I froze my credit reports with all three major credit reporting agencies after a data breach and have kept them frozen ever since. I'm considering preordering the next iPhone through Apple's upgrade or lease-style financing, but I'm unclear about whether the application requires access to my credit file. I've read that the check might be a soft pull, so I'm wondering whether a freeze would still allow the preorder to go through or whether I need to temporarily lift the freezes first.
2 Answers
You should plan on unfreezing your reports. A credit freeze is designed to stop new loans or financing from being approved, and an iPhone upgrade lease is still a financing arrangement even if the lender describes the inquiry as soft. The exact process can vary, so check which bureau the financing provider uses and refreeze your reports afterward.
Yes, the upgrade or lease application still involves a credit check. Since it’s tied to financing, you’ll likely need to temporarily lift your freezes with the relevant credit bureaus before applying.
I thought it was only a soft pull. Does a soft inquiry still require the freeze to be lifted?
That makes sense. I’m used to using Apple Card installment payments, but I hadn’t considered that the upgrade program is still essentially a lease or loan application.