Quick Answer
You can lock and unlock your credit files at Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax through their websites, over the phone, or via postal mail. The web-based method is typically the quickest and most convenient.
What Is a Credit Freeze?
Placing a credit freeze on your account is a free security measure that restricts who can view your credit files. This protection helps shield you from certain identity theft situations. The simplest way to lock your credit is through each bureau’s website.
Understanding Credit Freezes
A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) is a tool that controls who can access your credit files at the three major bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Once frozen, these bureaus won’t provide your credit information to lenders reviewing applications. This typically results in automatic denials for new credit card or loan applications.
While you’ll need to remember to lift the freeze before seeking new credit, this barrier prevents identity thieves from opening fraudulent accounts using your name. You can also lock other consumer files, like your NCTUE (National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange) file and ChexSystems file, to block unauthorized utility or banking accounts.
How to Place a Credit Freeze
To lock your credit files, you must contact each bureau separately. Three methods are available: online, telephone, or postal mail. The web option is usually fastest. Several bureaus offer mobile applications for managing freezes.
Contact Information for All 3 Bureaus
| Experian | TransUnion | Equifax |
|---|---|---|
| Online Portal | Online Portal | Online Portal |
| 888-397-3742 | 800-916-8800 | 888-298-0045 |
| Experian Security Freeze<br>P.O. Box 9554<br>Allen, TX 75013 | TransUnion<br>P.O. Box 160<br>Woodlyn, PA 19094 | Equifax Information Services LLC<br>P.O. Box 105788<br>Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 |
Required Information for Freezing Credit
You’ll need specific personal details and possibly identification documents to complete the freeze process.
Required items typically include:
- Complete legal name
- Birth date
- Every address from the last two years
- Social Security number
- State-issued ID (driver’s license or identification card)
For online freezing, simply sign into your account at each bureau and navigate to their freeze management section. Phone requests may require identity verification through information entry or security questions.
Important Note: Mail requests require completed forms and photocopies (never originals) of supporting documents like identification, utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, or tax documents to confirm your identity and residence.
Processing Timeline for Freeze Requests
Online and telephone freeze requests usually process instantly, though bureaus legally have one business day to complete them. Mail requests may take up to three days after receipt.
What Protection Does a Credit Freeze Provide?
Freezing your credit restricts access to your credit files. When frozen, bureaus won’t release your credit information or scores to companies checking your creditworthiness for new account applications.
A credit freeze helps prevent criminals from:
- Taking out loans using your identity
- Opening credit cards in your name
For instance, when applying for credit cards or loans, lenders typically review your credit history and score to determine eligibility and terms. With a frozen file, lenders can’t access this information and will likely reject your application automatically or place it on hold.
Critical: Credit freezes don’t stop fraud on accounts you already have. Criminals can still steal physical cards, capture account numbers, or hijack online accounts. Regular monitoring of your financial accounts and credit files remains essential for detecting fraud.
Who Can Still Access Frozen Credit Files?
Freezing your credit limits access but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Bureaus can still provide your file to certain parties requesting it for purposes other than new credit applications.
Examples include:
- You: You can always view your own credit files regardless of freeze status.
- Current lenders: Your existing creditors may review your files while managing your accounts, such as when considering credit limit increases.
- Non-credit applications: Companies may check your credit for job applications, insurance policies, rental properties, phone services, or utility services.
- Marketing purposes: Some businesses use credit-based screening for promotional offers. You can stop these prescreened offers through opt-out services.
- Legal authorities: Government officials may request your file to fulfill court orders or warrants.
- Collection agencies: Collectors may use your credit file to locate your contact details.
- Verification services: Companies verifying your identity may access personal information in your credit file.
These credit checks appear as soft inquiries, which don’t impact your credit scores.
How to Remove a Credit Freeze
Before applying for new credit accounts, you must lift (or thaw) your credit freeze. Like freezing, you’ll need to thaw each bureau separately through online, phone, or mail methods. Two options are available:
- Permanent removal: Unlocks your file indefinitely
- Scheduled removal: Set specific dates for unfreezing and refreezing
Removing freezes by phone or online typically takes minutes, often happening immediately. By law, bureaus must lift freezes within one hour.
Scheduling temporary thaws offers maximum convenience. Plan thaws around known application dates, then have files automatically refreeze the following day.
Freezing Your Child’s Credit
Most children don’t have credit files unless added as authorized users on credit cards. This lack of credit history actually makes children vulnerable targets for identity thieves.
In child identity theft cases, criminals use children’s personal details to obtain services or open credit accounts. The fraud often goes unnoticed without active monitoring.
Freezing your child’s credit files limits access and provides fraud protection. If no file exists, the bureau will create one before freezing it.
Visit Experian’s Child Identity Theft Protection center to learn about the process and check whether your child has an existing Experian file.
Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock: What’s the Difference?
While credit freezes and credit locks serve similar purposes, they have key differences:
Credit Freeze:
- Regulated by federal law
- Completely free
- Requires manual unfreezing before applying for credit
- Strongest legal protections
Credit Lock:
- Offered by credit bureaus as a service
- May involve fees or subscriptions
- Often includes mobile app features
- Easier to lock/unlock quickly
Most security experts recommend credit freezes over locks due to stronger legal protections and zero cost.
When Should You Freeze Your Credit?
Consider freezing your credit in these situations:
You’re Not Applying for New Credit Soon
If you don’t plan to apply for credit cards, loans, mortgages, or auto financing in the near future, freezing provides worry-free protection.
After a Data Breach
If your personal information was exposed in a data breach (especially your Social Security number), freeze your credit immediately to prevent fraudulent account openings.
You’ve Been a Victim of Identity Theft
If someone has already stolen your identity, freezing your credit stops further damage while you work to resolve the fraud.
You’re Retired or Not Credit-Active
Seniors and others who rarely use credit are prime targets for identity theft. A permanent freeze makes sense if you won’t need new credit.
Before Major Life Events
Consider freezing before extended travel, hospital stays, or other situations where monitoring your credit might be difficult.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Freezing All Three Bureaus
Freezing only one or two bureaus leaves gaps. Criminals often try multiple bureaus to find an unfrozen file.
Losing Your PIN or Password
Some bureaus issue PINs for managing freezes. Store this information securely—you’ll need it to unfreeze your credit.
Forgetting About the Freeze
Many people freeze their credit, then forget about it when applying for new accounts. Set reminders or calendar alerts before planned credit applications.
Assuming You’re Fully Protected
Credit freezes don’t protect against all fraud types. Continue monitoring existing accounts and watch for other identity theft signs.
Not Freezing Specialty Reports
Don’t forget to freeze your ChexSystems and NCTUE reports for comprehensive protection against bank and utility fraud.
Alternatives and Additional Protection Measures
Fraud Alerts
Fraud alerts require lenders to verify your identity before opening accounts. They’re free, last one year (or seven years for identity theft victims), and only need to be placed with one bureau.
When to use: If you’re not ready for a full freeze but want extra security.
Credit Monitoring Services
These services track your credit files and alert you to changes like new accounts, inquiries, or address changes.
Best for: People who want ongoing awareness of their credit activity.
Identity Theft Protection Services
Comprehensive services often include credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, insurance, and recovery assistance.
Consider if: You want all-in-one protection and professional support.
Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication on all financial accounts to add another security layer beyond credit freezes.
Regular Credit Report Checks
You’re entitled to free credit reports from all three bureaus annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.
How to Handle Credit Freeze Issues
What If Your Freeze Request Is Denied?
Contact the bureau directly to understand why. Common reasons include:
- Incorrect personal information
- Insufficient documentation
- Existing fraud alerts or freezes
If You Can’t Unfreeze Online
Try calling the bureau’s customer service line. Have your identification ready and be prepared to answer security questions.
Disputing Errors on Frozen Reports
You can still dispute inaccurate information on frozen credit files. The dispute process works the same way regardless of freeze status.
Lost PIN or Access Issues
Contact the bureau immediately to verify your identity and regain access. This may require additional documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a credit freeze cost?
Credit freezes are completely free at all three major credit bureaus.
Will freezing affect my credit score?
No. Freezing your credit has zero impact on your credit scores.
Do I need to freeze at all three bureaus?
Yes. Each bureau maintains separate files, so you must freeze each one individually for complete protection.
Can I still use my existing credit cards when frozen?
Absolutely. Freezes only prevent new account openings; your current accounts function normally.
How long does a freeze last?
Credit freezes remain in place until you remove them. They don’t expire automatically.
Will freezing prevent employment background checks?
No. Employers can still access your credit information for job applications even when your credit is frozen.
Can I freeze my credit if I’m under 18?
Yes. Parents or legal guardians can freeze their child’s credit at any age.
How quickly should I freeze after identity theft?
Immediately. Every hour counts when preventing fraudulent account openings.
Do freezes affect insurance applications?
No. Insurance companies can still access your credit information for underwriting purposes.
What’s the difference between freezing and closing accounts?
Freezing restricts access to your credit file. Closing accounts actually terminates your credit relationships and can hurt your credit score.
Continue Monitoring Your Credit Files
Regular credit monitoring remains important even with frozen files. Some lenders skip credit checks during applications but still report new accounts to bureaus—spotting these accounts helps detect fraud. You can access your FICO® Score and Experian report for free and receive instant alerts about significant credit changes.
