You found the car. Or, maybe you’re applying for a new credit card or finalizing your mortgage paperwork. But just as things are moving, something unexpected halts the process: your credit is frozen.
Credit freezes are a smart way to protect your personal information and prevent identity theft. But they can also unintentionally delay your financial plans. Before you apply for a loan or open a new account, it’s important to check whether your credit is frozen, and if it is, know how to unfreeze it quickly.
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. We’ll walk you through the difference between a credit freeze and a credit lock, how to unfreeze your credit, and what steps to take so your next application goes off without a hitch.
Credit freeze vs. a credit lock
It’s easy to mix up a credit freeze and a credit lock, but there are some key differences.
Credit freeze
This is a free service offered by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. To lift it, you’ll need to contact each bureau and provide the PIN or password you set up when initiating the freeze.
Credit lock
This is a service—sometimes free, sometimes fee-based—that also restricts access to your credit. It’s typically faster and more flexible than a freeze because you can lock and unlock your credit instantly online or through a mobile app. However, protections and terms can vary depending on the provider.
Why you need to unfreeze your credit before applying
Both credit freezes and credit locks can add an extra layer of security to your finances. However, if you’ve placed a freeze, you’ll need to temporarily lift or permanently remove it before your lender can review your credit application. Depending on the service, this can take anywhere from minutes to an hour.
When you apply for an auto loan, mortgage, credit card, or even some savings accounts, a lender like SECU must review your credit report to move your application forward. If your credit is frozen, the lender can’t access your report. This means your application could be delayed, paused, or denied.
To help make this process even easier, we’ve created a quick video that can walk you through it.
How to unfreeze your credit
If you know your credit is frozen or want to double-check, here’s what to do.
- Contact each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- Verify your identity. You’ll likely need to provide your PIN or password, and some personal information.
- Choose how to lift the freeze.
- Temporarily: Lift the freeze for a specific time frame or for a specific lender.
- Permanently: Completely remove the freeze if you no longer need it.
A temporary lift is often the best option if you just need your credit accessible for a new account and want to refreeze it afterward for continued protection.
Quick answers to common credit freeze questions
What if I lost my PIN?
Each bureau has a recovery process to help you reset your PIN or password. Be prepared to answer additional security questions to verify your identity.
How long does it take to unfreeze my credit?
In most cases, if you request an unfreeze online or by phone, your credit can be unfrozen within minutes.
Can I limit the unfreeze to just SECU?
Yes! Many credit bureaus offer the option to lift the freeze just for a specific creditor. This way, your credit remains protected for all other lenders.
Ready to apply?
Once your credit is unfrozen, you’re ready to move forward and SECU is here to help.
Whether you’re applying for a loan or exploring credit card options, we make the process simple, secure, and member-focused. Don’t forget to check out our tips for improving your credit score so you can score the best rates possible when you apply.
