How Do I Unfreeze My Credit File?

There are two options if you want to remove a credit freeze:

A temporary “thaw” of a few days: For example, if you want to apply for a new credit card.

A permanent “unfreeze”: For example, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of freezing and unfreezing your credit.

Both options require you to contact each of the credit reporting agencies separately. By law, the bureaus are required to lift the freeze within one hour of your request (and within three business days if you request the lift by mail).

Here’s how to contact the credit bureaus:

Equifax: 1-888-298-0045 or by visiting Equifax’s website

Experian: 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) or by visiting Experian’s website

TransUnion: 888-909-8872 or by visiting TransUnion’s website

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