How to Freeze Your Credit: Step-by-Step for All Three Bureaus

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report. Without access to your report, a lender cannot approve a new credit card, loan, or account in your name — even if an identity thief has your Social Security number and date of birth.

Since 2018, credit freezes are free for everyone at all three major bureaus. You can freeze and unfreeze any time with no cost.

Freeze vs. Fraud Alert vs. Credit Lock

Key difference: A freeze is a legal right under the FCRA. A lock is a contractual product offered by the bureau — easier to toggle via app, but fewer legal protections if something goes wrong.

How to Freeze Your Credit

Step 1: Equifax

1. Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
2. Click "Place or Manage a Security Freeze"
3. Create a myEquifax account or log in
4. Verify your identity with your SSN, date of birth, and address history
5. Confirm — you will receive a PIN or confirmation code

You can also freeze by phone: 1-800-349-9960 or by mail to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.

Step 2: Experian

1. Go to experian.com/freeze/center.html
2. Click "Add a Security Freeze"
3. Create an Experian account or log in
4. Complete identity verification
5. Save your PIN

Phone: 1-888-397-3742. Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

Step 3: TransUnion

1. Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze
2. Click "Add a Freeze"
3. Create a TransUnion account or log in
4. Verify your identity
5. Confirm and save your PIN

Phone: 1-888-909-8872. Mail: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094.

How to Lift a Freeze (Thaw)

When you need to apply for new credit, you must temporarily lift the freeze. You can lift it for a specific creditor or date range, or lift it permanently. Use the same portal/phone/mail method you used to place the freeze. A lift is typically instant online or within one hour by phone.

Do Not Forget the Other Bureaus

A freeze at just one bureau does not protect you everywhere. Some lenders pull from less-common bureaus. Consider also freezing at:

• ChexSystems — used by banks when opening checking/savings accounts
• Innovis — smaller bureau used by some lenders
• NCTUE — used by some utility and telecom companies

Freezing for Minors and Dependents

Parents can place a freeze on a minor child's credit file. This is important because minors are prime targets for synthetic identity theft (thieves use real SSNs of children and fabricate identity around them). Contact each bureau directly for the process, which requires submitting documentation by mail.

After You Freeze

A freeze does not affect your existing credit accounts, your credit score, or your ability to get your free annual reports. You can still use your current cards and loans normally. The freeze only blocks new creditors from pulling your report for new applications.