Major credit reporting bureaus offer a credit freeze service to protect consumers from identity theft and credit fraud. This is necessary when your personal information has been compromised due to a lost card, hacked online account, and stolen documents. If you decide to freeze your credit report, most companies can’t check your credit report. If you need to apply for a new loan or credit, you have to unfreeze your credit report first.
“How do I unfreeze my TransUnion credit report?” That’s a common question. You have three options: online, phone, or mail. It will take one hour to lift the freeze after submitting a request online or by phone. If you requested to unfreeze your credit report by mail, TransUnion will lift the freeze within 3 days after receiving your letter.
• How Do You Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report Online?
You need to log in to your TransUnion account online using your username and password. If you don’t have an account set up yet, you can create an account so that you can manage your TransUnion credit information. After logging in, you have the option to lift the credit report freeze permanently or temporarily.
• How Do You Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report By Phone?
All you need to do is call the TransUnion phone number at 888-909-8872. An interactive voice response system will guide you through the process of unfreezing your credit report. Keep your freeze PIN, date of birth, Social Security number, and address ready because you may be asked to provide these details during the process.
• How Do You Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report By Phone?
Send a letter to TransUnion requesting to unfreeze your credit report.
Your request must include the following information:
- Full name with middle initial
- Birthdate
- Social Security number
- Addresses for the past 2 years
- A copy of government-issued ID
- A copy of your bank statement or utility bill
TransUnion Mailing Address:
TransUnion LLC,
P.O. Box 2000,
Chester, PA 19016
What is a Credit Report Freeze and Why Do You Need it?
Also known as a security freeze, a credit report freeze prevents entities from accessing your credit report. Many consumers use this service to protect them against the threat of credit fraud due to possible identity theft, such as when their sensitive information has been compromised.
After you request a credit report freeze online or offline, the credit bureau must set it in place within one business day. If you submitted a request by mail, the freeze will take effect within 3 business days after its receipt. If creditors and lenders can’t check your credit report then thieves will also have a hard time opening accounts under your name without your knowledge or authorization.
When Do You Need to Unfreeze Your Credit?
If you can ask TransUnion to freeze your credit report, you also have the option to “thaw” or unfreeze it.
Here are the reasons to lift the freeze on your credit report:
- If you’re applying for a loan. Lenders and credit card issuers need to check your creditworthiness and pull your credit report to help them decide whether to approve your application or not.
- If you’re going apartment or house hunting. Whether you’re planning to buy or rent, landlords and creditors providing home loans need to access your credit history.
- If you’re applying for utility services. Utility companies may conduct a credit check if you wish to install new services on your new home.
- If you’re buying a new phone. Cell phone providers will check your credit report first if you want to purchase a new phone in installments.
- If you’re looking for a job. Employers may check your credit report, especially if you’re applying for a job that deals with money all the time.
Keep in mind that removing the credit report freeze means you won’t be protected from possible identity theft and fraud. Unfreeze your credit only if you have to and for a limited time only until you’ve fixed the problem with your compromised information.
Can I freeze or Unfreeze my Credit Reports on All Major Credit Bureaus at One Time? No. You have to get in touch with each of the credit reporting agencies to freeze and unfreeze your credit report.
Can You Unfreeze Your Credit Report Permanently?
Yes. You can choose to lift the freeze on your credit report permanently. Simply log into your TransUnion account online and choose the “Remove Credit Freeze” option. It will stay that way until you decide to freeze your credit report again.
Can You Unfreeze Your Credit Report for a Specific Period?
Yes. Log in to your online TransUnion account. Instead of choosing “Remove Credit Freeze,” select the “Temporary Lift Freeze” option. Choose the dates you want to lift the freeze. When that period ends, TransUnion will automatically freeze your credit report. TransUnion will allow you to set specific dates you want to unfreeze your credit report up to 15 days before you want it to happen. Remember, you can also unfreeze your credit report via phone or mail.
How Long Should Unfreeze Your Credit Report?
You can remove the freeze on your credit report for as long as you need. In most cases, consumers request a freeze removal so that they can apply for new credit. So, the length of time you need to unfreeze your credit report will depend on the kind of loan you’re applying for.
It’s best to choose a temporary lift freeze. Leaving your credit report unfrozen for a long period will put it at risk of identity theft and credit fraud. Protect yourself by lifting the credit report freeze for a limited time only.
Do You Need a PIN to Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report?
When you freeze your credit report with TransUnion, you have to create a 6-digit PIN for additional security. You don’t need a PIN to unfreeze your TransUnion credit report online, but you need to have one if you lift the freeze via phone.
In case you lose your PIN, you can always unfreeze your credit report online. If you want to do it over the phone, you have to log into your online account and create a new PIN. Make sure to choose a PIN number that you can easily remember.
How Do You Know if Your TransUnion Credit Report is Frozen?
If you’re applying for credit but for some reason you’re not getting approved even though you have no debts and you always make timely payments, then maybe your credit report is frozen. TransUnion can’t freeze your credit report without your permission so it’s best to check it yourself.
Always remember that companies cannot perform a credit check, which is crucial when applying for a new loan if you placed a freeze on it. Fortunately, your credit score won’t take a hit because your credit file can’t be accessed, and therefore, no hard inquiries were made.
With TransUnion, it’s easy to check whether your credit report is frozen or not. You can call 833-395-6933 or log in to your TransUnion online account to verify the status of your credit report.
How Much Does it Cost to Unfreeze Your Credit Report?
In the past, consumers paid $3 to $12 to freeze or unfreeze their credit reports. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (EGRRCPA), a federal law that took effect in 2018, allows consumers to freeze and unfreeze their credit report for free on all three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).
How Long Does it Take to Unfreeze a Credit Report with TransUnion?
Unfreezing your TransUnion credit report is fast and easy, either online or by phone. Under the (EGRRCPA), the credit bureaus have to lift the freeze within an hour after you requested its removal online or by phone.
Who Can Access My Credit Report if it’s Frozen?
As a reminder, a freeze on your credit report will prevent lenders and creditors from accessing your credit history. So, don’t expect to get approved for a personal loan, auto loan, home loan, or a new credit card as long as the freeze is in place.
Entities that can access your credit report even with a credit freeze in place include the following:
- The company that provides or monitors your credit report
- The government and courts
- Companies investigating individuals for possible fraud
- Collection agencies
- Companies that conduct background screening for employment or insurance purposes
Can You Unfreeze Someone Else’s Credit Report?
Yes, you can in some instances. TransUnion allows parents and guardians of individuals who are 15 years and below to freeze and unfreeze their credit report. You may also be allowed to do so for others, adult or elderly, as long as you can present a valid power of attorney. Spouses may also freeze and unfreeze each other’s credit record as long as they pass the authentication process.
Does a Freeze Removal Affect my Credit Score?
No. Freezing and unfreezing your credit report will have no effect on your credit score. Of course, you need to continue managing your finances responsibly to maintain a good credit standing. These include paying bills on time, paying off your credit card balances in full, and keeping your debt as low as you can.
You can continue using your existing credit and making loan payments even with a frozen credit report. Existing creditors will continue to report your activity to TransUnion and your credit score will still change based on your financial behavior.
Conclusion
Unfreezing your TransUnion credit report is fast and easy. You can do it online or by phone and expect the freeze to be lifted within an hour. If you submit your request via mail, TransUnion will unfreeze your credit record within 3 days after receiving your letter. If you have compromised information, it’s best to lift the freeze for a limited time only so that you can minimize your risk of falling victim to identity theft and credit fraud.
If you want to freeze or unfreeze your credit report from the other two credit bureaus, Experian and Equifax, the general principles discussed here also apply. The process may differ slightly between the three organizations. Visit their websites and follow their specific processes.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
