How to Contact the Credit Bureaus

How to Contact Experian

Get Your Credit Report

Enrolling in a free Experian account provides access to your Experian credit report, with daily updates. The free account also includes access to a FICO^® Score^☉ with daily updates and credit monitoring that alerts you to new activity on your Experian credit report. You may also request a hard copy of your Experian credit report by calling 888-397-3742.

In addition, you are legally entitled to download a free copy of your credit reports from each of the three national credit bureaus once weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com. You may also submit a request form to receive hard copies of those credit reports by mail.

Check Your Credit Score

You can get your FICO^® Score with daily updates by enrolling in a free Experian account. Each score includes a list of score risk factors, based on your individual credit history, that can help explain your score and how you might improve your score in the future.

Make General Inquiries

To request basic information or learn more about Experian practices and policies, you can:

• Visit the Experian Contact Us page to learn about several options for reaching out to the company
• Go to the Experian YouTube channel for credit tips and additional information
• Connect with Experian on social media at Facebook, Instagram or X

File a Dispute

If you believe your Experian credit report contains an inaccuracy, you have the right to file a dispute to correct the record. The Experian Dispute Center lets you submit a dispute electronically, enables you to upload digital documents related to your dispute and furnishes status updates on pending disputes.

This page also provides instructions and downloadable forms you can use to file a dispute through postal mail.

Experian welcomes credit report disputes by phone, but recommends obtaining a credit report first and then calling the phone number provided on the report.

Activate a Security Freeze

If you're a victim of credit fraud or identity theft, or you think you might be, you have the right to place a security freeze (or credit freeze) on your credit file to help protect you by limiting access to your Experian credit report. This can be done through the Experian credit freeze page, where you'll also find instructions for removing a freeze, suspending (or "thawing") a freeze temporarily and for giving a lender one-time access to your frozen credit report.

You may also request to freeze (or thaw) your Experian credit report by calling 888-397-3742 or by sending a request in writing to:

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

Keep in mind that a credit freeze can restrict both unauthorized and legitimate access to your credit reports. That means if you apply for a loan, credit card or other form of credit that requires a credit check, you must grant the creditor access to your credit report or lift the freeze to allow your application to be processed.

Request a Fraud Alert

When a creditor or other legally authorized entity checks your credit report, a fraud alert informs them that criminals may be misusing your personal information, and asks them to verify your identity before processing a loan or credit application. You have the right to place a fraud alert on your credit reports.

Like a security freeze, a fraud alert can help prevent bogus credit accounts from being opened in your name, but it is less restrictive and often more convenient for individuals who are actively seeking credit. Unlike a security freeze, a fraud alert will expire on its own unless you extend it (after one year or seven years, depending on the type of alert).

When you place a fraud alert on your credit report at one credit bureau, it is automatically applied at all three bureaus. However, removing fraud alerts before they expire requires contacting each bureau separately.

You can place a fraud alert on your Experian credit report online at the Experian Fraud Alert Center, by calling 888-397-3742 or by mailing a written request to:

Experian
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

How to Contact TransUnion

TransUnion's Consumer Support page contains links to pages you can use to request a credit report, file a dispute to correct inaccuracies in your TransUnion credit report, manage security freezes or fraud alerts, and set up and control paid subscription services.

You can also perform most actions by calling TransUnion at 800-916-8800; other phone numbers dedicated to paid services are provided on TransUnion's customer service page.

How to Contact Equifax

Equifax's Online Self Service page includes links for obtaining a credit report, disputing inaccuracies in your Equifax credit report and managing fraud alerts and security freezes. It also links to forms you can download and print out to request those services by mail.

Equifax customer service is available by phone at 888-EQUIFAX (888-378-4329).

Why You May Need to Contact the Credit Bureaus

There are a number of reasons you may need to contact one (or all) of the credit bureaus, including to:

• Check your credit report: Each of the three credit bureaus allows you access to free credit reports with registration for an account. How often you can receive these reports varies from one bureau to another, however.
• Request a fraud alert or security freeze: If you're concerned that criminals may be abusing your personal data, placing a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit reports can help prevent creation of bogus credit accounts in your name.
• Check your credit score: Access to your credit scores varies from one bureau to the next, but you can typically check your credit score for free or a nominal fee. Your credit score could give you insight into your chances of being approved for credit, for instance.
• Dispute inaccuracies on your credit report: If you notice inaccurate information on your credit report—a misattributed late payment or collection account, for example—you have the right to dispute the matter and to have the errant entry removed or corrected.
• Manage your account: If you've set up accounts with any of the bureaus, or you wish to register for a subscription, you may want to contact the corresponding agency for technical assistance, to manage your account or cancel your subscription.

The Bottom Line

By law and by virtue of their roles as keepers of personal credit data, the national credit bureaus are accessible and responsive to consumer concerns and requests. If you have questions about the contents of your credit reports, or if you believe your personal data has been exposed or stolen, reaching out to the credit bureaus can help you protect your credit standing.