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How to Unfreeze Your Credit with Equifax, Experian & TransUnion
December 12, 2024
Why Unfreezing Your Credit Matters
A credit freeze (aka security freeze) is a powerful tool to protect your credit report from identity theft. Once frozen, lenders can’t pull your credit info, which stops unauthorized accounts from being opened. However, when you’re ready to apply for new credit – for example, a credit card, mortgage, or car loan – you’ll need to unfreeze (thaw) your reports so the creditor can check your credit.
In other words, unfreezing your credit is essential whenever you want to use your credit again for an application or account opening. It’s a routine process and, thanks to a 2018 law, it’s completely free to freeze or unfreeze your credit.
Unfreezing simply means temporarily lifting or permanently removing the freeze you placed. The good news is that it’s quick and easy to do. Below, we’ll walk through exactly how to unfreeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. We’ll also answer common questions (like “How long does it take?” and “Do I need a PIN?”) so you can confidently manage your credit security.
How to Unfreeze Your Credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
You’ll need to unfreeze each of the three bureaus separately – unfreezing one does not automatically lift freezes at the others. Each credit bureau has its own system, but you can generally unfreeze your report online, by phone, or by mail.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for all three major credit bureaus:
Unfreezing Equifax Credit
To lift a freeze at Equifax, you have a few options:
- Online: Create or log in to your myEquifax account on the Equifax website. Once in your account, look for the “Security Freeze” or “Manage Freeze” option. Through your online account you can instantly remove or temporarily lift the freeze.
- By Phone: Call Equifax’s automated freeze line at 888-298-0045. You’ll verify your identity (entering details like SSN and answering security questions). If you previously set up a PIN, you may be asked to provide it or receive a one-time PIN via text for verification. Once verified, you can request the freeze lift over the phone.
- By Mail: Fill out Equifax’s freeze lift request form (available on their site) and mail it to the address provided (Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348). Include copies of identification (like your ID and a utility bill) to prove your identity. Equifax will lift the freeze upon processing your letter.
How long? Online or phone requests to Equifax are typically processed immediately or within an hour, while mail requests may take a few days (by law, up to 3 business days after they receive your letter).
If you plan to apply for credit with a specific bank, try asking which bureau they’ll check. You might be able to unfreeze only that one bureau instead of all three, saving you a bit of time.
Unfreezing Experian Credit
To lift a freeze at Experian:
- Online: Visit Experian’s Security Freeze Center and log in to your account (or create a free Experian account if you don’t have one). In your dashboard or help center, find the option for “Remove or Lift Freeze.” Experian lets you choose to temporarily thaw your credit for a set number of days or permanently remove the freeze. Select your desired option and confirm. The change is often effective within minutes.
- By Phone: Call Experian at 888-397-3742 (the dedicated freeze hotline). You’ll go through identity verification via an automated system. Provide the requested info (Social Security number, etc.); if you set up a PIN during your initial freeze, you might need to enter it. Then you can request the freeze lift.
- By Mail: Send a written request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Include your full name, SSN, date of birth, plus copies of government ID and a utility bill/bank statement (to confirm your identity and address). Experian will process the lift and mail you a confirmation.
How long? Experian lifts freezes almost instantly online. Phone requests are also processed quickly (within an hour in most cases). For mail, expect the freeze to be lifted within 3 business days of Experian receiving your request.
Unfreezing TransUnion Credit
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To lift a freeze at TransUnion:
- Online: Go to the TransUnion Service Center and log in (or create an account). Navigate to the credit freeze section where you can “Temporary Lift” or “Remove Freeze.” TransUnion’s online portal allows you to specify a lift for a certain period. Choose the timeframe or permanent removal, and submit. The update is immediate in their system.
- By Phone: Call TransUnion at 888-909-8872 (note: some resources list an alternative number 888-916-8800; TransUnion may have multiple lines). Verify your identity by providing your Social Security number and other identifying info. If you have a phone PIN or passcode from TransUnion, you’ll enter it. Then request your credit file to be unfrozen. The agent or automated system will confirm when the freeze lift is active.
- By Mail: Send a request to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094. Include your full name, address, SSN, date of birth, and copies of identity verification documents (like a driver’s license and a bill). TransUnion will lift the freeze and mail you a notice of confirmation once processed.
How long? Online and phone thaws at TransUnion occur very quickly (often within minutes, certainly less than an hour). If you go the mail route, allow a few days; they are legally required to lift it within 3 business days after they receive your mailed request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it free to unfreeze your credit?
Yes – it costs $0 to freeze or unfreeze your credit reports. U.S. law was changed in 2018 to make credit freezes and thaws free for everyone. Each of the three bureaus allows you to lift a freeze without any fees or charges. Be wary of any site or person asking for payment to unfreeze credit; go directly through Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion, where it’s free of charge.
How long does it take to unfreeze a credit report?
In most cases, it’s very fast. If you unfreeze online or by phone, your credit can be thawed within minutes (and legally it must be done within one hour of your request). In fact, you’ll often be able to apply for credit immediately after completing the online steps. If you request by mail, the bureaus must lift the freeze within three business days of receiving your letter. So mail is slower – consider calling or going online if you need your credit unfrozen quickly.
Do I need to unfreeze all three bureaus or just one?
It depends on what you’re applying for. Freezing/unfreezing is handled separately by each bureau, and there’s no “one-click” solution to lift all freezes at once. If you know which credit bureau will be checked (for instance, a specific lender might only pull Experian), you can choose to unfreeze just that one. However, if you’re unsure, it’s safest to unfreeze all three to avoid any hiccups in the approval process. Remember to re-freeze any bureau you lifted once you’re done, to keep your credit protected.
Can I temporarily unfreeze my credit (and then have it refreeze automatically)?
Yes. This is often called a temporary lift or thaw. All three major bureaus let you specify a timeframe for the credit freeze to be lifted. For example, you might unfreeze your reports for 3 days while you apply for a credit card, and after 3 days the freeze will automatically go back into place. When you request the thaw online, simply choose the “temporary” option and set the end date. This way you don’t have to remember to freeze it again – it will re-freeze on its own. If you don’t specify a period, you can also permanently remove the freeze and then reinstate it manually later, but using the temporary lift is more convenient for short needs.
What if I lost the PIN I was given when I froze my credit?
Don’t worry – in many cases you don’t need the old PIN. Equifax, for instance, no longer requires a PIN if you go through the online account method. Experian and TransUnion also allow identity verification through other means (your online login credentials or multi-factor ID checks via phone/email). If you’re trying to unfreeze by phone and forgot your PIN, you’ll typically be asked some security questions or sent a one-time code to verify your identity instead. If all else fails, you can unfreeze by mail by providing proof of identity. It might take a bit longer, but it will still get the job done without a PIN.
Conclusion
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Unfreezing your credit is a straightforward process that gives you back access to your credit reports whenever you need it. The key points to remember are: contact each bureau individually, use the method most convenient for you (online is fastest), and it’s always free to do. By planning ahead – for example, temporarily lifting a freeze a day or two before you apply for new credit – you can ensure a smooth application process with minimal delay.
Once your credit is unfrozen and you’ve gotten approved for that new credit card or loan, don’t forget to refreeze your credit to keep it protected. Managing your credit doesn’t stop there, though. Kudos is here to help you on the next steps of your credit journey. Kudos can be your smart financial companion – from tracking your credit score to recommending the best credit cards for your needs. It’ll help you make the most of that hard-earned credit score, all while giving you tips to keep your financial life secure.
Freezing and unfreezing your credit is all about staying in control of your financial identity. With this guide (and a little help from tools like Kudos), you can confidently protect your credit and use it when you need it – the best of both worlds.
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