How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your TransUnion Credit Report
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The best way to keep fraudsters from using your credit data is to get a credit freeze. Freezing your credit is free and easy to do. You can even freeze your child's credit reports for free.
How to place a TransUnion credit freeze
All three credit bureaus allow you to place or lift a freeze online, by mail or by phone. However, each bureau has its own processes and guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide for freezing your credit with TransUnion.
How to freeze your TransUnion credit online
You will have to establish a TransUnion Service Center account in order to freeze your TransUnion credit online. You can also download and use the TransUnion app. You do not have to have a TransUnion account to place a security freeze by mail or by phone.
The page where you begin looks like this:
To initiate a credit freeze, you will be required to provide your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your address and birthdate.
Note that above the "I accept & continue" button is consent to send offers from TransUnion and partners. The default is yes. You will need to change it if you do not wish to receive them. You will then be asked some identification questions.
While there are many monitoring products that can be purchased on the site, be careful to sign up only for the free credit freeze, if that is what you want. You should see references to a free freeze when you sign up.
TransUnion credit freeze by phone
Consumers may also initiate a TransUnion credit freeze by calling 800-916-8800. You can complete the process using an automated system or opt to speak with an agent. Basic information — address, birthdate and Social Security number — will be required, and you may have to answer authentication questions as well.
How to freeze your TransUnion credit by mail
To freeze your credit by mail, send your request to TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094. You will need to include your legal name, address, birthdate and Social Security number, along with copies of documents verifying your identification and address, such as a driver’s license or state ID, bank statement and utility bill. See the list of choices and how many to send on the website.
TransUnion notes that mail is the slowest way to freeze credit.
What does a TransUnion credit freeze do?
Also known as a security freeze, a credit freeze safeguards your credit reports and prevents identity theft by blocking thieves from using your identity to open new credit accounts. With the freeze in place, you can still check your credit score and access your credit reports to review recent activity.
Unless you know you will soon need to access your credit, a credit freeze is worth considering. But if you think you'll need to grant access to your credit data frequently or soon — for instance, if you're applying for a new account, job or apartment — a fraud alert may be a better option.
» Learn more about the difference between a fraud alert and credit freeze
What to do once your TransUnion credit freeze is in place
Keep your account password safe so that you can lift the freeze as needed in the future. When you need to thaw your credit — to apply for a new credit card, car loan or new mortgage, for example — you can lift the credit freeze for a set amount of time. After the time period lapses, the freeze will automatically be reapplied to your credit report.
Don’t forget that you’ll need to freeze your credit at Equifax and Experian, too. Freezing your credit at all three bureaus will give you the most comprehensive protection.
How to unfreeze your TransUnion credit file
Unfreezing your credit, or “thawing” it, is also a simple and free process. Like with a freeze, it must be done at all three bureaus individually. (Learn how to unfreeze your credit.) The only exception is if you’re making a single credit application — say, getting preapproved for a car loan or an apartment. In this case, you may be able to find out which credit bureau’s data is used and unfreeze just that one, saving some time.
To lift your credit freeze with TransUnion, follow these steps:
Online: Log in to your TransUnion Service Center account as you did to place the freeze. You’ll have the option to temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit.
By phone: Call the automated line at 800-916-8800. You’ll go through the same steps to verify your identity as required to place a freeze over the phone.
By mail: Send a written request that includes your name, address and Social Security number to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.
» What's next? Get your free credit report summary from NerdWallet
