How to remove old debt from TransUnion
Still seeing an old debt on your TransUnion report that should have disappeared years ago? You’re right to question it. Most negative data should be automatically removed after six years. If it hasn’t been, it’s most likely a system error.
Here’s how to check the dates, dispute it with TransUnion, and what to do if they don’t 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, find the expired entry, and click “Something not right?”. Select “Raise a dispute” and note that the entry has exceeded 6 years.
TransUnion places a Notice of Dispute while investigating. Given this is a date-based issue, resolution should be fast.
TransUnion-specific tips
If the lender doesn’t respond to TransUnion within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data. This makes TransUnion particularly effective for old debt disputes.
Evidence you’ll need
- Your TransUnion report showing the entry and its date is the evidence you need. The 6-year clock runs from the default or registration date, not the date of last payment. Normally no additional documentation is required — TransUnion can verify the dates in their own records.
- Raise the dispute at transunionstatreport.co.uk by clicking “Something not right?” on the expired entry. TransUnion accepts up to 5 documents (JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIFF) if you want to attach a screenshot. You can also email [email protected] or post to PO Box 647, Hull, HU9 9QZ.
Timeline
Old debt removals on TransUnion are usually resolved fast — often within 1–2 weeks. TransUnion can verify the dates in their own system. If the lender is contacted, they have 28 days to respond. TransUnion places a Notice of Dispute (NOD) on the entry during investigation.
If the lender doesn’t respond within 28 days, TransUnion’s policy is to suppress or remove the data — making TransUnion particularly effective for old debt disputes where the original lender may no longer exist or respond. Credit Karma users should allow an extra 7 days for the refresh.
If your dispute is rejected
If TransUnion doesn’t remove expired data, escalate to the ICO. Keeping data beyond the agreed retention period breaches UK GDPR Article 5(1)(e) — the storage limitation principle. This is one of the most straightforward ICO complaints you can make.
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
When does the 6-year clock start on TransUnion?
From the date of default (for defaults), date of judgement (for CCJs), or date of registration (for bankruptcies/IVAs). Not the date of last payment.
Why hasn’t TransUnion removed it automatically?
CRAs should remove expired data automatically, but system errors do occur. A simple dispute should resolve it quickly.
Dispute this on another CRA
Other disputes on TransUnion
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