Credit Freeze Removal

Credit reporting companies usually refer to credit freezes as security freezes. Consumers can place security freezes on their credit files to keep credit reporting companies from releasing their credit histories without their permission. Consumers who want to remove credit freezes from their files need to follow processes outlined by credit reporting companies, which are based on state regulations.

Removal Requests

You may want to temporarily remove a credit freeze from your credit files while you shop for a mortgage, auto loan or credit card. According to the Experian credit reporting company, security freezes can be removed for as little as seven days or as long as 30 days or more. Consumers with credit freezes on their accounts also can authorize the temporary release of their credit reports to a particular company. Experian recommends that people plan ahead and lift a security freeze a few days before applying for credit or a loan to avoid causing delays in a creditor's or lender's approval process.

Removal Process

Consumers can permanently remove a security freeze from their credit files as well. Temporary and permanent credit freeze removals require that consumers supply credit reporting companies with the personal identification number (PIN) they received when they first requested the freeze. All requests to lift credit freezes can be submitted to credit bureaus online, by mail or by phone. People usually submit security freeze requests to the three national credit reporting companies, which are Equifax, Experian and TransUnon. Requests to remove credit freezes have to be sent separately to each company.

Fees

A fee may be charged to remove a credit freeze, depending on where you live. Credit freeze requirements vary from state to state. Experian lists each state's requirements on its website. For example, California residents pay a $10 fee to temporarily or permanently remove a security freeze. The fee drops to $5 for residents who are at least 65 years old. No fees are charged to Californians who request security freezes because they're victims of identity theft if they supply a valid copy of an identity theft report they filed with a law enforcement agency.

Considerations

According to TransUnion, it may take as long as three business days to process consumers' requests to temporarily lift a security freeze if the request was received by mail. The process will take even longer if consumers have misplaced the PINs needed to verify their removal requests. You may remember to lift a security freeze if you're applying for credit or a loan. However, you also may need to lift a freeze to avoid processing delays if you're applying for insurance or a job. For example, auto insurance companies may check credit reports to determine the premiums their customers pay. Some employers also request job applicants' permission to do credit checks on them as part of their hiring process.