Overview
To address a frozen credit file, the initial requester can submit various requests through Credco.com based on whether they require a new reference number. This procedure is intended to obtain solely the bureau data that was previously frozen during the initial submission.
Fulfillment options
Here are various alternatives that can be utilized to address a frozen file based on the type of order and the requirement for a new reference number. Click on the Order Type link to learn how to submit that type of order on Credco.com.
Order Type | Order Outcome |
|---|---|
A new reference number is generated for each fulfillment. This is the preferred option when wanting to generate a new reference number, as long as the same borrower demographics are used. | |
A new reference number is generated for each fulfillment. | |
A new reference number is generated. | |
A new reference number is generated. | |
A new reference number is generated. | |
A new reference number is generated when modifying the requested bureau(s). (e.g., changing from one bureau to three bureaus). If the bureaus remain unchanged, a new reference number will be created for each fulfillment. |
Notes
Borrower Information Consistency: When submitting a new request, the borrower’s details must match those from the original submission, including name, address, Social Security number, age, and dob. Any discrepancies may result in a new credit report.
Access Restrictions: At this time, the individual who placed the original order must initiate the new request unless the user is enabled for fulfillment across accounts. If an alternative individual placed the new order or another account is used, the action may result in a new credit report unless the fulfillment across accounts is not enabled.
Unfrozen Files: If the borrower’s credit file is no longer frozen, the system will automatically retrieve any missing bureau data and append it to the existing report.
Frozen files frequently asked questions
How does the frozen file fulfillment process handle credit requests when a borrower’s file is frozen at one or more bureaus?
When a credit request returns a frozen file response from one or more credit bureaus, the system supports a frozen file fulfillment process that allows clients to obtain the previously unavailable bureau data without reordering successful bureaus from the original transaction.
The fulfillment process reuses existing bureau credit data from the prior transaction and merges it with newly obtained bureau data once the borrower unfreezes their credit file.
This functionality helps reduce duplicate credit pulls, minimize unnecessary charges, and streamline the borrower experience.
How does frozen file fulfillment work?
If one or more bureaus return a frozen file response during the original credit request:
Successfully returned bureau data from the original transaction is retained.
The system generates a new bureau inquiry only for the previously frozen bureau(s).
Once the borrower unfreezes their credit file, the system retrieves the newly available bureau data and merges it with the previously retained bureau data. A new reference number is generated when the fulfillment is successfully completed.
The system will continue attempting fulfillment requests for the frozen bureau(s) until a credit file is successfully returned for the applicant and any co-applicant.
What is the frozen file fulfillment eligibility window?
Clients have up to 30 days from the original frozen file response to fulfill the transaction.
Fulfillment requests submitted within 30 days will attempt to fulfill the missing bureau data and reuse the original successful bureau data. After 30 days, the request is no longer eligible for fulfillment. Any additional submit requests will be treated as a new primary request and new data will be purchased.
What is the preferred frozen file fulfillment method?
The preferred method for fulfilling a frozen file response is to “submit” a new primary request without changing:
Applicant information
Co-applicant information
Requested bureaus
This allows the system to identify the prior frozen transaction and reuse previously successful bureau data whenever eligible.
How are transaction upgrades handled during frozen file fulfillment after a borrower unfreezes their credit file?
After the borrower unfreezes their credit file, clients may also:
Add or remove bureaus (incremental/decremental access)
Add, remove an applicant or SWAP applicant positions (dynamic access)
These updates will still trigger an attempt to fulfill the previously frozen bureau response when possible.
If fulfillment is successful, a new reference number will be generated for the completed transaction.
How are reissue requests used to fulfill frozen file responses, and what conditions must be met?
Reissue requests may also be used to fulfill frozen file responses.
When a reissue request is submitted:
The system attempts fulfillment using the same reference number
The same account must be used as the original transaction
The request must not be a Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae reissue request
If these conditions are met, the system will attempt to retrieve the previously frozen bureau data and generate a new reference number.
How does the system prevent duplicate charges during Frozen File Fulfillment?
To help prevent unnecessary frozen file fulfillment charges the system automatically reuses existing credit data for reaccess requests submitted within one minute of the prior frozen file response transaction. This reduces the likelihood of duplicate bureau inquiries caused by repeated or accidental submissions.
Important Notes:
A new reference number is generated whenever previously frozen bureau data is successfully fulfilled
Successful bureau data from the original transaction is retained and reused whenever possible.
Transactions submitted after the 30-day fulfillment window will be processed as entirely new credit requests.
Outcome
You can now fulfill the frozen file based on your file’s needs.