Credit Freeze Explained: The Strongest Protection Against New-Account Fraud

What a Credit Freeze Does

When you place a security freeze (also called a credit freeze) at a credit bureau, you are instructing that bureau to block all new credit inquiries from lenders. A lender cannot approve a new credit application without being able to pull your report — so with a freeze in place, identity thieves cannot open new accounts in your name even if they have your Social Security number and date of birth.

What a Freeze Does NOT Affect

• Your existing credit cards and loans (continue to work normally)
• Your credit score (completely unaffected)
• Your ability to check your own credit report
• Existing lenders reviewing your current accounts
• Pre-screened credit offers (these use soft inquiries, not full pulls)
• Government agencies accessing your report for legitimate purposes

Placing the Freeze: All Three Bureaus

You must freeze at each bureau separately. Each bureau has a free online portal that completes the freeze in minutes:

For the full step-by-step process with screenshots and additional bureau options (ChexSystems, Innovis), see the complete credit freeze guide.

Lifting a Freeze Temporarily

When you want to apply for new credit, log in to each bureau's freeze portal and lift the freeze for a specific date range. Online lifts are typically instant. You can set an end date so the freeze reinstates automatically. This is the recommended approach: lift for 7 days, apply for credit, then let it re-freeze.

Also Consider: ChexSystems and Innovis

The three major bureaus cover most lenders, but not all. ChexSystems is used by banks and credit unions when opening deposit accounts. Innovis is a smaller bureau used by some lenders. Identity theft victims should also freeze at these bureaus:

• ChexSystems: consumerdebit.com (free, online)
• Innovis: innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze (free, online)