Two Credit Bureaus You Should Freeze Before You Apply For A U.S Bank Credit Card

We’re re-posting this post due to the name change of IDA (now called SageStream LexisNexis) and they fact that it’s possible to request these freezes via fax. Thanks goes to Kenny from Miles4more first posting about the ability to fax in these requests.

U.S Bank is known as one of the toughest credit card issuers to receive an approval from, especially if you’ve applied for multiple cards in a short space of time. One way to improve your chances of approval is to freeze two of the lesser known credit bureaus that U.S Bank pulls for every applicant.

No other banks (that I know of) actually use these credit bureaus, so by freezing them you won’t hurt your chances of being approved for their cards. U.S Bank also still approves applicants if they aren’t able to access these reports.

The two companies you want to freeze are SageStream (formerly IDA) & ARS. Below we show you how to freeze both, followed by a sample letter.

Freeze LexisNexis (formerly IDA/SageStream)

You can now freeze online.

• Go to their official website to retrieve their mailing address or fax number
• Send a certified letter or fax requesting your IDA report be frozen
• Make sure to include the following necessary information:
  • First and last name
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth
  • Primary phone number
  • Address including ZIP code
• Two of the following forms of identification:
• 1. A copy of a state-issued drivers license or state identification card.
  2. A copy of a “recent” cable, utility, or phone statement with an address matching the address provided in Step 1. “Recent” is defined as no more than 60 days old from the date of IDA, Inc’s receipt of a written request.
  3. A copy of a SSN card.
  4. A copy of a birth certificate.
  5. A copy of a U.S. passport (picture page only).
  6. A copy of a voided consumer check with an address matching the address you provided in Step 1.
  7. A copy of an Alien Registration Card.

For those living in Pennsylvania it’s not possible to fax in your request for this report to be frozen.

Freezing ARS (Advanced Resolution Services)

You can now freeze online.

ARS is a subsidiary of Visa and they don’t have a dedicated website (which is really in violation of the FCRA as contact information is supposed to be clearly displayed and available to the general public).

• ARS doesn’t have a website but here is their contact information: 5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600
  Independence, OH 44131 or fax: 216-615-7642
• Send a certified letter or fax asking for your credit report to be frozen
• Include all of the following information
  • First and last name
  • Social security number
  • Full address
  • Primary contact number
  • Your signature
• Two forms of identification:
  • A copy of a state-issued drivers license or state identification card.
  • A copy of a U.S. passport (picture page only)
  • A copy of a SSN card
  • A copy of a birth certificate
  • A copy of an Alien Registration Card

Sample Letter

Advanced Resolution Service, INC <Company Name>
5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600 <Street Address>
Independence, OH 44131 <City, State, Postcode>

To Whom It May Concern

I’m writing to you to put a security freeze on my credit report. Under the Fair Credit Report Act you’re required to comply. My information is clearly shown below:

• Full Name: <First Name>, <Last Name>
• Social Security Number: <SSN>
• Current Address: <Current Address>
• Previous Address: <Only Include If You Moved In The Last 2 Years>
• Primary Contact Number: <Primary Contact Number>

I’ve included the following two documents that verify my identity:

• <Name of document one>
• <Name of document two>

After this credit freeze has been filed, can you also please send me written confirmation to the address listed above.

Kind regards,

<First Name>, <Last Name>

<Signature>

<Date signed>

Final Word

If you’re interested to see what’s actually in your credit report from each of these credit reporting agencies, you also have the right to see a copy once per year. You shouldn’t have any issue requesting this alongside your credit freeze. Make sure you follow all of these steps before applying for any U.S Bank card.

Hat tip to Hack My Trip