Identity Freeze Guide
Complete guide to freezing your credit at all three major bureaus.
What is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze (also called security freeze) restricts access to your credit report. Creditors can't pull your report, preventing new accounts from being opened in your name. It's FREE and the single most effective protection against identity theft.
Benefits
- Prevents New Accounts: Identity thieves can't open credit cards, loans, or utilities
- Completely Free: No cost to freeze or unfreeze since 2018
- No Credit Impact: Doesn't affect credit score or existing accounts
- You Control Access: Only you can lift freeze when needed
- Instant Online Management: Freeze/unfreeze in minutes
How to Freeze Your Credit
Must freeze at ALL THREE bureaus separately. If frozen at only one or two, thieves can use the unfrozen bureau.
Equifax
Online: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze
Phone: 1-800-685-1111 (automated) or 1-888-298-0045
Mail: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
Info Needed: Name, SSN, DOB, address, previous addresses (2 years)
Experian
Online: experian.com/freeze/center.html
Phone: 1-888-397-3742
Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
Info Needed: Name, SSN, DOB, address, email
TransUnion
Online: transunion.com/credit-freeze
Phone: 1-888-909-8872
Mail: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
Info Needed: Name, SSN, DOB, address
After Freezing
- Create account with username and password at each bureau
- Save login info in password manager
- May receive PIN - save securely (some bureaus use online account instead)
- Keep confirmation emails as proof
When to Unfreeze
Temporarily lift freeze when you need to:
- Apply for credit card, loan, or mortgage
- Rent apartment (landlords check credit)
- Apply for insurance (some companies check credit)
- Apply for jobs requiring credit check
- Open utility accounts (gas, electric, cable)
How to Unfreeze
- Temporary: Specify date range (1 day to 1 year). Automatically refreezes
- Permanent: Remove freeze entirely (not recommended)
- Specific Creditor: Some bureaus allow one-time use for specific company
- Time: Takes effect within 1 hour online, 3 business days by mail/phone
Freeze vs Fraud Alert vs Lock
Freeze (Best)
Free. Strongest protection. Completely blocks access. You control. Federal right.
Fraud Alert
Free. Creditors must verify identity. Less secure than freeze. Easier for you too. Lasts 1 year.
Credit Lock
Paid service. Similar to freeze but not federally regulated. Bureaus can change terms. Avoid - use freeze instead.
Freezing Children's Credit
- Free for minors under 16
- Protects from synthetic identity theft
- Must provide child's SSN, birth certificate, parent ID
- Process varies by bureau - check websites
- Highly recommended - child identity theft growing
Common Questions
- Affect existing accounts? No. Current creditors can still access and report.
- Affect credit score? No impact whatsoever.
- Affect employment? Some employers check credit. Unfreeze first.
- How long does it last? Until you remove it. No expiration.
- Can I still use credit cards? Yes. Existing accounts work normally.
- Free forever? Yes. Federal law since September 2018.