 TITLE: What Is a Direct Dispute? CONTENT: Why Are Direct Disputes Sometimes More Effective?\n-------------------------------------------------\nIf you feel that an account is being reported incorrectly, consider contacting the creditor to discuss the issue first. Going directly to the furnishing party before filing a dispute with the credit reporting company might actually result in a faster resolution since you have a contractual relationship with them. In some cases, your lender may advise you that they will issue a correction without you having to do anything further.\nAnother thing to keep in mind is the credit reporting company isn't the arbiter regarding whether you're liable for a debt, if you made a payment on time or what your current balance may be. The information about your loans and credit cards that appears on your credit reports always originates with your lenders. They are the ones who will decide whether or not an item should be updated or deleted.\nFiling your dispute with the credit reporting companies is also a good option. The systems the companies use to process consumer disputes are very sophisticated and allow you to choose the nature of your dispute and even attach documentary evidence to support your claim. Most disputes are completed within 30 days, and many much sooner than that. END