If you’ve ever tried to resolve an error on your credit report, you know how frustrating the process already is. The federal agency that’s supposed to help you might be about to make things even harder.
On January 30, 2026, the CFPB published a Federal Register Notice to request comments on the Consumer Response Intake Form (the system consumers use to file complaints). According to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)opens the door to changes that would create new barriers for people filing complaints against credit bureaus – and possibly also against debt collectors, banks and mortgage lenders.
What changes are being considered?
The CFPB appears to be responding to a request from the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA), the trade group representing Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. According to NCLC, a Industry letter dated January 27 to the CFPB, the Bureau asks:
2Limit complaints by telephone
3Limit shared IP addresses
- Require sensitive personal information — date of birth and other demographic data just to file a complaint
- Requires two-factor authentication and limit on complaints per phone number – effectively limiting the number of complaints a consumer can submit
- Prevent IP addresses from filing complaints for multiple consumers – which would block people from libraries, domestic violence shelters, legal aid offices and other shared locations
The numbers tell the real story
Why would the credit bureau industry want to suppress complaints? Look at the numbers.
According to the December 2025 CFPB reportfrom January 2024 to June 2025, the Office received more than 5.6 million complaints – and almost 4.8 million of those were about credit and consumer reporting. About 3.9 million specifically targeted the Big Three credit bureaus.
4.8 millionComplaints about credit reporting
3.9 millionAgainst the three large agencies
The number of complaints about credit reporting has increased 182% compared to the monthly average for the previous two years. And the most common problem – incorrect information in your report – saw a 247% increase.
These are not frivolous complaints. That’s millions of real people dealing with real mistakes that cost them real money.
What credit report errors actually cost you
Incorrect information on a credit report is not just an inconvenience. According to the CFPB’s own reportingcredit report errors can:
- Costing families thousands of dollars in higher interest rates
- Completely deny access to loans
- Prevent home ownership, car purchases, or small business creation
- Will cost you a job (many employers check credit)
- Refuse insurance coverage or apartment rentals
More than 200 million Americans have credit files. If you are one of them, the accuracy of your report directly affects your financial life.
The credit bureaus’ track record on complaints
Here’s what makes this particularly disturbing. The Big Three already have a poor track record when it comes to actually responding to complaints.
According to one CFPB reportIn 2019, almost 25% of complaints handled resulted in some form of relief for consumers. By 2021, that number had dropped to less than 2%.
2019: Complaints that provided relief
- Nearly 25% of the complaints treated received relief
2021: Complaints that brought relief
- Less than 2% of the complaints treated received relief
The agencies also stopped providing substantive responses to complaints they suspected were filed by third parties — even though more than 50% of required complaints were not formally reviewed, according to the same CFPB report. The solution the industry is proposing is not to improve their response rate. It is intended to reduce the number of complaints they have to deal with.
The number of debt collection complaints is also increasing explosively
It’s not just credit reporting. According to NCLC Senior Attorney April Kuehnhoff, collection is the most important second most common source of complaints to the CFPB – and those complaints increased more than fourfold between 2023 and 2025.
It is unclear whether the proposed changes will also affect complaints against collection agencies, banks and mortgage servicers. But the precedent is worrying.
The CFPB’s lawsuit against Experian
The timing here is remarkable. In January 2025, the CFPB came under its previous leadership Experian sued for conducting what she called “sham investigations” into credit report errors. The complaint alleged that Experian used defective collection systems, uncritically accepted suppliers’ responses, and provided consumers with confusing information about study results.
Now, under new leadership, the same agency appears willing to make it harder for consumers to complain about exactly those problems.
What this means for you
If you’re dealing with debt, your credit report is one of the most important documents in your financial life. Mistakes in that report could cost you thousands of dollars, and the CFPB complaint system is one of the few tools ordinary consumers have to fight the Big Three agencies.
Debt is math wrapped in emotion. But if someone else’s math error shows up on your credit report, you need a way to fix it.–Steve Rhode
At this time, the CFPB’s complaint process is still open and functioning. If you have credit report errors, file a complaint now while still being possible without additional barriers.
How to make your voice heard
The CFPB’s comment period on the Consumer Response Intake Form is open until March 2, 2026. If you believe that consumers should be able to file credit reporting complaints without additional barriers, please submit a comment:
- Visit reginfo.gov and look for the CFPB information collection
- Email your comments to CFPB_PRA@cfpb.gov with “Docket No. CFPB-2026-0005” in the subject line
- Comments must be submitted via March 2, 2026
If you’re struggling with debt and need to figure out your options (whether credit report issues are part of the problem or not), take the Find Your Path Quiz. It’s free and will help you understand which approach makes the most sense for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still file a CFPB complaint on my credit report?
Yes. From now on the CFPB Complaint Portal is still operational and accepts complaints. No changes have been completed yet; the CFPB has only opened a comment period. Submit all outstanding complaints now.
What happens if the CFPB adds these restrictions?
If the proposed changes are adopted, you may be required to provide additional personal information such as your date of birth, verify your identity through two-factor authentication, and may face limits on the number of complaints you can file. Consumers in shared locations such as libraries may face additional hurdles.
Why are credit reporting complaints so high?
According to the December 2025 CFPB reportthe most common complaint is incorrect information on credit reports – and that problem has increased 247% compared to the previous two-year monthly average. Credit report errors remain widespread and difficult for consumers to resolve.
Does this also have consequences for collection complaints?
It’s unclear. According to NCLCthe potential changes could also impact complaints against debt collectors, banks and mortgage providers – but current industry pressure appears to be mainly focused on credit reporting.
How can I protect myself if the complaints system changes?
Check your credit reports regularly AnnualCreditReport.comdispute errors directly in writing with credit bureaus (keep copies), file CFPB complaints while the current system is accessible, and consider consulting a consumer law attorney if errors cause financial harm.
(Source: National Center for Consumer Law) (Source: Federal Register, docket number CFPB-2026-0005)
#CFPB #block #credit #report #complaints