How to Freeze Your Credit Report

Step 1: Understand What a Credit Freeze Does

A credit freeze — officially called a security freeze — restricts access to your credit report. When your credit is frozen, lenders cannot pull your full credit file to process a new credit application. This means that even if a thief has your Social Security number and other personal information, they cannot open new credit accounts in your name because the application will be denied without access to your report.

A credit freeze is free, does not affect your existing accounts, and does not hurt your credit score. You can still use your current credit cards, pay your loans, and monitor your credit while a freeze is in place. The only limitation is that new lenders cannot access your file unless you temporarily lift the freeze.

Step 2: Gather Your Personal Information

Before you contact the credit bureaus, gather the following information, which you will need to verify your identity:

• Full legal name
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Current address and addresses from the past two years
• A copy of a government-issued photo ID (for mail requests)
• Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement (for mail requests)

Having this information ready will make the process faster and smoother when you contact each bureau.

Step 3: Freeze Your Credit With Equifax

You must place a freeze at each bureau separately. Start with Equifax. You can freeze your Equifax credit report by:

• Online: Visit the Equifax website and create or log into your myEquifax account. Navigate to the security freeze section and follow the prompts.
• Phone: Call Equifax's automated freeze line and follow the voice prompts to place your freeze.
• Mail: Send a written request with copies of your ID and proof of address to Equifax's security freeze address.

After your freeze is placed, Equifax will provide you with a PIN or confirmation number. Store this securely — you will need it to lift the freeze later.

Step 4: Freeze Your Credit With Experian

Next, place a freeze with Experian. The process is similar:

• Online: Go to Experian's website, create a free account if you don't have one, and navigate to the freeze center to place your security freeze.
• Phone: Call Experian's security freeze line and follow the automated instructions.
• Mail: Send a written request with required documentation to Experian's security freeze department.

Experian will send you a confirmation once your freeze is in place. Save any PIN or confirmation details they provide.

Step 5: Freeze Your Credit With TransUnion

Finally, place a freeze with TransUnion:

• Online: Create or log into your TransUnion account and navigate to the credit freeze section to activate your freeze instantly.
• Phone: Call TransUnion's automated freeze line and follow the prompts.
• Mail: Submit a written request with identification documents to TransUnion's security freeze address.

Like the other bureaus, TransUnion will confirm your freeze and provide a PIN. Keep all three PINs or confirmation numbers in a safe, accessible place.

Step 6: Consider Freezing With Specialty Bureaus

In addition to the three major bureaus, consider freezing your file with specialty consumer reporting agencies. These include:

• ChexSystems — used by banks when you apply to open a new checking or savings account
• Innovis — a fourth credit bureau that some lenders use
• NCTUE — used by some utilities and telecom providers

Freezing with these agencies provides more comprehensive protection, though it is not as commonly required as the three major bureaus.

Step 7: Temporarily Lift Your Freeze When Needed

When you are ready to apply for new credit — whether it is a car loan, mortgage, or credit card — you will need to temporarily lift your freeze. You can do this online or by phone at each bureau. You can choose to lift the freeze for a specific lender or for a set time window. Once the application process is complete, you can re-freeze your reports immediately.

The process to lift a freeze is quick — typically done in minutes online — so a credit freeze does not create a significant inconvenience when you actually need to apply for credit.

Step 8: Monitor Your Existing Accounts

A credit freeze protects you from new fraudulent accounts being opened, but it does not prevent fraud on your existing accounts. Continue to monitor your bank statements, credit card transactions, and credit reports for any suspicious activity. You are entitled to a free credit report from each bureau annually through AnnualCreditReport.com, and many free tools provide ongoing monitoring.