Making a phone call or sending an online message to the credit bureau (or bureaus) you used to freeze your credit is the quickest and most straightforward method to have your credit report unfrozen. But you also have the option to contact them by mail.
You will need to get in touch with each of the three major credit bureaus directly if you froze your credit report with ExperianTM, Equifax®, and TransUnion®. You may also need the PIN or password you received when you initially froze your credit.
Keep in mind, a credit freeze and credit lock are different. Make sure you know the differences between freezing credit and locking credit.
Now that you’ve made the decision to unfreeze your credit report, you may be wondering how long it will take for your credit file to defrost and open up. Fear not—we’ve got you covered! We’ll address all of your urgent queries regarding credit unfreezing in this guide, such as:
- How long does it take to unfreeze your credit?
- What are the different ways to unfreeze your credit?
- What are some things to keep in mind when unfreezing your credit?
How Long Does It Take to Unfreeze Your Credit?
The good news is that unfreezing your credit is usually a quick and easy process. In most cases, if you request to remove the freeze (also known as “thawing” your credit report) online or by telephone, your Experian credit file can be unfrozen within a matter of minutes—although you should allow up to an hour. You can also request to lift your freeze by mail, but it may take up to three days for it to be thawed once Experian receives your request.
Different Ways to Unfreeze Your Credit:
- Online: This is the quickest and easiest way to unfreeze your credit. Simply log in to your Experian account and follow the instructions to remove the freeze.
- By phone: You can also call Experian’s customer service line at 1-888-397-3742 to request that your credit be unfrozen.
- By mail: If you prefer to unfreeze your credit by mail, you can download and complete the “Request to Lift Security Freeze” form and mail it to Experian at the address provided on the form.
Things to Keep in Mind When Unfreezing Your Credit:
- Be sure to have your personal information handy, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
- You may need to provide a reason for unfreezing your credit.
- Once you unfreeze your credit, it will remain unfrozen for a certain period of time, depending on the state you live in.
- You can refreeze your credit at any time.
Additional Tips:
- If you are planning to apply for credit soon, be sure to unfreeze your credit in advance.
- You can also request a temporary freeze, which will last for 30 days.
- If you have any questions about unfreezing your credit, you can contact Experian’s customer service line.
Unfreezing your credit is a simple process that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your credit file is accessible when you need it. Remember to be patient, as it may take up to an hour for your credit file to be unfrozen online or by phone, and up to three days by mail.
Unfreezing credit through Experian™, Equifax® or TransUnion®
To unfreeze your credit, you have to put in a request with each major credit bureau.
Have your name, address and Social Security Number handy so youre able to provide all your information. Heres how to unfreeze your credit with each major credit bureau:
When should you unfreeze your credit?
You should unfreeze your credit before you apply for a new line of credit. Examples include applying for a car loan, opening a store credit card, or house hunting. In order to qualify, the lender will need to pull your credit report to see if you qualify. They won’t have access to your credit report if it is still frozen, which means you probably won’t be able to get the loan you might need.
How Do I Unfreeze My Credit File? : Simply Explained
FAQ
How long does it take to unfreeze your credit score?
How long should I lift a credit freeze?
Is it bad to freeze and unfreeze your credit?
How do I unfreeze my credit all at once?
How long does it take to remove a credit freeze?
If you make the request online or by phone, the three major credit bureaus are required to lift the freeze within an hour. The request can be done by mail, but note that this is a longer process. The credit bureaus, however, are required to remove the freeze within three business days of receiving notice.
How do I freeze my credit?
If you want to freeze your credit in the future, you’ll have to individually contact the three bureaus once again. Equifax lets clients freeze and unfreeze their credit online, by mail, or over the phone. Online: Create a “my Equifax,” visit the “Equifax Consumer Services Center,” then select “Security Freeze.”
How long does it take to lift a credit freeze?
The timeline for lifting a credit freeze —sometimes known as a “security freeze”—depends on how you request it. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the three major credit bureaus are required to lift a freeze within one hour if the request is made online or by phone.
How long does it take to unfreeze a credit card?
In most cases, if you make the request online or by phone, the credit bureaus can lift a freeze in near real time. The Federal Trade Commission allows the bureaus up to one hour to complete an online or phone request, while requests by mail must be granted within three days after receipt. How Much Does It Cost to Unfreeze Your Credit?