How to Freeze Your Credit

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A credit freeze, sometimes called a security freeze, is one of the most effective tools available to protect your personal information from identity thieves. When you freeze your credit, the three major credit bureaus restrict access to your credit report, making it significantly harder for anyone to open new accounts in your name. Since September 2018, credit freezes have been free for all U.S. consumers thanks to the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains what a credit freeze does and doesn’t do, and helps you understand when freezing your credit may be the right move.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report at one or more of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. When a freeze is in place, most creditors, lenders, and other third parties cannot pull your credit report. Since most legitimate lenders will not extend credit without first reviewing a credit report, a freeze can typically prevent fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name.

It is important to understand that a credit freeze does not affect your credit score, prevent you from using existing credit accounts, or stop you from getting your free annual credit report. It simply blocks new inquiries from parties who don’t already have an established relationship with you.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a credit freeze is one of the top recommended steps for consumers who have experienced or want to prevent identity theft (FTC, 2024).

Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert vs. Credit Lock: Key Differences

Before you place a freeze, it helps to understand how it compares to other credit protection tools.

Credit Freeze

Federally mandated and regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Free to place and lift at all three bureaus
Must be placed and lifted separately at each bureau
Requires a PIN or password to lift
Typically considered the strongest form of credit protection available to consumers

Fraud Alert

A notation on your credit report that asks creditors to verify your identity before extending credit
An initial fraud alert lasts one year; an extended fraud alert (for confirmed identity theft victims) lasts seven years
You only need to contact one bureau, which is required to notify the other two
Less restrictive than a freeze, as creditors may still access your report

Credit Lock

A service offered by individual bureaus, often as part of a paid subscription
Functionally similar to a freeze but governed by the bureau’s terms of service rather than federal law
May be faster to toggle on and off through a mobile app
Does not carry the same legal protections as a freeze under the FCRA

For most consumers seeking robust protection, a credit freeze generally provides the strongest and most cost-effective safeguard.

Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Your Credit at All Three Bureaus

You must place a credit freeze separately at each of the three major credit bureaus. Here is how to do it at each one.

Step 1: Freeze Your Credit at Equifax

Online: Visit equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/ and create or log in to your myEquifax account.
By phone: Call 1-800-685-1111 (automated system available 24/7).
By mail: Send a written request to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788. Include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current and previous addresses (for the past two years), and a copy of a government-issued ID.

Step 2: Freeze Your Credit at Experian

Online: Visit experian.com/freeze/center.html and create or log in to your Experian account.
By phone: Call 1-888-397-3742.
By mail: Send a written request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Include the same identifying information listed above.

Step 3: Freeze Your Credit at TransUnion

Online: Visit transunion.com/credit-freeze and create or log in to your TransUnion account.
By phone: Call 1-888-909-8872.
By mail: Send a written request to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094. Include the same identifying information listed above.

Step 4: Save Your PINs and Confirmation Details

Each bureau will typically provide you with a PIN, password, or both when you place a freeze. Store these in a secure location, such as a password manager or a physical safe. You will need this information to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze later.

Step 5: Consider Freezing at Lesser-Known Bureaus

Beyond the big three, some lenders and service providers check specialty consumer reporting agencies. You may want to consider placing freezes at these agencies as well:

Innovis: innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze or call 1-800-540-2505
National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE): Call 1-866-349-5185. This database is often used by phone, cable, and utility companies.
ChexSystems: chexsystems.com/security-freeze or call 1-800-428-9623. This is commonly checked when you open a new bank account.

How Long Does a Credit Freeze Take?

Under federal law, if you place a freeze online or by phone, the bureau must implement it within one business day. If you request a freeze by mail, the bureau must place it within three business days of receiving your request. When you request to temporarily lift or remove a freeze online or by phone, the bureau must do so within one hour (S.2155, Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act).

How to Temporarily Lift or Remove a Credit Freeze

If you need to apply for a new credit card, mortgage, auto loan, apartment rental, or any service that requires a credit check, you will typically need to lift your freeze temporarily. Here is how:

Find out which bureau the creditor will check. Ask the lender or service provider which credit bureau(s) they use. This way, you may only need to lift the freeze at one bureau instead of all three.
Log in to your account at the relevant bureau (or call their freeze line).
Request a temporary lift. You can typically choose to lift the freeze for a specific date range or for a specific creditor.
Provide your PIN or password for verification.
The freeze is automatically reinstated after the time period you selected expires. If you permanently removed the freeze, you will need to place a new one.

Lifting a freeze is free, and there is no limit on how many times you can lift and reinstate it.

Who Can Still Access Your Credit Report During a Freeze?

A credit freeze does not block all access to your credit report. The following parties can generally still access it, according to the FTC (FTC, 2024):

Companies you already have accounts with (for account management and review purposes)
Collection agencies acting on behalf of your existing creditors
Federal, state, and local government agencies for certain purposes (e.g., tax administration, law enforcement)
Companies that want to send you pre-approved credit offers (though you can opt out of these separately at OptOutPrescreen.com)
Companies screening you for employment purposes (with your written consent)
Insurance companies for underwriting purposes in some states

How to Freeze Credit for Children and Dependents

Children can be victims of identity theft, sometimes for years before anyone notices. All three major bureaus allow parents or legal guardians to place a credit freeze on behalf of a minor (under 16). The process typically involves:

Submitting proof of your identity (government-issued ID)
Submitting proof of the child’s identity (birth certificate)
Submitting proof of your authority (e.g., adoption decree, court order, or birth certificate showing you as the parent)
Mailing these documents to each bureau, as online freezes for minors are generally not available

The same protections that apply to adult freezes apply to minors’ freezes, and they are also free of charge.

Potential Downsides and Limitations of a Credit Freeze

While a credit freeze is a powerful tool, it comes with some trade-offs you should be aware of:

Inconvenience when applying for credit: You will need to plan ahead and temporarily lift the freeze before applying for loans, credit cards, or certain services. This may add a step and a short delay to the process.
Does not prevent all fraud: A freeze does not protect existing accounts from being compromised. It also does not prevent someone from filing a fraudulent tax return in your name or making fraudulent charges on your current credit cards.
Must be placed at each bureau separately: Unlike a fraud alert, which propagates across all three bureaus, a credit freeze requires individual action at each bureau.
PIN management: Losing your PIN or password can make it more difficult and time-consuming to lift the freeze. Some bureaus may require identity verification through other means if you lose your credentials.
Does not cover all reporting agencies: Some specialty bureaus and databases are not covered unless you place separate freezes with them.

When You May Want to Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze may be especially worth considering in the following situations:

After a data breach: If you receive notification that your personal information was exposed in a data breach, a freeze can help prevent someone from using that information to open accounts. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the U.S. saw 3,205 data compromises in 2023, affecting over 353 million victims (ITRC 2023 Annual Data Breach Report).
If you are not planning to apply for new credit soon: If you don’t anticipate needing new credit in the near future, a freeze has virtually no downside.
If your Social Security number has been compromised: This is one of the strongest indicators that you should consider a freeze immediately.
As a proactive measure: Even without a specific triggering event, some consumers choose to freeze their credit as a precautionary step, given the frequency of data breaches.
For children and elderly family members: These populations are often targeted by identity thieves and may not notice fraudulent activity for extended periods.

Additional Steps to Protect Your Credit and Identity

A credit freeze is one component of a broader identity protection strategy. Consider these additional measures:

Monitor your credit reports regularly. You are entitled to free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized source.
Set up fraud alerts in addition to a freeze for an extra layer of protection.
Review bank and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Use strong, unique passwords for all financial accounts and enable two-factor authentication where available.
Opt out of pre-approved credit offers at OptOutPrescreen.com or by calling 1-888-567-8688.
File your taxes early to reduce the window for tax-related identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?

No. A credit freeze has no impact on your credit score. It simply restricts who can view your credit report.

How much does a credit freeze cost?

Credit freezes are free for all U.S. consumers at all three major bureaus, as mandated by federal law since September 21, 2018.

Can I still use my credit cards with a freeze in place?

Yes. A credit freeze does not affect your ability to use existing credit cards, loans, or other financial accounts.

How long does a credit freeze last?

A credit freeze remains in place indefinitely until you choose to lift or remove it. There is no expiration date.

Will a credit freeze stop pre-approved credit card offers?

Not necessarily. To stop pre-approved offers, you should also opt out through OptOutPrescreen.com.

Can an employer still run a background check if my credit is frozen?

An employer generally needs your written consent to access your credit report. If a freeze is in place, you may need to temporarily lift it or provide the employer with a specific access code, depending on the bureau’s process.

What if I lose my PIN?

Each bureau has a process for recovering or resetting your PIN, which typically involves verifying your identity through alternative means. Contact the bureau directly for assistance.

This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed for accuracy. Credit-Factor is not a credit repair company, lender, or financial advisor. This content is for educational purposes only.

Sources

Federal Trade Commission. “What to Know About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts.” consumer.ftc.gov
U.S. Congress. S.2155, Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. congress.gov
Identity Theft Resource Center. “2023 Annual Data Breach Report.” idtheftcenter.org
Equifax. “Credit Freeze.” equifax.com
Experian. “Freeze Center.” experian.com
TransUnion. “Credit Freeze.” transunion.com
AnnualCreditReport.com. annualcreditreport.com

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This content is for educational purposes only. Credit Factor is not a credit repair company, lender, or financial advisor.