@User11 wrote:Hi All,
I'd like to better understand the Credit Freeze concept. I realize that when it is in place it does not allow anyone (but existing creditors) to read from my credit file. What about the write access? I dont know what this is
Does it stop new/existing creditors from placing a hard inquiry? A new creditor will not be able to get a copy of your CR, your current creditors and their assigns have no problem pulling inqs.
Does it affect the ability of any existing creditors to report changes to my acounts such as credit limit increases? Nope
If a new creditor opens an account for me without pulling the credit report, would a freeze prevent them from reporting that new account? Nope
Thanks for your replies!
@User11 wrote:Surprised to see no replies! Did I manage to come across a topic that is a gray area?
Your questions are not in a grey area its just this forum doesnt get visited like the main credit forums do and it can take awhile to get a response.
What's weird is Amex is my existing creditor. I apped for a second card with them which required a HP on approval. I was prompted to call in because I have all CRs frozen (I have had them frozen since 2011). I had to lift the EX freeze for them to HP my report. They did it over the phone and completed the app. I was always told that existing creditors can still HP your report, but there are some exceptions I guess.
I don't think they can. When I first got my Barclays card I asked for a CLI, not realizing it would be a hard pull. They gave me a message to call in and it was the same spill. I had to unfreeze my TU report. I just declined the CLI request because I didn't want the HP.
@Anonymous wrote:" don't think they can. When I first got my Barclays card I asked for a CLI, not realizing it would be a hard pull. They gave me a message to call in and it was the same spill. I had to unfreeze my TU report. I just declined the CLI request because I didn't want the HP."
And IMO that is the main /best purpose of a freeze.. you don't want anyone messing with your Scores/Reports
past what accounts/HP's you alredy have. I wonder if Gardeners do this.
I read somewhere on here that opt-out of pre-screen is also like this when you are repairing your credit.
You dont want them seeing the low score soft pulls but only the new high score soft pulls after you
repaired your credit (I did use this method but it's taking a WHILE to get mailers.. so far only Citi/Cap1
after 3 months after opting in..)
Exactly! Not only that, it makes you think before you do something. That's why I freeze mine. I get tempted to app and knowing I have to thaw a report usually makes me reconsider unless it's something I really need. I am opted out as well. I did it to stop the mailers.
