What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze — also called a security freeze — restricts access to your credit report. When a freeze is in place, lenders and creditors cannot pull your report to open new accounts in your name, whether fraudulent or legitimate.
If you suspect your personal information or identity has been stolen, placing a credit freeze is one of the most powerful and free steps you can take to protect yourself.
To learn more about how credit freezes work, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
How to Place or Lift a Credit Freeze
You must contact each of the three major credit bureaus separately — online or by phone — at no cost:
- Equifax: equifax.com | Direct freeze: freeze.equifax.com | Phone: 1-800-349-9960
- Experian: experian.com/freeze | Phone: 1-888-397-3742
- TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze | Phone: 1-888-909-8872
How Long Does It Take?
Placing a Freeze
- Online or by phone: Bureaus must freeze your report within 1 business day.
- By mail: Bureaus must freeze your report within 3 business days.
Lifting a Freeze
- Online or by phone: Bureaus must lift the freeze within 1 hour.
- By mail: Bureaus must lift the freeze within 3 business days.
If a bureau does not respond in time, you can file a complaint with the CFPB.
What You Will Need
Before contacting each bureau, have the following information ready:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Current and recent previous addresses
- Phone number and/or email address
How to Temporarily Lift Your Freeze
When you are ready to apply for credit, a loan, or a new service, you can temporarily lift the freeze through each bureau's app or website. Once your application is processed, you can reapply the freeze.
Wise Tips
- Use a strong, unique password for each bureau's online portal.
- Save your PIN or security codes provided by each bureau — you will need them to lift the freeze later.
- Consider freezing your children's credit too — minors can be victims of identity theft, and all three bureaus allow parents to request a freeze on their behalf.
- A credit freeze does not affect your credit score and does not prevent you from using existing accounts.
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