I Paid On Time But My Report Is Wrong – What Should I Do?

The most frustrating situation

You did your part:

·         EMIs paid on time,

·         loan or card closed,

·         maybe even extra payments.

Then you see your credit report and something is clearly wrong – an overdue, an active loan that’s closed, or a status that feels unfair.

This is where many people give up. You don’t have to.

What’s actually going on

Most errors fall into a few types:

·         Timing issues – data not yet updated in the latest cycle.

·         Coding errors – lender’s system marked something wrongly.

·         Closure / NOC issues – loan closed in the lender’s world, but not sent correctly to bureaus.

·         Identity mix-ups – rare, but possible if details are similar.

In most cases, bureaus simply display what lenders send them. So the starting point is the lender, not the bureau.

Step 1 – Gather your proof

Before you call anyone, keep handy:

·         Bank statements showing payments,

·         Loan account statement,

·         Closure letter / NOC (if applicable),

·         Any emails from the lender confirming resolution.

This keeps the conversation factual, not emotional.

Step 2 – Contact the lender first

Use an official channel:

·         Customer care email / portal,

·         Branch (for PSU / some private banks),

·         App chat where it’s properly recorded.

Clearly mention:

·         Which account (loan/card number),

·         What the report shows,

·         What the reality is (with dates and amounts),

·         Attach supporting documents.

Ask them to correct their reporting to all bureaus and confirm timelines.

Step 3 – Raise a bureau dispute (if needed)

Most bureaus let you raise disputes online.

Share:

·         The exact line / account that’s wrong,

·         Your explanation,

·         Reference to your complaint with the lender.

The bureau will usually go back to the lender for confirmation. It may take a few weeks.

Common mistakes

·         Only shouting at the bureau and ignoring the lender.

·         Only calling customer care and not keeping written records.

·         Assuming “it’s useless” after one follow-up and dropping it.

·         Using agents who promise “quick clean-up” for a fee.

What you can actually do

·         Be polite but persistent.

·         Keep everything in writing – emails, complaint numbers, screenshots.

·         Follow up every 10–15 days until you see the change in at least one fresh report.

·         If months pass without action, escalate within the bank (nodal officer) and consider Ombudsman if needed for serious harm.

Fixing a wrong credit report entry is not always quick. But many people lose simply because they stop halfway.

If you stay organised, factual and consistent, you give yourself the best chance to align the report with the truth you already know.