Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
If your file is frozen, confirm the freeze status with each bureau
If you have a credit freeze PIN or password, use it to unfreeze your credit
Unfreeze online with the bureau sites:
Equifax: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
Experian: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
TransUnion: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
Unfreeze by phone if you prefer:
Equifax: 1-800-349-9960
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872
Unfreeze by mail if needed (use the bureau’s instructions and required ID/PIN information)
Choose unfreeze type (temporary lift or full removal)
Set the start date and end date for a temporary lift (if available)
Verify your identity using the information required by the bureau
Save confirmation numbers and screenshots for your records
Repeat the unfreeze steps for all three bureaus if you want full access
Allow time for the unfreeze to take effect (follow each bureau’s posted timing)
Recheck your credit freeze status after submitting the request
If your PIN/password is lost, use the bureau’s “thaw”/“lift” recovery steps to regain access or request a new PIN