You can place a security freeze on your credit report at any time, which helps protect your personal information by limiting access to your credit history. This added layer of security helps prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. However, because a freeze restricts access to your report, it can also delay or prevent applications that require a credit check, including checking your rate, reviewing your eligibility, or submitting a loan application with Earnest. If you receive a notice that your credit is frozen or were declined for this reason, you will need to unfreeze your Experian report before moving forward.
How Can I Lift a Credit Freeze?
You can lift a credit freeze online, through the credit bureaus' mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Since Earnest reviews only your Experian credit report, you will need to complete the steps to unfreeze your report directly with Experian in order to move forward with your application. When you are ready to unfreeze your credit, you can choose one of two approaches:
- Temporarily thaw your credit: A temporary thaw allows you to select a specific date range during which your Experian credit report will be accessible, and the freeze will automatically resume once that window ends. This can be a convenient option if you know when you plan to submit your application or want your credit to refreeze shortly afterward. If you choose this approach, please be sure to unlock your credit report for at least two to five business days prior to submitting your application to prevent any delays.
- Remove the freeze entirely: You can also remove the freeze without setting an expiration date. This approach may be helpful if you are unsure when you will apply or if you are involved in a longer process, such as purchasing a home, where your credit may be reviewed multiple times.
To lift or remove your Experian credit freeze, you can use any of the following methods:
- Online: Experian Freeze Center
- Mobile App: The Experian App
- Phone: (888) 397-3742
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
What Should I do Once the Freeze is Lifted?
Once you have lifted the freeze, you should be able to resubmit for a rate check or eligibility request without any issues. Most applicants are able to continue their application right away.
If you’ve already submitted your application or received a notice from Earnest stating, “After reviewing your application, we will need you to resubmit the following: credit unfreeze confirmation email or letter,” the next step is to locate the confirmation from Experian showing that your credit freeze has been lifted. Once you have received your confirmation, you can either upload it directly through your application by following the prompts or contact our team by selecting the 'Get in Touch' button at the bottom of this page.