Does your TransUnion credit report contain errors or dated information that’s dragging your credit score down? You have the option to file disputes to have the entries removed. Read on to learn more about how to review your report, dispute select entries, and when you should expect to receive results. Need help with the other credit reporting agencies? Check out how to dispute your Experian credit report and how to dispute your Equifax credit report.
Contents of Your TransUnion Credit Report
Personal Information
This section of your credit report includes your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. It also lists your past and current addresses, telephone numbers, and employment information as reported to creditors.
Account Information
In this section, you will find a listing of both satisfactory and adverse accounts and detailed information on each, including:
- The date the account was opened
- Type of account
- Monthly payment amount
- Current balance
- Current Status
- Comprehensive payment history
Public Records
If you have any bankruptcies, foreclosures, suits, tax liens, auto loans or wage garnishments in your file, they’ll be listed here.
Inquiries
This section includes regular inquiries initiated by you for credit applications. Also known as hard inquiries, they do impact your credit score. However, the promotional and account review inquiries listed here are involuntary or soft and do not impact your credit score.
Methods to Dispute Your TransUnion Credit Report
Online
To file a TransUnion dispute online:
- Visit the Credit Dispute Center page and select the yellow button that reads “Start a New Dispute.” Next, select the orange button that also reads “Start a New Dispute” on the following page and you’ll be prompted to log in or create a new account.
- Once you’re inside the portal, select the “New Investigation” tab. You’ll be prompted to input your last name, Social Security number, and zip code. Hit the submit button.
- Your credit report information will appear. Locate the entries that are incorrect, untimely, or fraudulent, and select “Request an Investigation”.
- Repeat this for each item you wish to dispute and select continue at the bottom of the page.
- You’ll be taken to the Investigation Summary page. If you need to upload any supporting documents, now’s the time to do so.
- Review your disputes and select submit.
A word of caution: when you file an online dispute, you automatically waive your right to a re-dispute if your claim is denied. So it’s a good idea to file by mail to have a paper trail and give yourself the option to re-dispute if you need to.
Quick Note: TransUnion does not accept disputes for credit inquiries online or by phone. You’ll need to do so by mail using the instructions found below.
By Mail
You’ll need to draft up a letter that includes the following to file a dispute with TransUnion by mail:
- Your full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number
- TransUnion file number found on your credit report
- Account number of the item you wish to dispute
- Information furnisher as listed on your credit report
- The reason for your dispute
If you need assistance structuring your letter, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a handy template you can use.
Be sure to send copies of your credit report and supporting documentation using certified mail with a return receipt so you’ll know when TransUnion has received your request. The entire package should be forwarded to::
TransUnion Consumer Solutions
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016-2000
By Phone
Retrieve a copy of your TransUnion credit report and then call 1-800-916-8800 to file a dispute by phone. Be prepared to provide the File Identification Number (FIN) found at the top of your credit report to the agent to get started.
It’s also a good idea to note the contents listed below as the agent will need them to file your dispute:
- Identifying information, including your name, date of birth, physical address, and Social Security number (and be sure to mention errors if updates need to be made to your personal information)
- The information furnisher as listed on your credit report (i.e. creditor or lender’s name)
- The account number as listed on your credit report of the item in question
- The reason you are disputing the item
Once the agent has filed your dispute in the system, they may request that you provide additional documentation to TransUnion by mail. For this reason, you want to have a pen and paper handy so you can note any additional instructions you’ll need to follow once the phone call is complete.
What Happens After You File a TransUnion Credit Report Dispute
TransUnion has 30 days to investigate and respond to your dispute or the item in dispute must be removed from your credit report. You can track the status of disputes filed online, by mail, or phone directly on their website instead of waiting for a response to be issued by mail. If updates are made to your credit report, expect to receive a copy in the mail reflecting the changes.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Will a TransUnion Credit Report Dispute Hurt Your Credit Score?
Your credit score could be impacted when filing a TransUnion dispute if the item is not removed from your credit report, but updated to include current information. By contrast, your score could actually improve drastically if a negative item that’s been dragging your score down, like a collection account or public record, is removed.
But keep in mind that simply filing a dispute has no bearing on your credit report. You should also know that while your dispute is in-process, the corresponding items will be notated with an XB code and have no bearing on your credit report. As a result, your score may witness a slight or major increase, but don’t be surprised if you have a hard time getting approved for credit until this code is lifted.
How Should You Handle Rejected Disputes?
You have a few options:
- File a dispute again, but include additional supporting documentation to substantiate your claim.
- Reach out to the creditor directly to plead your case.
- Let it go and allow negative information to run its course. (This approach is not recommended if the item you’re disputing is indeed inaccurate or untimely).
- Hire a reputable credit repair professional to assist.
Should You File a Dispute with the Creditor?
It’s totally up to you, but filing a dispute with the creditor may not be such a bad idea. You’ll be dealing directly with the source of the negative information, and you could receive a much quicker response than you would from TransUnion as they’re handling a substantially higher volume of requests.
The Bottom Line
By filing disputes to correct issues with your TransUnion credit report, you’ll be taking the first step towards improving your overall credit health. Going forward, it’s a good idea to perform routine reviews of your credit report to stay on top of what’s being reported so you can mitigate issues right away.
