How to Dispute Transunion (And Win)

Transunion is one of three major credit bureaus based in the USA. Transunion reports monitor your:

• open lines of credit,
• your payment history, and
• loan history, and more.

Based on the above, Equifax will give you a score. 

Your credit score is important to be approved for big purchases or housing opportunities. That’s why if you notice any unusual or incorrect items on your credit report, it’s best to dispute it immediately.

Understanding Your Transunion Report

To be able to identify errors in your report, you first need to understand the contents. Your Transunion credit report contains:

1. Credit inquiries (or screenings) from other institutions. 
2. Information on your current accounts, balances, and payment schedules. 
3. Your personal information: your employment data, social security number, date of birth, and address. 
4. Public records and collections, along with bankruptcies, tax liens, suits, foreclosures, and more.

Reviewing Your Transunion Report

To review your Transunion report for errors, look for the following:

1. Accounts you have no knowledge of or did not open.
2. Incorrect payment history.
3. Credit inquiries you have no knowledge of and/or did not request.
4. Errors in names, account information, or credit and loan limits.
5. Collections and public records that are past the reporting timeline.
6. Most accounts lapse after 7 years of being reported and should be removed from your credit report automatically.

How To Dispute A TransUnion Credit Report?

If you do find errors within your Transunion report, you should dispute them. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) you have the right to dispute all errors you find. You can dispute by:

1. Mail,
2. Online, or
3. Telephone.

When possible, it’s recommended to file a dispute by mail, because it is easier to prove.

Dispute Your Transunion Report by Mail

You will want to write a letter to Transunion outlining what the error is and why you are filing the dispute. Be sure to include the following in your dispute letter to Transunion:

1. Your file identification number from your TransUnion credit report,
2. Your full name, 
3. Current address and birth details,
4. Your social security details,
5. The company reporting the inaccurate information,
6. Account reference number for item in dispute,
7. Your reason for filing the dispute, 
8. Any updates to your person information on file,
9. A copy of your annotated credit report, and
10.  Copies of any supporting documents.

Be sure to send your dispute letter by certified mail, so you can track and confirm its arrival. 

The dispute letter should be sent to:
TransUnion LLC
Consumer Dispute Center
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Dispute Your Transunion Report Online

Another way to dispute an error on your Transunion report is online:

1. Use an existing, or create an online account with Transunion. It will ask you for your personal information and contact information.
2. On the website, disputes can be started under the “New Investigation” tab. Enter the details required to proceed.
3. Review you TransUnion report information and find the account with the error(s). Proceed by selecting the “Request An Investigation” tab. 
4. Once all the accounts with errors have been selected, you can proceed.
5. Upload all available supporting documentation to prove your dispute on the Investigation Summary tab.
6. Do one final review and proceed to submit your dispute(s).

Dispute Your Transunion Report by Phone

Phone is the final option for filing your Transunion dispute. To file a dispute by phone:

1. Call Transunion at 800-916-8800. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 11 pm (EST). 
2. Before calling, you want to have a copy of your credit report available. The customer service agent will need the File Identification Number.
3. Have any supporting documentation readily available. 

What Happens After You’ve Filed The Dispute?

From the day it’s filed, Transunion has 30 days to:

1. Review the dispute,
2. Reach out to the creditor or lender,
3. Investigate the claim, and
4. Issue a response.

If the creditor who provided the incorrect information to Transunion refuses or does not respond, they must remove the information from your credit report. You should receive a letter from Transunion detailing the outcome.

If all goes well and the errors are recognized, they will be removed and/or corrected on your credit report. If your dispute is denied, you will be told the reason why. 

However, sometimes credit bureaus do not follow the rules set out by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If you are having a difficult time getting errors removed from your report, it’s time to seek legal counsel.

How Does A Credit Dispute Affect Your Credit Score?

A dispute will not have any lasting effect on your credit score. In most cases, the effect of a dispute is a higher credit score.

The way you will see a change in your credit report is after the dispute is over. You can expect a jump in your credit score within 30 to 45 days of a successful dispute being closed. Depending on the kind of error you have removed, your credit score could jump significantly. 

XB is a credit report code used by credit bureaus for items that are in dispute. During this time, Transunion will not include that account as part of your credit report, in the case it happens to be pulled. This can cause a temporary jump in your score. 

Once the dispute is over, the credit bureau will lift the XB code. 

Bottom Line

You should make an effort to check your credit report regularly, scanning for any suspicious or false reporting. If you do find something that was reported in error, it’s best to dispute it with Transunion as soon as possible. By reviewing reports regularly and disputing any errors you find, you can take control of your financial wellbeing.