How to freeze your credit at all three bureaus
A credit freeze is the strongest free protection against someone opening new credit in your name. It stops lenders from pulling your credit report, and without a report almost no lender will approve a new card, loan, or account. Here's how it works and how to do it.
What a freeze does
- Blocks new credit in your name. A lender checking your file sees it's frozen and can't pull your report, so a thief with your Social Security number hits a wall.
- Doesn't touch your score. Freezing has no effect on your credit score, according to the CFPB.
- Doesn't affect what you already have. Your existing cards and loans keep working, and those creditors can still see your file.
- Is free. Placing and lifting a freeze is free at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion under federal law.
- Lasts until you lift it. There's no expiration date.
Why you need all three
Lenders don't all use the same bureau. A thief only needs one bureau to be open, so a freeze at just one or two leaves a gap. Freeze at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
How fast it works
Under federal rules summarized by the CFPB:
- A freeze requested online or by phone must be placed within one business day.
- A lift requested online or by phone must happen within one hour.
- Requests by mail can take up to three business days.
How to freeze, bureau by bureau
Each bureau has its own website, account, and steps:
- How to freeze your Equifax credit
- How to freeze your TransUnion credit
- How to freeze your Experian credit
You'll usually create an account at each bureau and answer identity questions the first time. Save each sign-in somewhere safe: you'll need it again whenever you lift the freeze.
When you need to apply for credit
Lift the freeze for a short window, apply, then let it refreeze. See how to thaw your credit for a loan or apartment.
Freeze, lock, or fraud alert?
A freeze is set by law and free. A lock is a bureau product with its own terms. A fraud alert asks lenders to verify it's you, but doesn't block them from pulling your report. Read credit freeze vs. credit lock.
Sources
- CFPB: What does it mean to put a security freeze on my credit report?
- FTC: Credit freezes and fraud alerts
Questions
Is a credit freeze free?
Yes. Placing and lifting a freeze is free at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion under federal law.
Does freezing my credit hurt my score?
No. A freeze has no effect on your credit score, and your existing accounts keep working.
Do I need to freeze at all three bureaus?
Yes. Lenders use different bureaus, so a freeze at only one or two leaves a gap a thief can use.