Credit Dispute FAQs

How do I initiate a dispute?
For your convenience, TransUnion accepts disputes online, by phone or by mail. The process is easy—simply follow the steps provided.

When you have a dispute pending, we recommend that you wait to apply for credit. This will ensure that the most current credit report is available for a creditor or lender to review when making a credit-related decision.

What happens with my dispute request?
When TransUnion receives your dispute request, we will contact the data provider or source that provided us with the information. That source might have up to 45 days to verify whether the information they reported is correct.

What happens if the data provider updates or cannot verify the information?
If the data provider or source cannot verify the information, it will be removed from your credit report. Otherwise the information will be updated as instructed by the data provider. A credit report reflecting the results of the investigation will be sent to you via first-class U.S. mail. Please allow 3-5 business days from the time we complete our investigation for mail delivery. Please note that if the investigation was initiated online, you will be notified via e-mail and can view the results of the investigation immediately.

What happens if the data provider does not respond within the required timeframe?
If the data provider or source does not respond within the required timeframe, TransUnion will prevent the information from appearing on your credit report. A credit report reflecting the results of the investigation will be sent to you via first-class U.S. mail. Please allow 3-5 business days from the time we complete our investigation for mail delivery. Please note that if the dispute investigation was initiated online, you will be notified via e-mail and can view the results of the investigation immediately.

If the data provider verifies the information, what happens next?
If the company or source that provided the information to us verifies the record, it will remain on your credit report. At the completion of our investigation, you will be notified in writing that the information was verified as being accurate and will remain on your credit report. Please note that if the dispute investigation was initiated online, you will be notified via e-mail and can view the results of the investigation immediately.

After a dispute is complete, what do I receive?
You will receive a credit report reflecting the results of our investigation. Please allow 3-5 business days following the completion of our investigation for mail delivery. Please note that if the dispute investigation was initiated online, you will be notified via e-mail and can view the results of the investigation immediately.

What if I submit more than one dispute at the same time?
We will investigate all of the records in question during the same time period. At the conclusion of the investigation, you will receive a credit report reflecting all of the results. Please allow 3-5 business days following the completion of our investigation for mail delivery. Please note that if the dispute investigation was initiated online, you will be notified via e-mail and can view the results of the investigation immediately.

What if I disagree with the results of an investigation?
If you disagree with the results of an investigation on your credit report, you have the right to add a 100-word statement to your report that explains your side of the situation. Our customer service representative are available to assist you in writing your statement. If you would like to contact the data provider directly, contact information is included on your TransUnion credit report.

What is a consumer statement?
A consumer statement is a personal statement that you may add to your credit report. It typically explains why a negative item is listed on your credit report. Creditors or lenders may review the consumer statement and take it into consideration when making their credit decisions. The statement remains on your credit report until you request that it be removed.

How do I add or remove a consumer statement on my credit report?
Send your consumer statement or removal request along with your name, address, and TransUnion File Identification Number (FIN) from your credit report to:

TransUnion Consumer Relations
P. O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022

If you would like assistance in writing your consumer statement, please call us at toll-free at 1-800-916-8800, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET, excluding major holidays. If you are a resident of Hawaii or Alaska, representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in your local time zone, excluding major holidays. If you already have a copy of your TransUnion credit report, be sure to have your TransUnion File Number available when you call.