How do I lift an Experian security freeze?

Placing a security freeze on your credit history is smart. But what do you do when you need to get a loan or open a credit card. Here are the best ways to lift the security freeze with Experian.

Jul 12, 2019

A credit freeze usually restricts access from potential lenders and other companies to your credit report. This means that nobody can access your credit report without your permission.

If you have placed a security freeze, you may want to lift it for a specific period if you are applying for a credit card or new loan.

Typically, you have to unfreeze your credit report with each credit bureau independently unless you are 100% sure that your lender will choose to view your report from one specific credit bureau.

In this simple guide, we shall show you how to lift an Experian security freeze and make your credit report available to potential lenders.

How to Lift an Experian Security Freeze

If you have frozen your credit report file at the Experian Freeze Center, you must have received a personal identification number (PIN). This is what you will be required to provide to lift the freeze on your credit report.

Once you enter the correct PIN at the Experian Freeze Center online, your security freeze will be lifted immediately, and anyone can access your credit report. If it doesn't work, make sure that you call the Experian customer service department and provide the correct PIN so that someone can help you with the process of lifting the security freeze.

If you misplaced or lost your PIN, the bureau will have to re-issue one for you so that you complete the process successfully. If that is the case, you will have to verify your identity so that the bureau can be sure that the person who wants to lift the security freeze is actually you.

While this move may seem inconvenient, Experian does so to protect its customers from fraud and identity theft. You must comply with the requirements to lift the security freeze.

Temporarily Lifting the Security Freeze

While at it, you can specify for how long you need the security freeze to be lifted. This can be one day, one week, a month, or even more. However, you need to keep in mind that li8fting your security freeze temporarily will allow you to apply for a loan or credit card within that specific time that your credit report is available to lenders.

Once the set period expires, the security freeze falls back in place, and nobody can access your report without your permission. This is the best move if you are 100% sure that your loan or credit card application will be fully processed within the timeframe that you have specified.

Permanently Removing Your Security Freeze

If you no longer wish to have the security freeze in place, you are free to request for permanent lifting at Experian's security freeze center. You can also request the removal of the security freeze by email or by phone. If you submit your request through an email, make sure that you provide the following information to facilitate the lifting:

  1. Your full name
  2. Complete address
  3. Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  4. Social security number
  5. A copy of your government issued card such as state ID card, driver's license, etc.
  6. Copy of an insurance statement, bank statement, or utility bill

How Long Does It Take to Lift a Security Freeze?

Typically, it takes less than an hour for Experian to comply with a telephone request to lift or remove a security freeze. If you choose to complete the process online, the security freeze is lifted immediately.

If you send an email, the credit bureau may take up to three business days to lift your security freeze. Keep in mind that if you forget to lift your security freeze before you apply for a loan or credit card, any lender who requests for your credit report will receive a message that your report is frozen.

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Christian has been writing about long hold times and customer service call center experiences since 2010. He's been featured in Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.
How do I lift an Experian security freeze?

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