How long does it take to unfreeze credit transunion

You can freeze and unfreeze your credit file by going to each credit bureau (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) and following the steps to temporarily or permanently lift a credit freeze, also referred to as a security freeze.

You may need to lift your credit when applying for loans, credit cards, renting an apartment or taking any other actions that require access to your credit report.

How to Unfreeze Your Credit Report

Just as you have to freeze your credit files with each credit bureau company separately, you also need to unfreeze them with each bureau as well.

You have two options for unfreezing your credit files:

• Schedule a temporary thaw. This allows creditors to check your file for a set length of time, then restores the freeze when the scheduled window ends.
• Remove the freeze permanently. This leaves your files open until you request another credit freeze.

Unfreeze Your Experian Credit Report

To unfreeze your Experian credit report, log in to your Experian account or create one for free. After you log in, you can navigate to the Help Center, where you can find quick actions to manage your freeze and toggle your freeze status to "Unfrozen."

You can also call 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742), or send a request by mail to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report

To unfreeze your TransUnion credit file, you can log in to or create a TransUnion account.

You can also reach TransUnion by phone at 888-909-8872, or mail your request to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094 with the appropriate documents.

Unfreeze Your Equifax Credit Report

To unfreeze your Equifax credit file, log in to or create a myEquifax account to manage your freeze.

You can also call 888-298-0045 and verify your identity to place a freeze, or send the appropriate forms and documentation to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.

Consider Using Experian CreditLock

An alternative to an Experian security freeze is Experian CreditLock, a feature that lets you lock and unlock your Experian credit file on the fly from the Experian app. With CreditLock, you'll also receive alerts when anyone attempts to access your credit file while it is locked. With an Experian CreditWorksSM or Experian IdentityWorksSM premium membership, consumers can take advantage of CreditLock's features for no additional charge.

Unfreezing Your Credit Is Simple

Online tools—as well as phone and mail-based options are some of the best ways to unfreeze your credit file in a timely, secure manner. Whether you need to temporarily thaw your credit file or permanently unfreeze it, you can work with each bureau to make your report available to external parties when the need arises.

Unless you know you will soon need to access your credit, a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is worth considering. But if you anticipate needing to grant access to your credit data frequently or soon — for instance, you're applying for a new account, job or apartment — a fraud alert may be a better option.

Credit freezes have to be set up individually with each credit bureau: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Lifting freezes also has to be done individually. Credit freezes and thaws are free.

All three bureaus allow you to do this online, by mail or by phone. Here’s a step-by-step guide for freezing credit with TransUnion.

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TransUnion credit freeze online

You will have to establish a TransUnion account in order to freeze your TransUnion credit online. You can also download and use an app if you prefer. You do not have to have a TransUnion account to place a security freeze by mail or by phone.

Here is what the sign-up page looks like:

To open an account, or to freeze, you will be required to provide your name, the last four digits or your Social Security number, your address and birthdate.

Note that above the "submit and continue" button is consent to send emails from TransUnion and partners. The default is yes. You will need to change it if you do not wish to receive them.

You will then be asked some identification questions, such as street numbers for past addresses, when credit accounts were established or approximate payment amounts on loans.

Important: While there are many monitoring products that can be purchased on the site, be careful to sign up only for the free credit freeze, if that is what you want. You should see references to a free freeze when you sign up.

You can choose a PIN, or have one assigned. You will need the PIN to unfreeze your credit file if you want to do it by phone or mail, not if you're unfreezing online. You can also request a new PIN online or over the phone.

With the freeze in place, you can still access your own file to check credit activity. You can check your free credit report summary from TransUnion on NerdWallet as often as you wish.

TransUnion credit freeze by postal mail

To freeze your credit by mail, send your request to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094. You will need to include your legal name, address, birthdate and Social Security number, along with copies of documents verifying your identification and address, such as driver’s license, passport, utility bills, etc.

TransUnion notes that mail is the slowest way to freeze credit. Once a freeze is in place, you will get a randomly generated PIN in the mail.

TransUnion credit freeze by phone

Consumers may also initiate a freeze by calling 800-916-8800. You can complete the process using an automated system or opt to speak with an agent. Basic information — full name, any suffixes such a Jr., address, birthdate and Social Security number — will be required, and you may have to answer authentication questions as well.

Consumers who opt for the automated system will get a randomly generated PIN, but those who speak with a live agent will be able to choose, a TransUnion representative said.

Lifting a TransUnion credit freeze

Credit freezes must be lifted individually with each bureau. If you’re making a single credit application — say, getting preapproved for a car loan or an apartment — you may be able to find out which credit bureau’s data is used and unfreeze just that one, saving some time.

If unfreezing your credit online, you'll log in as you did to place the freeze. You will need the PIN if you lift a freeze by postal mail or phone.

How do I unfreeze my credit on TransUnion?

Is unfreezing credit Immediate?

Does TransUnion require a PIN to unfreeze credit?

How do I unfreeze my TransUnion without a PIN?