Introduction

Learn how to freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Discover how credit freezes work, how to lift them, and how they can help protect against identity theft.

Identity theft can happen when someone gets your information and tries to use it to open accounts or apply for credit in your name. One way you can reduce the risk of new accounts being opened using your information is by placing a credit freeze on your credit reports.

Learning how to freeze your credit is really useful if you are worried that your Social Security number or other personal information may have been exposed. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report making it harder for most creditors to access your information when someone applies for credit in your name.

You can place a credit freeze for free lift it and remove it when you request it through the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

A credit freeze does not mean your credit report disappears. It does not stop you from using your existing credit cards or loans. Instead it generally restricts access to your report for credit applications.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also called a security freeze restricts access to your credit report. When your credit report is frozen most businesses cannot access your credit report to approve credit accounts. This can make it harder for an identity thief to open a credit card, personal loan or other credit account using your information.

A credit freeze does not hurt your credit score. It also does not lock you out of your credit report forever. You can lift the freeze when you need to apply for credit and put it afterward.

Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert

A credit freeze and a fraud alert are different. A fraud alert tells businesses to take steps to verify your identity before opening a new credit account. A credit freeze generally blocks access to your credit report for credit applications unless you lift the freeze or give access through the right process.

The Federal Trade Commission says that a credit freeze can help stop identity thieves from opening accounts in your name. If you think your information has already been stolen you may want to consider both a freeze and other ways to protect yourself from identity theft.

Why Should You Freeze Your Credit?

There are reasons why people choose to freeze their credit. One of the common reasons is that they are worried about identity theft. If someone has gotten personal information a credit freeze can make it harder for that person to open new credit accounts.

You might also want to freeze your credit if you got a notice that your personal information was part of a data breach. Some people keep their credit reports frozen as a way to stay safe. Since freezes are free and can be lifted when needed people may decide to keep them in place even when they do not think someone has stolen their identity.

How to Freeze Your Credit

To freeze your credit you generally need to place a freeze with all three nationwide credit reporting companies:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

Freezing your report with one company does not automatically freeze your reports with the other two. Each company has its way to request, manage, lift or remove a freeze.

Step 1: Get Your Information Ready

Before you start have the information you may need available. This can include your name, address, date of birth Social Security number and other information to verify your identity. Each credit reporting company may have different requirements to verify your identity.

Only give information through the companys official website or another verified official channel.

Step 2: Freeze Your Equifax Credit Report

Go to the Equifax website and look for its credit freeze or security freeze service. You will generally need to create or access an account and verify your identity. Follow the instructions to place the freeze and save any confirmation information.

Equifax official website

Step 3: Freeze Your Experian Credit Report

Next use Experians website to request a security freeze. You may need to create an account or give information to verify your identity. After completing the process keep confirmation details in a place.

Experian official website

Step 4: Freeze Your TransUnion Credit Report

Finally request a freeze through TransUnion. Follow the companys identity verification process. Save your confirmation information.

TransUnion official website

Once all three freezes are active most new creditors will not be able to access your reports without the freeze being lifted.

How Does a Credit Freeze Last?

A credit freeze stays in place until you choose to lift it or remove it. Unlike a temporary fraud alert you do not have to renew a credit freeze after a certain number of months. This makes a freeze convenient for people who want protection. You can keep the freeze in place for long as you want.

Does Freezing Your Credit Hurt Your Credit Score?

No freezing your credit does not lower your credit score. It also does not erase your credit history. Stop you from maintaining your existing credit accounts. Your credit cards, mortgages, auto loans and other existing accounts keep working according to their terms. The freeze mainly affects access to your credit report for new credit applications.

Can You Still Use Your Credit Cards?

Yes you can. A credit freeze does not stop you from using credit cards you already have. You can keep making purchases getting statements and making payments. The freeze is mainly designed to restrict access, for credit applications.

Can You Apply for New Credit With a Credit Freeze?

Yes, but you may need to lift the credit freeze before applying for new credit.For example suppose you want to apply for a mortgage the lender will generally need access to your credit reports from the credit reporting companies.

You can contact the credit reporting companies. Request a temporary lift for the period needed to apply for the mortgage.Some applications may involve than one credit reporting company so ask the lender which credit reports it plans to access.This is important because you only need to lift the credit freeze with the credit reporting companies that the lender will use.

Temporary Lift vs Permanent Removal

A temporary lift allows the credit freeze to remain in place but opens access for a period or creditor.This means you can still apply for credit while keeping your credit reports protected.

Permanent removal takes the credit freeze off your report until you request another credit freeze.For people who want ongoing protection a temporary lift may be preferable when applying for credit because the credit freeze can be restored afterward.This way you can still get credit and keep your credit reports safe from identity thieves.

How to Temporarily Lift a Credit Freeze

When you need credit contact each credit reporting company where a credit freeze needs to be lifted.You may be able to request a lift online depending on the company and circumstances.

Before lifting the credit freeze ask the lender which credit reporting company or companies it will use to check your credit.If the lender checks one report you may not need to lift all three credit freezes.After the lender has completed its credit check confirm that your credit freeze is active again if you requested a lift for a limited period.

How to Remove a Credit Freeze

If you no longer want your credit report frozen you can request that the credit freeze be permanently removed.

The process is generally similar to placing the credit freeze.You will need to verify your identity and follow the instructions provided by each credit reporting company.Remember that removing a credit freeze with one company does not automatically remove credit freezes with the two.You need to request the removal of the credit freeze with each credit reporting company

What a Credit Freeze Does Not Do

A credit freeze is useful. It does not protect you from every type of identity theft.It generally does not stop someone from using your existing credit card account if they already have your card number or login information.

It also does not prevent all types of fraud such as identity thieves misusing information in ways that do not require access to a credit report.That is why you should continue monitoring your accounts, bank statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.You should also report any activity promptly to prevent further damage.

Credit Freeze and Existing Accounts

Freezing your credit does not close existing accounts.

Your bank accounts, credit cards, loans and other financial products generally continue operatingHowever if you suspect someone has gained access to an existing account a credit freeze alone may not solve the problem.Contact the institution immediately and change relevant passwords.Monitor transactions for activity and report any suspicious activity promptly.

What If Your Information Was Stolen?

If you believe you are a victim of identity theft take action quickly.Start by securing your credit reports and reporting the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commissions identity-theft recovery service at IdentityTheft.gov.You may also need to contact companies where fraudulent accounts were opened.Keep copies of reports, letters, emails, account statements and other documentation related to the identity theft.

Consider a Fraud Alert

Depending on your circumstances you may also consider placing a fraud alert.A fraud alert can notify creditors that they should take additional steps to verify your identity before extending certain new credit.Unlike a credit freeze you generally contact one credit reporting company to place an initial fraud alert and that company must notify the other two.The Federal Trade Commission provides information about the types of fraud alerts and credit freezes.

How to Monitor Your Credit After a Freeze

Freezing your credit should not replace monitoring.You can. Review your credit reports to look for unfamiliar accounts, inquiries, addresses or other information.Federal law allows consumers to obtain credit reports through the official AnnualCreditReport.com website.Check your reports for information you do not recognize.If you discover an error or fraudulent account follow the dispute and identity-theft procedures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is freezing only one credit report.

Remember that Equifax, Experian and TransUnion maintain credit reports.If you want a credit freeze across all three you need to request it from each company.Another mistake is forgetting that a credit freeze is active when applying for credit.

If a lender cannot access your report your application may be delayed until you temporarily lift the credit freeze.It is also important to keep your account information secure.If you create accounts to manage your credit freezes use strong passwords and enable available security features.

Do Not Pay a Third Party to Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze is free through the credit reporting companies.

Be cautious if a website asks you to pay a fee simply to place a credit freeze.Use official credit reporting company websites whenever possible.Avoid clicking links in emails or text messages.Instead type the website address into your browser yourself.

How a Credit Freeze Fits Into Your Financial Security Plan

A credit freeze can be one part of an identity-protection strategy.

You should also use unique passwords enable two-factor authentication, monitor bank and credit card accounts review your credit reports regularly and be careful with unexpected emails and text messages.Avoid sharing personal information unnecessarily and report suspicious activity promptly.These habits can reduce your exposure to types of financial fraud.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to freeze your credit is a simple step that can provide an additional layer of protection against certain types of identity theft.

A credit freeze does not damage your credit score erase your credit history or stop you from using existing credit accounts.You can also temporarily lift the credit freeze when you legitimately need to apply for a mortgage, credit card, auto loan or other new credit.Remember that you need to manage credit freezes with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.Keep your login and confirmation information secure continue monitoring your accounts and review your credit reports regularly.

Conclusion

Knowing how to freeze your credit can help you take control over your personal financial information.A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report for new-credit applications making it more difficult for an identity thief to open certain accounts in your name.The process is straightforward: request a credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion verify your identity and keep your confirmation information secure.

When you need to apply for credit you can temporarily lift the credit freeze or remove it depending on your needs.A credit freeze is not an identity-theft solution.You should continue monitoring your bank accounts, credit cards and credit reports and take action if you notice activity.

For U.S. Consumers the good news is that placing, temporarily lifting and removing a credit freeze with the nationwide credit reporting companies is free.Taking a few minutes to set up a credit freeze today can be a step, toward protecting your credit and reducing the risk of certain forms of identity theft.

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