Which Forms Are Used to Complete the Credit Dispute Process?

The Top 3 Credit Myths That Won't Go Away
The Top 3 Credit Myths That Won’t Go Away
05/04/2021
What Does It Mean if Your Credit File Is Confused or Mixed?
What Does It Mean if Your Credit File Is Confused or Mixed?
05/15/2021
Show all

Which Forms Are Used to Complete the Credit Dispute Process?

Credit Countdown: Credit Dispute Forms [video thumbnail]

Credit Dispute Forms - PinterestWhen you file a credit dispute, there are certain forms and processes that are used in order to resolve the dispute.

Here’s a peek at what happens behind the scenes during the credit dispute process, including:

  • What these forms are used for
  • When these forms are used
  • The information that is included on these forms

The specific forms that are required depend on which type of dispute you are filing.

Indirect Disputes

The credit bureaus get your credit data from the individual lenders or companies you have accounts with, also known as data furnishers. Some examples of these businesses include financial services companies, banks, credit unions, credit card issuers, and debt collectors.

When you file a credit dispute with the credit reporting agencies rather than contacting the business that is furnishing the disputed data, this is called an indirect dispute, since you are not going directly to the company that is providing the incorrect information.

Automated Consumer Dispute Verification Form (ACDV) or Consumer Dispute Verification Form (CDV)

Indirect disputes involve a form called the Automated Consumer Dispute Verification form (ACDV) or the Consumer Dispute Verification form (CDV). The ACDV is simply the modern digital version of the CDV, which refers to the analog format of the original document on paper.

When you initiate a dispute with a credit bureau, the credit bureau generates an ACDV that contains the information about your dispute.

The credit bureau then sends the completed ACDV form to the data furnisher using a communication system called e-OSCAR.

At this point, the lender furnishing the disputed data investigates the claim, updates the ACDV, and sends the form back to the credit bureau.

Finally, the credit bureau reviews the form, makes the appropriate changes to the consumer’s credit report, and notifies the consumer of the results of the dispute.

Direct Disputes

If you choose to dispute the inaccurate information on your credit report with the furnishing party, that is called a direct dispute, because you are going directly to the lender without involving the credit bureaus.

Automated Universal Dataform (AUD) or Universal Dataform (UDF)

When you make a direct dispute with the furnishing party, the data furnisher should correct the error and fill out an Automated Universal Dataform (AUD) reflecting the correction. The AUD is the automated digital version of the form, which was originally called the Universal Dataform (UDF).

Once the AUD has been prepared, the furnishing party sends it using e-OSCAR to all of the credit bureaus where the error is appearing on your credit report. The data furnisher is obligated to contact each credit bureau to ensure that the error has been removed from all three of your credit reports.

Watch the Credit Countdown video on this topic with credit expert John Ulzheimer below.

16:9 Image
Ellen Johnson
Ellen Johnson
Ellen Johnson is Content Director & Writer at Tradeline Supply Company, LLC. She has been with the company since 2018. Ellen creates engaging, informative content to help you understand complex topics in credit and personal finance. She aims to empower you to make smart financial choices while also highlighting structural inequalities in our financial systems.

4 Comments

  1. Thomas W Burton Jr says:

    Where can I get theses forms

    • Tradeline Supply Company, LLC says:

      These forms are used by the credit bureaus and data furnishers to communicate with each other during the investigation of your dispute. You should not need to complete these forms yourself. Hope that helps!

  2. mar says:

    can you show examples of these forms and where the furnisher adds their corrections?

  3. Karen T. says:

    Hello All,

    What is the timeframe for a servicer/lender to respond to an indirect dispute received from e-OSCAR?
    What will happen if the servicer responds to the agencies after the due date on the ACDV?

    Thanks so much for your help!

Leave a Reply to Tradeline Supply Company, LLC Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Contact Phone
888-844-8910
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM PST- 6:00 PM PST Saturday: 8:00 AM PST - 5:00 PM PST