulled your credit report, you might be able to sue them in state or federal court for damages. Your state’s laws may also offer additional relief and remedies.
How badly does Collections hurt your credit?
Collections have a negative effect on your credit score. Collections remain on your credit report for seven years past the date of delinquency. In the newest versions of FICO® and VantageScore®, paid collections don’t hurt your score but unpaid collections do.
Why did my credit go down after I paid off a loan?
Credit utilization — the portion of your credit limits that you are currently using — is a significant factor in credit scores. It is one reason your credit score could drop a little after you pay off debt, particularly if you close the account.
Is it bad to check your credit score?
Highlights: Checking your credit reports or credit scores will not impact credit scores. Regularly checking your credit reports and credit scores is a good way to ensure information is accurate. Hard inquiries in response to a credit application do impact credit scores.
How does credit inquiries affect your credit score?
Inquiries can have a greater impact if you have few accounts or a short credit history. Large numbers of inquiries also mean greater risk. Statistically, people with six inquiries or more on their credit reports can be up to eight times more likely to declare bankruptcy than people with no inquiries on their reports.
Is it bad to request a copy of your credit report?
Many people are afraid to request a copy of their credit reports – or check their credit scores – out of concern it may negatively impact their credit scores. Good news: Credit scores aren’t impacted by checking your own credit reports or credit scores.
Do you look at hard inquiries on your credit report?
Some people overlook monitoring the hard credit inquiries found on their credit reports because they think hard inquiries don’t carry much weight. Not the case. Looking at all of the inquiries made on your credit reports, including hard pulls and soft pulls, shows you who’s pulling your credit.