The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice.See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.
You can unfreeze your credit by contacting any credit bureaus that your credit is frozen with, by either mail, phone or online, and asking them to unfreeze your credit.
If you’ve ever been a victim of identity theft or wanted to protect yourself from it, you may have put a freeze on your credit. Because a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, this also gets in the way of you applying for credit. After all, when you apply for a credit card, loan or mortgage, the lender needs to review your credit. That means you need to go through the credit bureaus to lift the freeze.
Because credit checks are sometimes necessary, you need to learn how to unfreeze your credit. While lifting a credit freeze is free by federal law, navigating the process with each credit bureau can take time. To help you, we’ll break down the process of unfreezing your credit and explain how to contact each bureau.
Methods for unfreezing your credit
There are a couple of ways to lift credit freezes. Your options vary based on how long you want to lift the freeze. Whichever method you choose, there’s no limit to how often you can freeze credit or unfreeze it. Also, keep in mind that the best way to unfreeze your credit depends on why you froze it in the first place.
When lifting a credit freeze, you can choose between the following:
- Temporarily lift the security freeze: If you have fraud concerns but need to go through a credit check, you can temporarily unfreeze your credit for a specified time. After the period passes, your credit freeze resumes automatically.
- Permanently remove the freeze: You can choose to have a credit freeze permanently removed. Keep in mind that you can place a freeze again in the future. However, while your credit stays unfrozen, you’re more vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.
Alternatives for unfreezing your credit
Freezing and unfreezing credit can help protect your finances, but they aren’t your only options. In fact, there are simpler, less time-consuming alternatives on the table. So, whether you’re looking to defend yourself or open access after a credit report freeze, here are a few other methods.
Give a specific creditor access
When you freeze your credit with a bureau, they can issue a code or PIN for a creditor. This allows that creditor, and only that creditor, to check your report. Limited access increases security around your credit report and identity. It also saves you the time and effort of freezing and unfreezing your credit.
Subscribe to plans for locking and unlocking your credit report
Even though security credit freezes are regulated and free, each credit bureau offers more in-depth services for fraud vigilance and credit monitoring programs. Additionally, they provide different subscription tiers at various price points.
When you subscribe, you can:
- Lock and unlock your credit report in a mobile app, using various ID verification techniques
- Have bureaus monitor your reports for suspicious activity
- Request additional fraud prevention services
Despite the benefits, locking and freezing your credit achieve the same result. So, when you subscribe, it primarily takes work off your plate.
Set up fraud alerts
You can place a fraud alert on your credit file for extra protection. This alert notifies creditors when the risk of fraud comes up. For example, when lenders run a credit check or receive an application for a loan, they need to take extra steps to verify your identity. Generally, they will call you before opening a new credit account in your name or changing an existing one.
Unlike a credit freeze, you only need to request a fraud alert with one of the credit bureaus. After that, they’ll notify the other two. Alerts are free, easy to set up and offer flexibility when you want to stay cautious without freezing your credit.
How to unfreeze credit with Equifax
Online: Sign up for or log in to your myEquifax account. Then, request the unfreeze by verifying demographic information like your Social Security number. You don’t need a PIN when you lift your Equifax® credit freeze online.
By phone: Call 800-349-9960. You’ll need to provide identifying information and the 10-digit PIN you were assigned for an Equifax unfreeze.
By mail: Fill out and mail this form to the address provided, marking that you want to lift a freeze. Along with the basic info, you’ll need to provide proof of identification, proof of address and the PIN you received when you placed the freeze.
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
How to unfreeze credit with Experian
Online: Fill out the form to remove an Experian® credit freeze. Provide details like your name, birth date and email address. On top of that, you’ll need the 5 – 10 digit PIN assigned when you put a freeze on your credit.
By phone: Call 888-397-3742 and provide the basic information along with your PIN.
By mail: Submit a written request for an Experian unfreeze with your demographic information and proof of your identification and address to:
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
How to unfreeze credit with TransUnion
Online: Go to the TransUnion® Credit Freeze page and click on “Unfreeze My Credit.” Create an account or log in to an existing account. You’ll need to verify your identity by answering three questions specific to you.
By phone: Call 888-909-8872 and provide the same information for a TransUnion unfreeze.
By mail: Send your written request to:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Does unfreezing your credit help your credit score?
Freezing and unfreezing your credit won’t affect your credit health directly. However, it’s likely you froze your credit because of a situation involving your credit, such as:
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Data breaches
Placing a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion can control the damage done to your credit. Additionally, freezes play a key role in preventing further problems. A credit freeze prevents others from opening new accounts in your name and hurting your credit. That’s why freezing your credit can indirectly help protect your credit.
Will freezing or unfreezing credit prevent fraud?
Even after freezing and unfreezing your credit, you should stay vigilant against fraudulent activity. Remember that even if your credit is frozen, if the fraudster has your bank account or credit card numbers, they can still make purchases in your name. As debts add up, this can lead to financial trouble with or without a freeze.
If you’re concerned that a third party has your bank or credit card details, you should immediately contact your bank or credit card providers. They may have you replace your card, but you can use a prepaid card in the meantime.
FAQ about credit unfreezes
While unfreezing your credit makes sense on paper, you may have a few questions about the details. To fully explain the process, here are some frequently asked questions.
Why is my credit frozen if I didn’t freeze it?
In some cases, other people can place a freeze on your credit without your knowledge. This typically occurs when:
- A Power of Attorney decides on your behalf
- A court order forces a credit freeze
- A parent freezes their child’s credit
How long does it take to undo a credit freeze?
Depending on how you contact a credit bureau, they can lift a freeze in less than an hour. After bureaus receive your request to lift a freeze, they have to do so within a specific time frame. These ranges include:
- Bureaus must lift the freeze in under an hour if you contact them online or by phone.
- Bureaus must lift the freeze within three business days of seeing your mailed request.
How much does a credit unfreeze cost?
Freezing and unfreezing your credit comes at no cost. Each credit bureau will go through the process free of charge. Additionally, federal law protects customers’ access to free credit freezes and unfreezes.
When should you unfreeze your credit?
After freezing your credit, you may want to keep it frozen until you need it. After all, keeping credit frozen reduces the risk of identity theft or fraud. Still, you’ll need to lift the freeze when you:
- Apply for a line of credit or loan
- Open a credit card
- Place applications for rentals or a mortgage
Basically, if someone needs to look at your report, it’s time to unfreeze your credit. Short of that, you’ll need to give them temporary access.
Repair your credit after a freeze with Lexington Law Firm
Whether you’re looking to prevent fraud or have peace of mind with your credit, a freeze can help. While credit bureaus aren’t easy to navigate, working with them can offer the protection your finances need. You’ll need to learn how to unfreeze your credit sooner or later. In addition, being prepared to lift the freeze is essential when your credit can make or break a loan application and mortgage.
The team at Lexington Law Firm can help you review your credit report to see if everything is accurately and fairly reported. With our credit repair services, we’ll advocate for you and help you work toward your best credit possible. Get your free credit assessment today to see how we could help you.
Note: Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.
Reviewed By
Sarah Raja
Associate Attorney
