How to Freeze Your Credit in the US (Free, Step by Step)

A credit freeze is one of the strongest protections you can use against identity theft. When your credit is frozen, lenders cannot view your credit report to approve a new credit card or loan, which makes it very hard for a thief to open accounts in your name. This guide applies to people in the United States.

What a freeze does and does not do

It does:

• Block new lenders from accessing your credit report, so new credit applications in your name are usually denied.
• Cost nothing to place or lift.
• Stay in place until you remove it.

It does not:

• Affect your credit score.
• Close or change your existing accounts. Your current lenders can still see your report.
• Stop fraud on accounts you already have, such as a stolen card number.

How to freeze your credit

The three nationwide credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A freeze at one bureau does not apply to the others, so you must contact all three.

1. Go to each bureau’s website and look for “security freeze” or “credit freeze”, or call the number listed on the site.
2. Create an online account, or follow the phone prompts. You will be asked to verify your identity with details such as your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.
3. Place the freeze.
4. Save the PIN or account login the bureau gives you. You need it to lift the freeze.
5. Repeat at the other two bureaus.

How to lift a freeze temporarily

When you apply for a loan, credit card, apartment, or sometimes a new phone plan or utility, the lender may need to check your credit.

1. Ask the lender which bureau it uses.
2. Log in to that bureau, or phone it, and lift the freeze. Most allow you to set a date range so it re-freezes automatically.
3. Apply for the credit.

Lifting a freeze is free and, when done online or by phone, normally takes effect within about an hour.

Other steps worth taking

• Check your credit reports for free. You can get free reports from the three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts or inquiries you do not recognise.
• Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN. It helps prevent someone filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
• Use unique passwords and two-factor authentication. See our guide to two-factor authentication.
• If you are a victim of identity theft, report it at IdentityTheft.gov, which provides a personalised recovery plan.

Where to learn more

The US Federal Trade Commission explains credit freezes and fraud alerts at consumer.ftc.gov. Rules and procedures can change, so check the bureau’s current instructions when you freeze or lift.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.