How To Apply For A Credit Freeze Equifax

Credit puzzle pieces. Identity theft has been a growing concern for consumers over the past decade, as more activities become Internet-based. Shopping, banking and applying for credit can all be done online, making it a challenge to fully protect yourself from the malicious intent of identity thieves.

However, there are tools in place meant to protect you from having your information used for the benefit of someone else, including a security credit freeze.

What is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is the process of freezing your credit to provide a barrier between your personal credit file and an identity thief. By placing a credit freeze on each of your credit reports held with the three major credit bureaus TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, new applications for credit cannot be approved because creditors are unable to view your credit report history and score.

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A credit freeze is powerful because even when a criminal gathers your personal information, he or she has no way to use it to open a new credit card account, loan, or other line-of-credit. A credit freeze does not have an impact on your current credit accounts, and it can be permanently removed (thawed, unfrozen) or temporarily lifted when necessary.

Why Would I Lift a Credit Freeze?

The process of enacting a credit freeze on your credit file involves the creation of a unique personal identification number (PIN) with each of the three major credit bureaus. This PIN can be used to temporarily lift or permanently unfreeze (thaw) a credit freeze when a new, legitimate application for credit is submitted.

Because credit decisions cannot be made without a full review of your credit report and history, you may want to lift a credit freeze when you are applying for a new credit card, personal loan, mortgage or line-of-credit.

Once the application is approved, you can reinstate the credit freeze if you deem it necessary.

Credit Freeze Lift Process

Thanks to a new law that went into place in 2018 its now free to place, lift, and remove a security freeze. Each of the three main credit reporting agencies have similar procedures for lifting a credit freeze. Here are the instructions for each of them.

Lift an Equifax Credit Freeze

You can lift a credit freeze from your credit file with Equifax by one of the following:

Request it with your PIN via the website
Calling the automated system at (800) 349-9960
Mailing your request

Equifax Security Freeze
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, Georgia 30348.

Include your PIN and two forms of identification, such as a copy of your drivers license or government ID, social security number, and proof of address using a utility bill or something similar.

You can mention specific creditors you would like to have access to your credit report and score, or permanently remove the freeze if necessary. There is no longer a cost to lift a credit freeze with Equifax.

Lift an Experian Credit Freeze

You can lift a credit freeze from your credit file with Experian using one of the following ways:

Request it using your PIN on the website
Calling a customer service representative or using the automated system at 888-397-3742
Mail your request, preferably by certified mail

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

Be sure to include your PIN and a couple of forms of ID, along with the specific creditors you would like to have access to your credit file, or permanently remove the security freeze if necessary. It's now free to lift your credit freeze with Experian.

Lift a TransUnion Credit Freeze

You can lift a credit freeze from your credit file with TransUnion using any of the following methods:

Request the lift with your PIN via the website
By calling a customer service representative at 888-909-8872
Mailing your lift or removal request to the credit bureau

TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000

Include your Personal Identification Number and other supporting documentation such as your ID, SSN and proff of address.

You can provide information on the specific creditors you would like to have access to your credit file, or permanently remove the freeze with all three credit bureaus if necessary. If you are having trouble locating your PIN number, check out our post with guidance on unfreezing a credit report without the PIN.

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