How to Freeze Your Credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (Free)
A credit freeze is one of the strongest free protections against identity theft. Here's how it works, how to set it up at all three bureaus, and how to lift it when you need credit.
To freeze your credit, contact each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, online, by phone or by mail, and request a security freeze. It’s free by federal law, it doesn’t hurt your credit score, and you can lift it temporarily whenever you apply for a loan, card or new service.
A freeze is worth considering after any breach that exposed your Social Security number, and many people simply leave it on all the time.
What a credit freeze does (and doesn’t do)
Most lenders check your credit report before opening a new account. A freeze blocks most of that access, so a thief who has your name and Social Security number usually can’t open a credit card or loan in your name.
- It doesn’t affect your credit score.
- It doesn’t stop your existing accounts. Your current lenders and card issuers can still see your report, and you can keep using your cards.
- It doesn’t stop every kind of fraud. It won’t stop someone from using a stolen card number, filing a fake tax return or taking over an existing account. You still need to watch your statements.
- Some checks still happen. Certain uses, such as some government agencies, debt collectors and companies sending you prescreened offers, aren’t blocked.
Freeze vs. lock vs. fraud alert
| Option | Cost | What it does | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit freeze | Free by law | Restricts access to your report until you lift it | Protections are set by federal law; must be placed at each bureau |
| Credit lock | Sometimes free, sometimes part of a paid plan | Similar effect, controlled through a bureau’s app | Governed by the bureau’s own terms rather than the freeze law |
| Fraud alert | Free | Asks lenders to verify your identity before opening credit | Placing it at one bureau notifies the other two; a basic alert lasts one year |
For most people, a freeze is the strongest free option. A fraud alert is a lighter-touch alternative, and an extended alert is available to confirmed identity theft victims.
What you’ll need
- Full legal name, date of birth and Social Security number
- Current address and, often, previous addresses from the past couple of years
- An email address and phone number for the online account
- A safe place to store your login or PIN for each bureau, such as a password manager
Expect each bureau to ask identity questions based on your credit history. That’s normal.
How to freeze your credit online
You need to do this three times, once with each bureau. A freeze at one does not carry over to the others.
- Equifax: go to equifax.com, find the credit freeze section (it’s linked from the personal credit report services pages), and create or sign in to a myEquifax account. Choose to place a freeze. Phone: 800-685-1111.
- Experian: go to experian.com, open the help or freeze center, and create or sign in to an account. Choose to add a security freeze. Phone: 888-397-3742.
- TransUnion: go to transunion.com, open the credit freeze page, and create or sign in to an account. Choose to place a freeze. Phone: 888-909-8872.
When you request a freeze online or by phone, the bureau must place it within one business day. Mail requests take up to three business days after the bureau receives them.
Type the bureau web addresses yourself. Search ads and look-alike sites sometimes impersonate credit bureaus or sell “freeze services” you don’t need.
Each bureau’s website may try to sell you paid monitoring or lock products during sign-up. You don’t need them to place a free freeze. Look for the plain “freeze” option. The FTC’s guide to credit freezes and fraud alerts lists the official contact details.
How to lift (thaw) a freeze
Before you apply for a credit card, loan, mortgage, apartment or new phone plan, ask the lender which bureau it uses. Then you can lift the freeze at just that bureau.
- Sign in to that bureau’s account (or call).
- Choose to temporarily lift the freeze for a set number of days, or remove it permanently.
- Apply for the credit.
- If you chose a temporary lift, the freeze goes back on automatically on the end date.
For online and phone requests, bureaus must lift the freeze within one hour. Mail requests take up to three business days. Lifting a freeze is also free.
How to freeze a child’s credit
Children rarely have credit reports, which makes them attractive to identity thieves: fraud can go unnoticed for years. Parents and legal guardians can request a free freeze for a child under 16.
- Each bureau has its own process for minors. It usually requires mailing or uploading documents proving your identity, the child’s identity (such as a birth certificate and Social Security card) and your authority as parent or guardian.
- The bureau may create a credit file just to freeze it. That’s expected and doesn’t hurt the child.
- Guardians, conservators and people with a valid power of attorney can also request freezes for adults they’re responsible for.
- Once a child turns 16, they can manage their own freeze.
After you freeze: keep an eye on things
- Check your credit reports from all three bureaus for free at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site for free reports.
- Keep reviewing bank and card statements, since a freeze doesn’t cover existing accounts.
- If you were in a breach, also change leaked passwords. See what to do if your email was in a data breach.
- Be wary of calls or texts claiming to be from a bureau about your freeze. Our guide on spotting scam texts explains the tricks.
Bottom line
A credit freeze is free, doesn’t affect your score and is one of the most effective ways to stop someone opening credit in your name. Place it at all three bureaus, store your login details safely, and thaw it for an hour or a few days when you need to apply for credit.
FAQ
Does freezing my credit hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze has no effect on your score, and you can keep using your existing cards and loans normally.
How long does a credit freeze last?
It stays in place until you lift it. There’s no automatic expiration, so you can leave it on indefinitely.
Do I need to freeze at all three bureaus?
Yes. Lenders may check any of them, and a freeze at one bureau doesn’t apply to the others.
Will a freeze stop someone using my stolen credit card?
No. A freeze only blocks new credit. If a card number is stolen, call the issuer to cancel it and dispute the charges.
