3-bureau credit report and FICO® Scores*
Based on a March 2026 ProPublica analysis, TransUnion and Experian have sharply reduced the share of consumer complaints resolved in the consumer’s favor, resulting in more rejected appeals/disputes in early 2026 compared to 2025. This trend is linked to the reduction in oversight by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) starting in 2025.
Key Findings on Credit Bureau Appeal Rejections (2025-2026)
Experian’s Drop: Experian’s rate of resolving complaints in the consumer’s favor dropped from nearly 20% in 2024 to less than 1% by late 2025, a trend that continued into 2026.
TransUnion’s Decline: TransUnion’s relief rate for consumers began plunging in the summer of 2025, providing relief roughly half as often by October 2025, with continued low resolution rates into 2026.
Equifax: Equifax did not show a similar decline as of March 2026, due to a separate consent order with the CFPB.Volume of Unresolved Disputes: Since January 2025, more than 2.7 million credit reporting complaints submitted to the CFPB have gone without relief. 2026 Environment: As of March 2026, consumers are facing increased difficulties correcting errors in their credit reports following a shift in CFPB leadership in early 2025 and new, more restrictive policies on submitting complaints.
https://www.propublica.org/article/credit-report-mistakes-cfpb-experian-transunion
Nothing against Credit Repair Companies but you can try these, Credit Improvement Strategies first to save on your spending, brought to you by Sean LaGrand of Brandywinend.com and Brandywine, Maryland Facebook page.
Pay Off Small Balances First (Snowball Method): This method involves paying off debt with the smallest balance first to build momentum and improve your credit score.Manage Credit Utilization: Keep your total revolving debt below 30% of your available credit, though staying under 10% is better for a score boost. This is the fastest way to increase your score.
Keep Unused Cards Open: Closing old accounts reduces your total available credit and shortens your credit history length, which can hurt your score. Instead, lock or freeze them through your issuer.
Request a Credit Limit Increase: Asking for a higher limit without a hard inquiry can lower your utilization ratio, which helps your score.
Product Change (Credit Switch): Switch to a no-fee card rather than closing an account to keep the account history active while avoiding fees.
Upgrade for Rewards: Look for cards that offer better points, cash back, or perks.
Lower Interest Rate: Ask your issuer for a lower interest rate, especially if you have maintained a good payment history.
Diversify Credit: A mix of revolving credit (cards) and installment loans (auto, mortgage) can help. Ask for a credit limit increase to lower your overall utilization ratio. Ensure the issuer does not perform a hard inquiry.
Dispute Errors: Regularly check your credit reports for inaccuracies.Factors that impact your credit score.
Payment history: This is the record of how timely you are in paying your bills. Payment history is a very important factor in calculating your credit score, making up 35% of your overall score. 1 While paying on time builds good credit, late payments hurt your credit by leaving a negative mark on your credit report. That negative mark may stay on your report for up to seven years.
2 Credit utilization: This measures how much of your available credit you’re using. It’s best to keep your credit utilization, the amount of credit you’re using compared to how much you have, below 30%. Using too much can lower your credit score.
3 Length of credit history: This is the age of the accounts on your credit report, which makes up 15% of your credit score. For example, you may have a credit card that is 10 years old and a line of credit that has been open for six months. Older credit accounts can show lenders you’re experienced in handling credit, which is good for your score.
Credit mix: This accounts for 10% of your overall credit score.
4 Lenders like to see a mix of different types of credit, like credit cards and loans. Having a diverse credit mix shows you can manage different kinds of credit responsibly.
Recent credit inquiries: This looks at any new credit applications you’ve made, like for a car loan or new credit card, which is 10% of your credit score.
5 Too many recent credit applications can lower your score, so try to be mindful when shopping around.
About The Author
