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If you placed a credit freeze (also called a security freeze) to prevent others from accessing your credit reports, you may want to reopen your credit files at some point to apply for a new car loan, get a credit card or rent an apartment.
To allow a credit check, you’ll need to unfreeze your credit. Doing so is free and takes little time when done online.
You can unfreeze and freeze your credit reports for free online, by phone or by mail.
You can't unfreeze at all three credit bureaus with a single action. You have to unfreeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion individually, unless you know which credit bureau a creditor is using for credit checks and choose to lift your freeze at just that one.
All three of the major credit bureaus require that you set up accounts if you want to freeze or unfreeze your credit online. If you are a parent or a legal guardian, you can unfreeze or freeze your child’s credit — or an incapacitated adult’s — too.
» Learn more: How to freeze your child's credit
Unless you use postal mail, unfreezing your credit reports online takes effect within minutes of requesting it.
Permanently unfreezing your credit is also an option, but NerdWallet doesn't recommend giving up the protections a freeze gives you.
» Dive deeper: How to protect your Social Security number
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How to unfreeze credit with Experian
You can schedule an Experian credit freeze lift with one click, if completing the process online. Unfreezing your Experian credit report can also be done permanently or temporarily. If you unfreeze your credit permanently, this means your file remains open until you initiate another credit freeze. If you opt for a temporary thaw, creditors can check your credit for a specific amount of time.
To unfreeze by mail, you’ll need to send your name and other personal information along with copies of verification documents.
Contact options:
- Online: Experian website.
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.
- Phone: 888-397-3742.
How to unfreeze credit with Equifax
You can unfreeze your Equifax credit report online by creating a "myEquifax" account. A PIN is no longer needed for online freezing or lifting an Equifax credit freeze, but you have the option to request one. Equifax allows you to unfreeze your credit temporarily or permanently.
If you choose to unfreeze or reinstate a freeze by phone, you’ll be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions or receiving a one-time PIN by text.
To freeze or unfreeze your Equifax credit report by mail, you’ll need to download a form from the Equifax website and provide copies of documents that verify your identity and address, such as your Social Security card and a utility bill.
Contact options:
- Online: Equifax website.
- Mail: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348.
- Phone: 888-298-0045.
Stress less. Track more.
See the full picture: savings, debt, investments and more. Smarter money moves start in our app.How to unfreeze credit with TransUnion
You can unfreeze your TransUnion credit report online through the TransUnion Service Center, which requires creating an account. You can also unfreeze your credit report by phone or mail; just provide your name, address, birth date and Social Security number.
You can remove a TransUnion credit freeze for a specific time period. Your TransUnion credit remains frozen or unfrozen until you request changes.
Contact options:
- Online: TransUnion website.
- Mail: TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.
- Phone: 800-916-8800.
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