How to Write a Hard Inquiry Removal Letter to Equifax
A hard inquiry removal letter challenges Equifax to prove they had "permissible purpose" under FCRA Section 604 to pull your credit. If you did not apply for credit, did not authorize the pull, or the inquiry is the result of identity theft, Equifax must remove it. Each removed hard inquiry can recover 5–10 points on your FICO score.
Where to send this letter
How to find the right address for Equifax
Mail this letter to the dispute or billing-inquiries address printed on your most recent statement. Look for the section labeled "Billing Inquiries," "Disputes," or "Correspondence" — this is different from the payment address. If you can't find it on your statement, check the company's website or the back of your card for their consumer-correspondence address.
Step-by-step: sending a Hard Inquiry Removal Letter to Equifax
- List every hard inquiry you do not recognize from your reports.
- Generate a removal letter for each unauthorized inquiry.
- Mail Certified — bureaus have 30 days to confirm permissible purpose.
- If they cannot, the inquiry must be deleted.
What to expect
30 days under FCRA §611 — bureaus must confirm permissible purpose or remove.
If the inquirer can't show permissible purpose under FCRA §604 within the bureau's reinvestigation window, the inquiry must come off your report. Authorized inquiries (ones you actually applied for) will not be removed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does removing an inquiry raise my score?
Typically 5–10 FICO points per inquiry, more if you have few accounts overall.
How long do hard inquiries stay on my report?
Up to 24 months on your report, though FICO only counts them for the first 12.
Can authorized inquiries be removed?
No. If you applied for that credit, the inquiry was permissible and will remain. This strategy targets inquiries you did not authorize.
Can I fax an inquiry removal letter?
The bureaus accept mailed disputes and, where published, faxed ones. Certified mail is safest because the dated return receipt documents when your dispute started the 30-day investigation window.