How to Freeze Your Credit and Why You Should
Quick Answer
A credit freeze is the most effective step you can take to protect yourself from new-account identity theft. It costs nothing, takes about 10 minutes to set up across all three bureaus, and has no effect on your credit score. Despite these advantages, most people have never done it.
What a Credit Freeze Does
When you place a security freeze on your credit file, lenders cannot access your credit report to approve new credit applications. Since most lenders require a credit check before issuing a credit card, loan, or line of credit, a freeze effectively blocks identity thieves from opening accounts in your name even if they have your Social Security number and other personal information.
A freeze does not affect:
- Your existing accounts and their credit limits
- Your ability to use existing cards
- Your credit score
- Employment background checks
- Insurance applications
- Access by existing creditors
How to Place a Freeze at Each Bureau
You must freeze with all three major bureaus separately. Freezing with one does not affect the others.
| Bureau | Website | Phone | Confirmation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equifax | myequifax.com | 1-800-349-9960 | Immediate online, within 3 business days by mail |
| Experian | experian.com/freeze | 1-888-397-3742 | Immediate online, within 3 business days by mail |
| TransUnion | transunion.com/credit-freeze | 1-888-909-8872 | Immediate online, within 3 business days by mail |
All three bureaus must be frozen separately. Freezing is free at every bureau.
For each bureau, you will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth to verify your identity. Create an account or note the PIN provided, as you will need it to lift the freeze later.
How to Temporarily Lift a Freeze
When you need to apply for credit, a mortgage, or anything that requires a credit check, you can lift the freeze temporarily.
You can lift it for a specific creditor only, or for a specific date range. Online lifts take effect immediately. Phone lifts take effect within one hour. Once the lift period expires, the freeze returns automatically.
Ask lenders which bureau they use before lifting. Most creditors check one or two specific bureaus, so you may only need to lift at one or two rather than all three.
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert
| Feature | Credit Freeze | Fraud Alert |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks access to your credit report entirely | Asks lenders to verify your identity before approving credit |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Duration | Stays until you remove it | 1 year (initial) or 7 years (extended, for ID theft victims) |
| Setup | Must be placed at each bureau separately | Place at one bureau, automatically shared with all three |
| Strength | Stronger: actively blocks new applications | Weaker: lenders may still approve without extra verification |
| Effect on credit score | None | None |
| Best for | Proactive protection for everyone | Immediate step after a data breach or suspected fraud |
Comparison based on FTC guidance. Both tools are free and do not affect your credit score.
A fraud alert asks lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit, but it does not block access to your credit report. A fraud alert is placed at one bureau and automatically shared with the others.
A credit freeze is stronger because it actively blocks access rather than just requesting caution. For maximum protection after a data breach or identity theft, use a freeze rather than a fraud alert.
Should You Freeze Your Children's Credit?
Children are common targets for identity theft because the fraud can go undetected for years. Each of the three bureaus allows parents or legal guardians to place a freeze on a minor's credit file. You will need the child's Social Security number, birth certificate, and your own identification.