The process to check if your credit report is frozen differs by credit bureau. But you can generally call or log in to your account to check the status of your report.
Freezing your credit reports can be a good way to prevent a fraudster from using your information to open a credit account in your name. However, you want to remember to unfreeze your reports before you apply for a loan, credit card or rental—otherwise, your application could be denied because the lender can't review your credit.
You may have three credit reports, one with each of the major consumer credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. When you want to freeze or unfreeze (or "thaw") your credit reports, you'll need to reach out directly to each of the bureaus.
If you can't remember whether your reports are frozen, the process for checking is a little different with each bureau:
Check the other credit bureaus' websites for their support phone numbers. If you're calling, be prepared to share a PIN that was created when you froze your credit report or verify your identity by answering security questions.
You can lift a credit freeze on your credit report online, or by contacting each credit bureau by mail or phone. The online options may be one of the best ways to remove a credit freeze.
To unfreeze your TransUnion or Equifax credit reports, you'll log in to each account and choose to temporarily or permanently lift the freeze. With a temporary thaw, you select the start and end dates for the thaw.
Experian takes a different approach. You can manage your Experian credit report through the Security Freeze Center without creating or logging in to an account. Instead, you'll use your personal information and the PIN you were emailed when you froze your Experian credit report to temporarily or permanently remove a credit freeze.
If you don't remember your PIN, you can retrieve your PIN by verifying your identity through the Security Freeze Center. Or, you can verify your identity as part of the thaw request rather than using a PIN.
Additionally, Experian lets you create one-time-use codes you can use to give a single creditor access to your Experian credit file. It could be a good way to let a creditor check your report without having to thaw it entirely. Be sure to ask the creditor before relying on these codes, however, since some creditors might not have systems in place to use them.
The process for refreezing your credit reports is similar to unfreezing them.
You can also place a security freeze over the phone or by mail. Review each bureau's policies for contact information and details, as you may need to print out and complete a form to submit the request by mail.
Each credit bureau also has an option for locking rather than freezing your credit report. Both credit locks and credit freezes can limit outside access to your credit reports. Credit locks may be easier to manage—turning them off and on could be as simple as toggling a button in an app.
Even if your credit report is frozen, it's still a good idea to monitor your credit reports for changes. Sign up for free credit report and FICO ® Score ☉ tracking with an Experian account. If you want additional benefits and protections, such as dark web surveillance, identity theft insurance and CreditLock, Experian has individual and group plans for IdentityWorks SM Plus and IdentityWorks SM Premium.
Stay up-to-date with your latest credit information — and get your FICO ® Score for free.
No credit card required
Experian's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
To view important disclosures about the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card, visit experian.com/legal.
The Experian Smart Money™ Debit Card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), pursuant to a license from Mastercard International. Banking services provided by CFSB, Member FDIC. Experian is a Program Manager, not a bank.
☉Credit score calculated based on FICO ® Score 8 model. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO ® Score than FICO ® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more.
Editorial Policy: The information contained in Ask Experian is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. You should consult your own attorney or seek specific advice from a legal professional regarding any legal issues. Please understand that Experian policies change over time. Posts reflect Experian policy at the time of writing. While maintained for your information, archived posts may not reflect current Experian policy.
Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer or other company, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities, unless sponsorship is explicitly indicated. All information, including rates and fees, are accurate as of the date of publication and are updated as provided by our partners. Some of the offers on this page may not be available through our website.
Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews.
Advertiser Disclosure: The offers that appear on this site are from third party companies ("our partners") from which Experian Consumer Services receives compensation. This compensation may impact how, where, and in what order the products appear on this site. The offers on the site do not represent all available financial services, companies, or products.
*For complete information, see the offer terms and conditions on the issuer or partner's website. Once you click apply you will be directed to the issuer or partner's website where you may review the terms and conditions of the offer before applying. We show a summary, not the full legal terms – and before applying you should understand the full terms of the offer as stated by the issuer or partner itself. While Experian Consumer Services uses reasonable efforts to present the most accurate information, all offer information is presented without warranty.
© 2024 All rights reserved. Experian. Experian and the Experian trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian and its affiliates. The use of any other trade name, copyright, or trademark is for identification and reference purposes only and does not imply any association with the copyright or trademark holder of their product or brand. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Licenses and Disclosures.
