How to dispute an unauthorised hard search on TransUnion
Spotted a hard search on your TransUnion report that you don’t recognise? Hard searches are visible to lenders and multiple searches can make you look desperate for credit.
TransUnion retains hard searches for 2 years. If the search was genuinely unauthorised, the company that ran it should remove it.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- TransUnion must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 28 days to respond to TransUnion’s enquiry.
- Check your TransUnion report free via Credit Karma.
How to dispute with TransUnion
Go to transunionstatreport.co.uk and find the search entry. Click “Something not right?” and explain the search was unauthorised.
TransUnion contacts the company. If they don’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the search.
TransUnion retains hard searches for 2 years.
TransUnion-specific tips
TransUnion’s stated 28-day removal policy helps with searches from companies that are hard to reach or no longer trading.
Evidence you’ll need
- Your TransUnion report showing the unauthorised search is the primary evidence. Gather proof you didn’t apply or contact the company — travel records, address mismatch, or similar. If the search is from a company you recognise, check their terms and conditions first, as hard search consent is often included.
- TransUnion accepts up to 5 documents per dispute in JPG, JPEG, PDF, or TIFF format. Upload via transunionstatreport.co.uk or email [email protected]. TransUnion retains hard searches for 2 years.
Timeline
TransUnion contacts the company. The company has 28 days to respond. If they confirm the search was unauthorised, it’s removed. TransUnion places a Notice of Dispute (NOD) on the search entry during investigation.
If the company doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the search — helpful when dealing with companies that are hard to reach or no longer trading. TransUnion retains hard searches for 2 years. Credit Karma users should allow an extra 7 days for updates.
If your dispute is rejected
If the company refuses to remove an unauthorised search, escalate to the ICO. A hard search without consent is processing personal data without a lawful basis under UK GDPR.
TransUnion must acknowledge formal complaints within 5 working days and respond within 8 weeks. Email [email protected] or post to PO Box 647, Hull, HU9 9QZ.
FAQs
How long do hard searches stay on TransUnion?
TransUnion retains hard searches for 2 years. Their impact on your score reduces after about 6 months.
Can I remove a search from an application I made?
No. Legitimate searches from applications you submitted cannot be removed, even if you were declined or changed your mind.
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