A credit freeze is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from identity theft, and it costs nothing. It blocks lenders from viewing your credit report, so a thief who has your Social Security number generally can’t open a new account in your name. Here is how to set one up at all three bureaus, how to lift it when you need credit, and what the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says it does and doesn’t do.
What a Credit Freeze Does
According to the FTC, a freeze stops new credit accounts from being opened in your name, and that includes you. Anyone can place one, for any reason, even if your identity hasn’t been stolen and there hasn’t been a data breach. It’s free to place and free to lift, it doesn’t affect your credit score, and it stays in place until you remove it.
Freeze vs. Fraud Alert
A fraud alert is different. It doesn’t block anyone from seeing your report; it requires lenders to verify your identity before granting new credit. An initial alert is free and lasts one year, and you can use an alert alongside a freeze. The FTC says alerts are meant for people who are, or suspect they may be, affected by identity theft.
Before You Start
The FTC says you need to contact all three bureaus—Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—because a freeze at one doesn’t cover the others. The easiest route is to create a free online account at each. Have your Social Security number, date of birth and current address handy, plus a phone that can receive a text.
How to Freeze Your Credit at Each Bureau
Equifax
- Go to Equifax’s credit freeze page and select “Place a Security Freeze.” You’ll sign in to (or create) a free myEquifax account; you must be 18 to have one.
- To manage the freeze later, use “Manage a Freeze,” where you can temporarily lift or permanently remove it.
- Prefer the phone? Call (888) 298-0045. Equifax says you can verify your identity with a one-time PIN sent by text or by answering questions based on your credit report.
Experian
- Create or sign in to a free Experian account and use the freeze section. Changes take effect in real time, and you get email alerts when the status changes.
- Experian says you no longer need a PIN to manage a freeze; your account is enough.
- By phone, call 1-888-397-3742. By mail, send a written request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013, with your name, Social Security number, addresses for the past two years, date of birth, a copy of a government-issued ID and a utility bill or bank statement. Experian says mailed requests can take up to three days.
TransUnion
- Start at the TransUnion Service Center, where freezing, unfreezing and temporary lifts are all free.
- TransUnion says changes usually take effect right away but can take up to an hour.
- Spouses can add or remove freezes for each other by calling 888-909-8872.
How to Lift a Freeze When You Need Credit
Planning to apply for a mortgage, car loan or new card? The FTC suggests asking the lender which bureau it uses, lifting the freeze only at that bureau, and refreezing afterward. Experian lets you schedule a temporary lift with a start and end date, which is handy if you know when you’ll apply. Equifax and TransUnion also offer temporary lifts through your online account.
Freezing a Child’s Credit
For children under 16, the FTC says a free freeze makes it harder for someone to open accounts in the child’s name, and it lasts until you ask to remove it. The process is different from an adult freeze and requires proof of your authority, so follow the instructions on each bureau’s site. Equifax points to a Minor Freeze Request form; TransUnion says a parent or guardian can place one for children 15 and younger.
A Quick Checklist
- Freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion—all three.
- Save your login details in a password manager.
- Set a calendar reminder to refreeze after any temporary lift.
- Keep checking your accounts and statements; a freeze won’t catch fraud on accounts you already have.
That last point is my caution, not the FTC’s: a freeze blocks new accounts, so it’s still worth watching the ones you have. Ten minutes at the three sites is a small price for a lot of protection.
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