TransUnion settlement sign-up period begins

See more recent story: Deadline passed for free TransUnion credit monitoring

After some initial difficulty this morning, I signed up for six months of free credit monitoring as part of the class action settlement with credit bureau TransUnion.

Knowing that the settlement Web site, listclassaction.com, would begin allowing registration on June 16, I went online earlier today to opt in for six months of free credit monitoring. But my initial attempt was blocked: I encountered a pop-up window stating that I need to provide a user name and password -- neither of which I had.

To find out what was going on, I picked up the phone. During a brief conversation, TransUnion indicated that the problem was on my end (with the credit bureau noting that it didn't administer the Web site) and probably browser-related. Apparently, though, I wasn't the only visitor who encountered this issue. When I returned to the site later, the problem had been fixed. Although they didn't elaborate on what caused it, TransUnion later sent me a follow-up e-mail to indicate the issue had been resolved.

On to the free stuff...

As a credit card user during the time period specified under the settlement agreement, I was able to register for six months of free credit monitoring from TransUnion "and a potential cash payment (if available)." The "basic relief" credit monitoring package includes 24-hour notification of major changes to my credit report, plus free unlimited daily access to my TransUnion credit report and credit score.

My Gandhi-like editor gave up his right to additional money by selecting the option for nine months of free credit monitoring. That means Dan "will not receive any further benefits, including a cash payment," nor will he "be able to file an individual lawsuit against the defendants." By choosing the "enhanced" package, in addition to the nine months of credit monitoring, he will also receive a suite of insurance scores and TransUnion's mortgage simulator service.

Borrowers could also choose the possible cash, with the added option of six months of credit monitoring, while foregoing the chance to file an individual lawsuit against TransUnion.

Readers -- which option did you go for? Did the possible cash, the right to file suit or the three added months of credit monitoring determine your decision?    

See related: Lawsuit settlement provides free credit monitoring to millions of consumers, TransUnion settlement details emerge 

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My blog post "Ultimate Fighting Championship hits fans with a new credit card" is featured as one of the runner-up entries in the June 16 edition of the Carnival of Twenty Something Finances hosted by Poorer Than You.