TransUnion, based in Chicago, Illinois, is the third largest credit bureau in the United States. Like major competitors Equifax and Experian, TransUnion markets credit reports directly to American consumers.

TransUnion bills itself as a global leader in the credit and information management services market. Founded in 1968, TransUnion helps businesses and consumers gather, analyze and deliver key financial information needed to properly manage risk and customer relationships. TransUnion’s credit reporting services and programs also help consumers manage their credit on a regular basis, helping them secure a stronger financial life. The firm services 50,000 customers on five continents, as well as 500 million consumers across the globe.

FACTOID: TransUnion is widely credited with designing the first automated tape-to-disc transfer system, a system that eventually replaced manual data-entry. The firm also built the first online information storage and retrieval data-processing system – the Credit Reporting On-line Network Utility System (CRONUS®) – for creditors across the U.S.