How to Freeze Your Credit

To freeze your credit, contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) separately and request a security freeze online, by phone, or by mail. The process is free, takes about 15 minutes per bureau, and blocks new creditors from accessing your credit report — which means no one can open a new account in your name until you lift the freeze. Credit freezes don't affect your credit score and can be lifted temporarily or permanently whenever you need to apply for credit yourself.

Credit freezes are the strongest free protection available against new-account identity theft. With data breaches affecting hundreds of millions of people each year, freezing your credit is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to protect your financial identity.

Key Takeaways

• A credit freeze blocks lenders from accessing your credit report, preventing new accounts from being opened in your name

• It's free at all three bureaus under federal law since 2018

• A freeze doesn't affect your credit score in any way

• You must freeze each bureau separately — they don't share freeze requests

• Freezes can be lifted temporarily or permanently in minutes when you need to apply for credit

• A freeze doesn't stop fraud on existing accounts — only new-account fraud

• You can also freeze a child's credit or a deceased family member's credit for free

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What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze (sometimes called a security freeze) prevents creditors and lenders from accessing your credit report. When a lender can't see your credit, they can't approve a new account in your name. Since 2018, federal law has made credit freezes free for everyone in the United States.

A freeze is the strongest free protection available against new-account identity theft. If a thief has your Social Security number and tries to apply for credit in your name, the application will be denied because the lender can't pull your credit report.

What a Credit Freeze Does

• Prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name

• Protects you from new-account identity theft

• Stays in place until you decide to lift it

• Doesn't expire or require renewal

What a Credit Freeze Doesn't Do

• Protect you from fraud on existing accounts

• Affect your credit score

• Stop prescreened credit offers (you have to opt out separately)

• Prevent tax refund fraud, medical identity theft, or Social Security fraud

Why You Should Freeze Your Credit

Most people benefit from having a credit freeze in place, even if they haven't been a victim of identity theft. Here are the most common reasons people freeze their credit.

• Protection against identity theft. A freeze is the most effective way to prevent thieves from opening new accounts in your name, even if they have your personal information.

• Response to a data breach. If your information was exposed in a breach, freezing your credit immediately is the fastest way to limit the damage.

• Preventive protection. You don't need to be a victim of identity theft to benefit from a freeze. Many people freeze their credit simply for peace of mind.

• You're not actively applying for credit. If you don't expect to apply for new credit in the near future, keeping your credit frozen costs you nothing and protects you continuously.

• Protecting your child's identity. Children are common identity theft targets because no one is monitoring their credit. Freezing a child's credit is one of the most valuable protections a parent can put in place.

Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert vs. Credit Lock: What's the Difference?

These three tools all protect against new-account fraud, but they work differently and offer different levels of protection.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze fully blocks lenders from accessing your credit report. It's free, has the strongest federal legal protection, and stays in place until you remove it. Best for long-term protection.

What Is a Fraud Alert?

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new credit. Lenders can still access your credit report, but they have to confirm the application is really from you. Fraud alerts are free, last 1 to 7 years depending on the type, and you only need to contact one bureau (they notify the other two).

What Is a Credit Lock?

A credit lock is a paid product offered by the credit bureaus that works similarly to a freeze but can be turned on and off through an app. Credit locks aren't covered by federal law the way freezes are, so consumer protections may be weaker.

How They Compare

For most people, a credit freeze is the right choice — it's free, has the strongest legal protection, and only takes 15 minutes to set up at each bureau.

Does Freezing Your Credit Hurt Your Credit Score?

No. A credit freeze has zero impact on your credit score. The freeze only affects who can access your credit report — it doesn't change the information on the report or how it's scored.

While your credit is frozen:

• Your existing creditors can still access your account

• You can still use your current credit cards

• Existing auto payments and bills continue normally

• Your credit score continues to update as usual

• Your existing credit history remains intact

The only thing that changes is that new lenders can't pull your credit report to approve new accounts.

How to Freeze Your Credit Step by Step

The process is the same at all three bureaus, though each has its own portal and process.

Step 1: Gather Your Personal Information

Have these ready before you start:

• Your Social Security number

• Your date of birth

• A list of your current and previous addresses

• A government-issued photo ID

Step 2: Contact Each of the Three Credit Bureaus

You must place a separate freeze at each bureau. Updates aren't shared between them. The three bureaus are:

• Experian

• Equifax

• TransUnion

Step 3: Choose Your Freeze Method

You can freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail. Online is the fastest — usually 15 minutes per bureau. Mail can take 1 to 3 days to process after the bureau receives your request.

Step 4: Create an Account or Set a PIN

When you freeze your credit, you'll either create an online account or be issued a PIN. You'll need this information to lift the freeze later, so save it carefully.

Step 5: Confirm the Freeze Is Active

You should receive confirmation by email or mail. You can also log into your bureau account to confirm the freeze is in place.

Step 6: Store Your PINs and Login Info Securely

Use a password manager or secure document storage. If you lose your PIN, you can recover access through each bureau's identity verification process, but it can take a few days — so don't lose it right before a major loan application.

How to Freeze Your Credit With Each Bureau

Each bureau has its own portal and contact information. You'll need to repeat the process at all three for full coverage.

How to Freeze Your Credit With Experian

• Online — Experian Credit Freeze Center at experian.com/freeze

• Phone — 1-888-397-3742 (1-888-EXPERIAN)

• Mail — Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

How to Freeze Your Credit With Equifax

• Online — Equifax Credit Freeze Portal at equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

• Phone — 1-800-349-9960 or 1-888-298-0045

• Mail — Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348

How to Freeze Your Credit With TransUnion

• Online — TransUnion Credit Freeze page at transunion.com/credit-freeze

• Phone — 1-888-909-8872

• Mail — TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

How to Unfreeze Your Credit

You'll need to lift your credit freeze whenever you want to apply for new credit or allow a lender, landlord, or employer to access your credit report. Common situations include:

• Applying for a credit card, loan, or mortgage

• Renting an apartment

• Setting up new utilities or cell phone service

• Background checks for some jobs

There are two ways to lift a freeze.

Temporary Thaw

A temporary thaw lifts the freeze for a set period — usually a few days or weeks. After the time expires, the freeze automatically returns.

You can also do a "targeted thaw," which lifts the freeze only for one specific creditor. This is useful if you know exactly who will be pulling your credit.

Permanent Removal

A permanent removal lifts the freeze entirely until you reinstate it. This is best when you'll be applying for multiple types of credit over an extended period.

Both options are free, and online removals are processed within minutes.

How to Freeze Your Child's Credit

Children are common identity theft targets because their Social Security numbers are usually unused, and the fraud often goes undetected for years. Freezing your child's credit is one of the most valuable protections you can put in place.

To freeze your child's credit:

• Contact each of the three bureaus by mail (online options for minors are limited)

• Provide proof of your child's identity (birth certificate, Social Security card)

• Provide proof of your guardianship

• Provide a copy of your own government-issued ID

The bureaus will create a credit file in your child's name and place a freeze on it. The process is free.

Keep the freeze records carefully — your child will need them to lift the freeze when they turn 18 and want to apply for their first credit card, rent an apartment, or pass a background check for a job.

How to Freeze a Deceased Person's Credit

Thieves also target deceased individuals because their Social Security numbers remain active for years and the accounts typically aren't being monitored.

To freeze a deceased person's credit:

• Notify each of the three credit bureaus

• Submit a certified copy of the death certificate

• Provide proof of your relationship (will, trust document, or legal letter of authority)

• Include your own government-issued photo ID

• Request either a freeze or a "deceased alert" be placed on the credit file

You should also notify the Social Security Administration of the death. The SSA typically reports the death to the credit bureaus, but a direct notification adds another layer of protection.

What a Credit Freeze Does Not Protect Against

A credit freeze is powerful but not comprehensive. You're still at risk for:

• Fraud on your existing credit cards, loans, and bank accounts

• Tax refund fraud (filed using your stolen Social Security number)

• Medical identity theft (someone using your insurance information)

• Social Security fraud

• Phishing scams that trick you into giving up account access

• Account takeovers where a thief gains access to your existing logins

Because of these gaps, you should still monitor your existing accounts even with a freeze in place.

Why You Still Need to Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts

A freeze blocks new accounts but doesn't stop the kinds of fraud that target your existing accounts. To stay fully protected:

• Set up transaction alerts on every credit card and bank account

• Review your credit card and bank statements monthly

• Check your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com regularly

• Use strong, unique passwords on financial accounts

• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible

• Be cautious with phishing emails, texts, and phone calls

A freeze is a strong foundation, but ongoing monitoring is what catches the fraud that gets through other channels.

A Simple Plan to Freeze Your Credit

If you want to get this done in a single sitting, here's the order to follow:

1. Gather your documents — Social Security number, date of birth, address history, and a government-issued ID

2. Open all three bureau websites in separate tabs

3. Create accounts at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion

4. Place a freeze at each bureau through their online portal

5. Save your login credentials and any PINs in a password manager

6. Confirm each freeze is active by checking your account dashboard

7. Set up account alerts for any banks and credit cards to catch fraud on existing accounts

8. Optionally, opt out of prescreened offers at OptOutPrescreen.com

The whole process usually takes about an hour. Once it's done, you're protected from new-account fraud at all three bureaus for as long as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to freeze your credit?

Yes. Federal law has made credit freezes free since 2018, both to place and to lift. There's no cost at any of the three credit bureaus.

How long does a credit freeze last?

A credit freeze stays in place indefinitely until you choose to lift it. It doesn't expire and doesn't need to be renewed.

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

Yes. A credit freeze only blocks new lenders from accessing your credit. Your existing credit cards, loans, and accounts work normally.

Does a credit freeze stop all fraud?

No. A freeze only stops new accounts from being opened in your name. It doesn't prevent fraud on existing accounts, tax refund fraud, medical identity theft, or other types of fraud that don't require pulling your credit report.

How fast can I unfreeze my credit?

Online thaws and removals are typically processed within minutes. Phone requests may take a few hours, and mail requests can take 1 to 3 business days.

Should I freeze my credit if I'm not a victim of identity theft?

Generally yes. As long as you're not actively applying for credit, a freeze adds a strong layer of protection at no cost. Many people freeze their credit preventively, lift it temporarily when needed, and let it freeze again afterward.

Does freezing my credit affect my partner or spouse's credit?

No. Credit freezes are individual. You and your partner can have independent freezes (or not) and they don't affect each other.

Can I freeze my credit with only one bureau?

You can, but you shouldn't. Lenders pull from different bureaus depending on the product and the lender, so freezing only one leaves you partially exposed. Freeze all three for full protection.

Will pre-approved credit offers stop with a freeze?

No. To stop prescreened credit offers, you'll need to opt out separately at OptOutPrescreen.com. The opt-out is free and lasts five years or permanently, depending on the option you choose.

Key Terms

• Credit freeze: A free security tool that blocks lenders from accessing your credit report, preventing new accounts from being opened in your name. Also called a security freeze.

• Fraud alert: A free flag on your credit file that requires lenders to verify your identity before opening new credit. Lasts 1 to 7 years depending on type.

• Credit lock: A paid service offered by credit bureaus that works similarly to a freeze but isn't covered by federal law and may offer weaker consumer protections.

• Thaw: Lifting a credit freeze temporarily so a lender, landlord, or employer can access your credit report. Thaws can be set for a specific time period or for a specific creditor.

• PIN: The personal identification number issued when you place a credit freeze. Required to lift the freeze unless you have an online account with the bureau.

• Prescreened credit offer: Pre-approved credit card or loan solicitations sent by mail. A freeze doesn't stop these — you have to opt out separately at OptOutPrescreen.com.

• New-account fraud: Identity theft where a thief uses your personal information to open new credit accounts in your name. This is what a credit freeze prevents.

Sources:

• Federal Trade Commission: What To Know About Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts

• Experian: How to Freeze Your Credit

• Equifax: How to Place or Manage a Freeze

• TransUnion: Credit Freeze

Summary generated by AI, verified by MoneyLion editors