How to Unfreeze Your Credit

You have two options to unblock your credit files:

• Plan for a temporary thaw. This allows creditors to monitor your file for a certain period of time and restore the block when the scheduled period expires.
• Remove the freeze permanently. This will keep your files open until you request a new credit freeze.

Below is a brief overview of the different methods offered by the three national credit reporting agencies:

How to Unblock Your Experian Credit Report

To unblock your Experian credit report, log in to your Experian account or create one for free through your desktop browser or the Experian mobile app.

Once you’ve logged in, you can navigate to the Help Center at the bottom of the page; in the mobile app, tap the three bars at the top right of your dashboard to see the option. In the Help Center, you’ll find “Manage security freeze” or simply “Security freeze” in the quick actions section.

You may also call 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) or mail a request to Experian Security Freeze, PO Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013, along with the appropriate documentation.

In particular, you must include the following with your written request to verify your identity:

• Full name, citizen service number and date of birth
• Government issued identification card, such as a driver’s license
• Full addresses for the past two years
• Copy of an energy bill or bank statement

How to Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report

To unblock your TransUnion credit file, you can go to the TransUnion Service Center and log in or create a TransUnion account.

You may also reach TransUnion by telephone at 800-916-8800, or send your request by mail to TransUnion, PO Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094, accompanied by the appropriate documents.

How to Unfreeze Your Equifax Credit Report

To unfreeze your Equifax credit file, visit the Equifax Consumer Services Center and log in to your myEquifax account or create a myEquifax account.

Alternatives include calling 888-298-0045 and verifying your identity to lift a hold, or sending the appropriate forms and documentation to Equifax Information Services LLC, PO Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.

How long does it take to unfreeze your credit report?

The timeline for repairing your credit report can vary depending on the method you choose and the legal requirements.

If you submit your application online or by phone, it is usually processed in real time. However, the Federal Trade Commission gives credit bureaus up to one hour to complete the process.

Alternatively, if you decide to submit your request by mail, the security hold will typically be lifted within three days of receipt, and that is in addition to the time it takes to deliver your letter. In most cases, it is best to submit your request online or by phone to avoid delays.

When should you lift a credit freeze?

A credit freeze limits who can view your credit reports and for what reasons. For example, you don’t have to worry about your credit report being unfrozen when you apply for an apartment lease, undergo a background check for a new job, or take out an insurance policy.

Even with frozen credit reports, you can continue to receive pre-screened credit offers.

However, if you plan on applying for credit in any form, you’ll want to unfreeze your credit reports before you do. Even if you’re just shopping around to compare rates through prequalification tools, it’s best to unfreeze your credit to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to unblock your credit?

  There are no fees associated with freezing or unfreezing your credit reports.

• Is it a good idea to permanently unfreeze your credit?

  You can lift a security freeze quickly and easily. Your decision to do so largely depends on the reason you originally froze your credit.

  • If you froze your credit as a precaution, or because you knew you would not be able to access your credit files for an extended period of time, it is probably fine to permanently lift the freeze if you are actively seeking credit now.
  • If you have frozen your credit reports because you have been a victim of credit fraud or because you believe your personal information has been stolen or misused, consider temporarily freezing your credit reports.
• How long should you thaw your credit?

  Ultimately, it depends on your reasons for freezing your credit in the first place. If you’ve been a victim of identity theft or know your personal information has been compromised, consider freezing your credit only long enough to complete the necessary credit checks for a loan or credit card.

  If you have no reason to believe that an identity thief has your personal information, you can keep your credit reports private for as long as you want.

Monitor your credit to protect yourself

Regardless of why you want to unfreeze your credit report and how long it will remain unfrozen, regularly checking your credit report can help you keep tabs on your credit score. This can help you spot opportunities to improve your credit, as well as threats to your overall credit health.

Experian’s free credit monitoring service gives you access to your FICO^® Score^☉ and Experian credit report at any time and at no cost. You will also receive real-time alerts when changes are made to your credit report, making it easier to stop identity fraud before it causes significant damage.