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But in reality, experts – such as the New Hampshire Department of Justice – say you still have to unfreeze, and the Federal Trade Commission does not list exclusions. Technically, the 2018 law has you covered, listing a few exclusions such as background checks. Employers use it in screening job applicants, landlords use it to vet tenants, and insurers use it in the underwriting process, to name just a few.ĭo you need to unfreeze your credit for a background check? It’s a good bet.The extensive credit report information used to support all that borrowing can be valuable for many other purposes.American society is very credit-oriented – cumulative household debt rose to $16.15 trillion during the second quarter of 2022, according to the Federal Reserve.Your credit report is obviously important if you’re trying to buy a house or a car, or to open a new credit card account. Other purposes are less obvious.
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You’ll want to at least temporarily unfreeze access to your credit report for many big steps in life.
EQUIFAX UNFREEZE PHONE NUMBER HOW TO
This article provides step-by-step instruction for how to unfreeze your credit, drawn from my experience doing so at all three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Note that the steps provided were accurate as of November 2022, and navigation on external websites is subject to change. The process for unfreezing credit, the time it takes, and its for-free nature are all stipulated in the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, which went into effect in September 2018. It was for me – and it can be for you, too.
EQUIFAX UNFREEZE PHONE NUMBER FOR FREE
Unfreezing your credit for free can be fast and easy at all three major credit reporting agencies, as long as you have carefully preserved your account passwords. How do you unfreeze your credit to allow these transactions? Or maybe you’re applying to refinance your mortgage.
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But now, that small SUV is calling your name. Let’s say you’ve frozen your credit to protect yourself from identity thieves and other fraudsters who might look to profit from your good name (and excellent credit history).
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