How to Freeze Your Credit Report (Step-by-Step Guide)

A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) prevents anyone — including identity thieves — from opening new credit accounts in your name. It's free, reversible, and the single most effective tool to stop new-account fraud. If you're not actively applying for credit, your report should be frozen.

What a Credit Freeze Does (and Doesn't Do)

• DOES: Block lenders from pulling your credit report to open new accounts
• DOES: Stop credit card, loan, and mortgage fraud in your name
• DOES NOT: Affect your credit score
• DOES NOT: Block existing creditors from viewing your account
• DOES NOT: Prevent you from seeing your own credit report
• DOES NOT: Stop soft inquiries (pre-approved offers, background checks)

How to Freeze Your Credit at All 3 Bureaus

You must freeze separately at all three major bureaus. The process is free and takes about 5 minutes each.

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze — online, phone (1-800-349-9960), or mail
• Experian: experian.com/freeze/center.html — online, phone (1-888-397-3742), or mail
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze — online, phone (1-888-909-8872), or mail

What You'll Need to Freeze Your Credit

• Social Security Number
• Date of birth
• Current and recent addresses (past 2 years)
• Email address (to receive PIN/confirmation)
• Photo ID may be required if doing by mail

How to Unfreeze Your Credit

When you want to apply for credit (mortgage, car loan, credit card), you temporarily lift the freeze — either permanently or for a specified window (e.g., 3 days). You do this through the same bureau website or phone number. The lift is usually instant online.

Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock: What's the Difference?

• Freeze: Free by law, requires PIN to unfreeze, the same level of protection
• Lock: Offered by each bureau as a premium product (some free, some paid), unlocks faster via app but not legally required to be free
• Recommendation: Use the freeze — same protection, always free, legally mandated