Credit Bureau Contact Information (2024)

When disputing negative items on your credit report, you may need to contact the credit bureaus for assistance. But that’s not the only reason why it may be necessary to contact the credit bureaus. They also have customer service representatives on hand to handle credit reporting requests related to fraud alerts, security freezes, membership support, cybersecurity, and so much more.

Keep reading to learn more about contacting credit bureaus:

How to Get a Free Copy of Your Credit Report

Before contacting any of the credit bureaus, it’s probably a good idea to review your credit report and pinpoint key issues. Doing so will make it a lot easier to figure out which department you should reach out to find a resolution to your problem.

Even if there haven’t been major issues with your credit report in the past, you want to get into the habit of reviewing the contents on a routine basis. This minimizes the chances of sustaining major damage to your finances and score as a result of fraud or identity theft. You’ll also be able to detect errors or untimely information that could otherwise drag your score down and force you to pay more for credit.

The good news is you can access your report for free annually from the three major credit reporting agencies. To get started, visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your free report. You can also submit a written request using this form and mail it to:

Annual Credit Report Request Service

P.O. Box 105281

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You can also access a free copy of your credit report if a creditor has taken adverse action against you within 60 days or if you meet the following criteria:

  • Receive welfare benefits
  • Are a victim of identity theft
  • Are unemployed and plan to look for work in the next two months

But if it’s been less than a year and you don’t meet any of the criteria listed above, expect to pay a fee to access your report.

An Important Note About Contacting Credit Bureaus

Submitting your written request to a random PO box found on the web won’t cut it when dealing with credit bureaus. Why so? Well, they have several departments to handle requests, so you want to make sure you pinpoint the correct phone number or mailing address to ensure you reach out to the correct point of contact or send your documentation to the right place.

Keep in mind that credit reporting agencies deal with millions of customers on a consistent basis, so it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Also, contact information changes frequently, so the information listed below should be confirmed before moving forward.

How to Contact the Credit Bureaus

You can contact the credit bureaus by phone or mail using the information below. (Most credit bureaus also offer many of their services online for added convenience and to streamline processing).

Word of caution about online disputes: if your dispute is denied, you waive the right to resubmit, which is why disputing items via mail is the better option).

One method isn’t necessarily more ideal than the other, but you may find it more convenient to handle credit report related business by mail (or online if available) to maintain a paper trail.

Equifax

Phone Numbers

  • Cybersecurity Issues: 1-888-548-7878
  • TrustedID Premier and Lock & Alert Customers: 1-888-548-7878
  • Support for Other Equifax Products: 1-866-640-2273
  • Security Freezes: 1-888-298-0045 (Automated Service: 1-800-685-1111 (1-800-349-9960 for NY customers))
  • Fraud Alerts: 1-866-349-5191
  • Credit Report Requests for Adverse Action: 1-866-349-5191
  • Credit Report Disputes: 1-866-349-5191
  • Mailing List Opt-Out Requests: 1-888-567-8688

Mailing Addresses

Security Freezes:

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 105788

Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Fraud Alerts:

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 105069

Atlanta, GA 30348-5069

Credit Report Requests for Adverse Action:

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740241

Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Credit Report Disputes:

Equifax Information Services LLC

P.O. Box 740256

Atlanta, GA 30374-0256

Customer Care Chat

Equifax also has a chat function, which is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight (ET). You can also browse their comprehensive library of Frequently Asked Questions as it may have the answers you’re searching for.

Experian

Phone Numbers

  • Membership Inquiries or Support: 1-479-343-6239
  • Credit Report disputes: Call the number listed on your report if you need help filing a dispute.
  • General Inquiries: 1-888-397-3742

*Quick note: Requests or support involving disputes, security freezes, credit report requests for adverse action, identity theft, and fraud alerts must be initiated online. You can also use the q&a search function to find the answers to your most pressing questions.

Mailing Address

Credit Report Disputes:

Experian

P.O. Box 4500

Allen, TX 75013

General Inquiries:

Experian

P.O. Box 9701

Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion

Phone Numbers

  • Credit Report Disputes: 1-800-916-8800
  • Subscription Services: 1-855-681-3196
  • Security Freezes: 1-888-909-8872
  • Fraud Alerts: 1-800-680-7289
  • Credit Report Purchases: 1-800-888-4213

Mailing Addresses

Security Freezes and Fraud Alerts:

TransUnion LLC

P.O. Box 2000

Chester, PA 19016

Credit Report Purchases:

TransUnion LLC

P.O. Box 1000

Chester, PA 19016

Alternative Credit Bureaus

Beyond Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, there are credit reporting entities that use alternative data from information furnishers, like cell phone, cable, insurance and utility providers, to generate credit reports.

These alternative credit bureaus enable consumers to build a positive credit history and can be contacted using the information listed below:

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for credit bureau contact information and are having a hard time finding what you need, you can always contact the general information hotline as a last resort. The customer service representative should be able to transfer your call or point you in the right direction.

Credit Bureau Contact Information (2024)

FAQs

What are the 3 credit bureaus you should contact? ›

By law, you can get a free credit report each year from the three credit reporting agencies (CRAs). These agencies include Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

What do you say to the credit bureau? ›

Explain in writing what you think is wrong, include the credit bureau's dispute form (if they have one), copies of documents that support your dispute, and keep records of everything you send.

How do I speak to someone at the credit bureau? ›

How do I talk to a real person at the credit bureau?
  1. Equifax: 1-888-EQUIFAX (1-888-378-4329)
  2. Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742)
  3. TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800.
May 5, 2023

What is the correct way to reach a credit bureau? ›

Credit bureau customer service phone numbers

Each major credit bureau has a main customer service support phone number: Experian: 888-397-3742. Equifax: 888-378-4329. TransUnion: 888-909-8872.

How do I put a freeze on all three credit bureaus? ›

How to freeze your credit with all 3 bureaus
  1. Equifax: Call the automated line at 800-349-9960 or customer care at 888-298-0045, or go online. ...
  2. Experian: Go online to initiate, or for information call 888‑397‑3742. ...
  3. TransUnion: Call 800-916-8800 or 888-909-8872, or go online.
Aug 15, 2024

Which credit bureau is the toughest? ›

Of the three main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), none is considered better than the others. A lender may rely on a report from one bureau or all three bureaus to make its decisions about approving a loan.

What is the 609 loophole? ›

2) What is the 609 loophole? The “609 loophole” is a misconception. Section 609 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows consumers to request their credit file information. It does not guarantee the removal of negative items but requires credit bureaus to verify the accuracy of disputed information.

How to reach a live person at Experian? ›

By Phone: Contact Experian's National Consumer Assistance Center at 1 888 EXPERIAN (1 888 397 3742). If you already have an Experian credit report you can dispute your information online. Or, contact us at the phone number on your report.

What is the best reason to put when disputing a collection? ›

If you spot wrong account numbers, mismarked payments, or unfamiliar accounts, dispute away. Include solid evidence like bank statements proving the errors.

How can I speak to a live person at TransUnion? ›

If you're a consumer with questions or issues related to your personal credit report, drivers history report, disputes, fraud, identity theft, credit report freeze or credit monitoring services, please contact our Consumer Relations Department at 800-916-8800.

How can I speak to a live person at Equifax? ›

Please call us at (866) 640-2273 9am-9pm (ET) Monday-Friday, and 9am-6pm (ET) Saturday and Sunday.

Which credit bureau is in trouble? ›

TransUnion, Equifax and Experian did it again. The three major credit bureaus topped the list of complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2022, amassing nearly twice as many as the year before. Though, to be fair, they also did a better job responding to those grievances.

Which of the 3 credit bureaus is most accurate? ›

Which credit bureau is most accurate? One credit bureau isn't more accurate than another, rather, they may simply have different methods of calculating your credit score.

Which credit score matters more, TransUnion or Equifax? ›

Neither your TransUnion or Equifax score is more or less accurate than the other. They're just calculated from slightly differing sources. Your Equifax credit score is likely lower due to reporting differences. Nonetheless, a “fair” score from TransUnion is typically “fair” across the board.

Which credit bureau is most used? ›

Although Experian is the largest credit bureau in the U.S., TransUnion and Equifax are widely considered to be just as accurate and important. When it comes to credit scores, however, there is a clear winner: FICO® Score is used in 90% of lending decisions.

Which bureau does Capital One pull? ›

Which Credit Bureau Does Capital One Use? Capital One appears to pull from any of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

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