How long does a credit bureau have to investigate a dispute filed due to a reported late payment?

The timeframe a credit bureau has to investigate a dispute regarding a reported late payment is 30 days. When a consumer files a dispute about an error on their credit report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mandates that the credit bureau must investigate and respond within this 30-day window. During this period, the credit bureau must examine the evidence provided by the consumer and can reach out to the entity that provided the information to verify its accuracy.

In this process, if the disputed information cannot be verified as accurate, it must be removed from the consumer's credit report. This timeline is crucial for consumers to ensure their credit report is accurate, reflecting true financial responsibility and behavior. The durations listed in other choices are beyond the regulatory requirements, which can mislead one into thinking the resolution process takes longer than legally mandated. Understanding this timeline helps consumers know their rights and the obligations of credit reporting agencies.