Why Is TransUnion Not Updating?

TransUnion hasn't updated your file when the creditor hasn't sent the new data, when the furnisher's report is still in the FCRA 30‑day dispute rule processing window (which can stretch to 45 days), when a freeze or fraud alert blocks changes, when a mismatched name, address or Social Security number prevents the match, when a furnisher stopped reporting to TransUnion, or when a reseller's data feed contains a gap;

the next section ('check if your creditor stopped reporting to TransUnion') shows how to verify each cause.

The below content will be converted to HTML following it's exact instructions:

• The creditor halted reporting to TransUnion, so new balances never reach your file.
• Incorrect personal details (name, DOB, SSN) create a mismatch that blocks the update.
• A freeze, fraud alert, or security lock prevents any data from being added.
• The information falls under a legal exception or deadline, delaying the credit‑reporting cycle.
• TransUnion flagged the entry for verification and is waiting for supporting documents.

TransUnion must incorporate corrected data promptly under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and it has up to 30 days to resolve a consumer‑initiated dispute.

The FCRA obligates furnishers - creditors, lenders, and other data providers - to supply accurate information and to correct errors 'promptly' after they receive notice. It does not set a fixed 30‑day reporting window for furnishers; the only statutory 30‑day (or 45‑day) deadline applies to the credit reporting agency's investigation of a dispute.

Exceptions arise when a furnisher contests the correction, when a consumer's file is frozen or under a fraud alert, or when the furnisher has stopped reporting to TransUnion altogether. In those cases, TransUnion may delay or omit the update until the dispute is resolved or the reporting relationship is restored.

For example, if a bank discovers a mis‑posted late payment, it must notify TransUnion and provide the corrected status 'promptly.' TransUnion then has 30 days to investigate any consumer dispute about that entry. If the bank disputes the consumer's claim, the update may be held until the bank furnishes supporting documents.

Similarly, if a credit freeze is in place, TransUnion cannot add new accounts or changes until the freeze is lifted, even though the furnisher has already reported the information. Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements outline these timelines and exceptions.

Experian and Equifax often receive the same update days before TransUnion because many furnishers submit data on staggered schedules or maintain separate contracts; a 30‑day reporting window lets a creditor miss the TransUnion deadline, or a transmission glitch can drop the file entirely.

To fix it, pull your TransUnion report, note the missing entry, and call the creditor to confirm they file with TransUnion. If they do, ask for the exact reporting date and request a 're‑file' in writing.

Follow up with TransUnion's consumer line, reference the FCRA 30‑day update requirement, and supply any proof of payment or account status to force a correction. If the furnisher refuses, move to the next section and check whether they stopped reporting to TransUnion at all.

If your credit report isn't moving, the first thing to verify is whether the creditor still sends data to TransUnion.

1. Obtain your most recent TransUnion file and locate the last reported month for each account.
2. Call the creditor's support line and ask directly if they are still furnishing information to TransUnion.
3. Request a written furnishing confirmation; under the FCRA the creditor must state whether they have stopped reporting.
4. Compare the creditor's reported schedule (usually monthly) with the dates on your file; a gap of 30 days or more often signals a reporting halt.
5. If the creditor admits they stopped, ask the reason (account closed, internal error, etc.) and whether they plan to resume. Keep a copy of the response for your records.
6. If the creditor says they continue to report, proceed to the next section on checking furnishers or resellers causing TransUnion data gaps.

If your TransUnion file is missing recent activity, the culprit is often a furnisher or a data‑reseller that didn't push the update, so you need to pinpoint which source is dropping the ball.

• Pull the latest TransUnion report and locate the 'Data Furnisher' column; any entry listed as 'unknown' or without a name signals a possible reseller gap.
• Match each account on the report with statements from your creditors; discrepancies indicate which creditor's data isn't reaching TransUnion.
• Call the furnisher using contact info found on the report and request that they verify the account and resend the last 30 days of activity, citing the Fair Credit Reporting Act update requirements.
• If no furnisher appears, call TransUnion's consumer line, ask them to identify the data source, and request a 're‑feed' of the missing information.
• Document every conversation (date, representative, reference number); a written trail eases escalation if the gap persists.
• After 30 days without correction, move to a formal dispute as outlined in the next section.

TransUnion blocks updates when the personal data on a creditor's file doesn't exactly match what's on your credit report. A misspelled last name, outdated address, wrong Social Security number, or even an incorrect middle initial can cause the furnishers' feed to be rejected, so the new balance or account never appears.

To clear the mismatch, pull your latest TransUnion file, note any discrepancies, and gather proof (driver's license, utility bill, mortgage statement). Then file a dispute that includes the correct information and supporting documents; the FCRA requires TransUnion to investigate within 30 days. Use the online portal file a TransUnion dispute online or send a certified‑mail letter.

After the agency confirms the correction, monitor the next reporting cycle; if updates still lag, the next section explains how freezes or fraud alerts might be the culprit.

A credit freeze or fraud alert can block new entries on your TransUnion file, but they do not permanently stop updates once the freeze is lifted or the alert is verified.

When a freeze is active, furnishers must halt reporting until you temporarily lift or permanently remove it; the file will resume reflecting activity within a few business days after you give TransUnion the required PIN or password.

A fraud alert flags your file, prompting furnishers to verify your identity before adding new data; this verification step may delay, but not deny, updates. Removing the alert or confirming your identity will let fresh information flow normally, paving the way for the next step - sending the right documents to speed verification.

Provide the exact documents TransUnion asks for, and the verification will usually finish within the 30‑day window the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) permits.

• Recent account statement (no older than 30 days) showing the balance and payment history
• Government‑issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) to confirm identity
• Utility bill or lease agreement as proof of current address
• Signed consent form authorizing TransUnion to contact the creditor
• Court order, bankruptcy filing, or settlement agreement if the dispute involves a legal judgment

Upload the files through TransUnion's verification guidelines or fax them to the number listed on the request. Keep originals handy in case TransUnion asks for a physical copy; a clear electronic copy usually avoids delays.

Reference the Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements for the exact timelines and your rights during verification.

Pick an API that matches your product's data needs, response time goals, and regulatory obligations. Verify that the provider offers nationwide U.S. credit files, real‑time lookups, and GDPR/CCPA‑compliant consent flows. Compare pricing tiers and read developer documentation before committing.

Test the sandbox, OAuth 2.0 auth, and SLA guarantees with a pilot account. Look for built‑in handling of thin‑file or credit‑invisible consumers, because many fintech startups rely on that segment. TheCreditPeople API illustrates a solid option that satisfies these criteria.

Align the API with your tech stack, set up monitoring for latency spikes, and design fallback logic for rate‑limit events. As you solidify the data feed, the next section will show how alternative data sources can augment underwriting decisions.

File a CFPB complaint or retain an attorney as soon as TransUnion's inaction or error harms you and the standard dispute process fails.

You should act when:

• 30 days have passed since you filed a dispute and TransUnion either hasn't responded or gave an incomplete resolution;
• the error triggers a credit denial, higher interest rate, or a lost job opportunity;
• TransUnion repeatedly ignores corrected information from the same furnishers;
• you see a pattern of inaccurate reporting that suggests willful non‑compliance;
• the report shows a fraud alert or freeze you never requested, indicating possible identity theft.

A CFPB complaint forces TransUnion to explain its actions and may speed correction, while an attorney can pursue damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act if negligence is clear. Start with the complaint; if the issue persists beyond the agency's 15‑day response window, consult a consumer‑rights lawyer.