Milvionne Chery Copeland, Writer
@milvionne_copeland
You can unfreeze your Experian credit report by logging into your account on the Experian website and toggling to "Unfrozen". You can also unfreeze your Experian credit report by mail or by calling 1-888-397-3742.
The freeze should be lifted immediately if you request it online or by phone, but it may take up to a few days if you send the request by mail. It is free to freeze or unfreeze your credit report with all three credit bureaus.
How to Unfreeze Your Experian Credit Report
1. Online: Go to experian.com and log into your account. On your dashboard, select "Protection" and follow the prompts.
2. By Phone: Call 1-888-397-3742 and request to have your credit freeze lifted. You will then be asked to provide some personal information including your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and email address so Experian can verify your identity.
3. By Mail: Send a request to
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
and include the following information and documents:
- Your full name
- Social Security number
- Complete addresses for the past two years
- Date of birth
- A government issued identification card, such as a driver's license
- Copy of a utility bill or bank statement
When you submit your request to unfreeze your Experian credit report, you can select either a temporary or permanent freeze removal. For a temporary removal, you can provide the start and end dates for your desired time frame. This is particularly helpful if you want to apply for new credit but also want continued identity protection after your application is approved.
How Long It Takes to Unfreeze Your Experian Credit Report
If you request to lift the freeze on your Experian credit report online or by phone, it is generally done instantaneously, though the FTC gives credit bureaus up to one hour to complete the process. With requests submitted by mail, it typically takes three days from the date of receipt for the credit freeze to be lifted.
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide on credit freezes.
People also ask
Does a credit freeze affect your credit score?
A credit freeze does not affect your credit score. Although a credit freeze will not impact the accounts currently listed on your credit report, it will prohibit your ability to qualify for a new loan, credit card or other obligation. In order for a lender to obtain your report and complete your application for credit, you must temporarily lift the freeze by contacting the three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) directly.
How to Contact the Three Major...
read full answer by Lauren Smith, WalletHub Staff WriterWhat happens when you freeze your card?
When you freeze your card, the issuer won't authorize any new charges or balance transfers to your account. More specifically, you cannot use your card to make purchases online or in person, and you can't transfer a balance to the card you froze.
Reasons to Freeze Your Card
- If you have temporarily misplaced your card and you want to prevent any unauthorized transactions.
- If you want to prevent yourself from spending....
How do I know if I have a security freeze on my credit report?
You can find out whether you have a security freeze on your credit report by confirming with each of the three major bureaus directly. You can reach Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion online or via phone to verify whether your credit report is frozen and also remove any freeze if you would like to apply for credit.
How to Check If You Have a Security Freeze on Your Credit Report
| Credit Bureau ... | Online | Phone Number |
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