How to unfreeze your credit report at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion

One can impose a credit freeze on their credit report for several reasons, but if you want to open up another line of credit, the freeze will need to be lifted so that a credit report can be run.

Here, we will walk you through this process for the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. All three companies allow users to place a freeze for free, but those who use them should know that freezing or unfreezing with one company will not impact the others.

For those looking through a video walk threw of this process, A Penny Pinchers Guide to Personal Finance on YouTube has you covered.

How to unfreeze your credit report at Equifax

If you choose to freeze your credit report through Equifax, you can remove it online, by phone, or by mail.

By logging into your Equifax announcement, you will see any active freeze; through the user portal, you can modify it.

If you choose to call, the company will ask you a series of security questions to confirm your identity. If confirmed, an agent will help you modify the freeze. The number is (888)-298-0045.

Lastly, you can lift a freeze through the mail by filling out the ‘Security Freeze Request Form’ and following the instructions. The company warns that if you want to attempt to remove a freeze through the mail, you should be aware that “you’ll need to provide documents to validate your identity and address.” More information on this option can be found on Equifax’s website.

How to unfreeze your credit report at Experian

Over at Experian, those who have implemented a freeze on their credit report also have a few different options to lift it.

Logging into your online Experian portal allows you to manage any active freeze. However, like Equifax, the modification can also be done over the phone or through the mail. The company can be reached by phone at (888)-397-3742. For those opting to mail in their request, it must also contain the following documents:

These documents will be used to confirm your identity.

How to unfreeze your credit report at TransUnion

If you want to unfreeze with TransUnion, the options are similar to those listed above. If the freeze was created online, using your portal is likely to be the easiest way to remove it. Once you log in and identify the freeze, you can select “Temporarily Lift Freeze.” Additionally, the company can be reached at 800-916-8800 to modify the freeze over the phone. Lastly, you can send a written request to TransUnionP.O. Box 160 Woodlyn, PA 19094. The company says a written request must include “your name, address and Social Security number.”