Credit freezes are free, effective, and the single best defense against new account fraud.
A credit freeze prevents anyone (including you) from opening new credit accounts until you temporarily lift it. Here's how to set them up in about 30 minutes.
Good to know before you start
- Credit freezes have been free by federal law since 2018
- Freezes don't affect your credit score
- Your existing accounts continue to work normally
- You can temporarily lift a freeze anytime you need to apply for credit
Freeze at all three bureaus
1. Equifax
~10 min- 1 Click "Place or manage a freeze"
- 2 Create an Equifax account (or sign in if you have one)
- 3 Verify your identity through security questions or document upload
- 4 Complete the freeze request
- 5 Save your PIN — You'll need it to lift the freeze later
2. Experian
~10 min- 1 Click "Add a security freeze"
- 2 Create an Experian account
- 3 Verify your identity
- 4 Complete the freeze
- 5 Save your PIN
Note: Experian may try to upsell you on paid services. The basic freeze is free—you don't need to pay for anything.
3. TransUnion
~10 min- 1 Click "Add a freeze"
- 2 Create a TransUnion account
- 3 Verify your identity
- 4 Complete the freeze
- 5 Save your PIN
Lifting a freeze temporarily
When you need to apply for a credit card, loan, mortgage, or rent an apartment, you'll need to lift your freeze temporarily. Here's how:
Option 1: Lift at all three bureaus
The safest approach if you don't know which bureau the lender will check. Log into each bureau's site and temporarily lift the freeze for a few days.
Option 2: Ask the lender which bureau they use
Call ahead and ask which credit bureau they pull from. Then you only need to lift one freeze.
Option 3: Provide a one-time PIN
Some bureaus let you generate a one-time access code to give to a specific lender, keeping your freeze in place for everyone else.
Timing
Common questions
Will a freeze affect my credit score?
No. A freeze doesn't affect your score at all. It only prevents new credit inquiries.
Can I still use my credit cards?
Yes. A freeze only affects opening new accounts. Your existing cards, loans, and bank accounts work normally.
What if I lose my PIN?
You can request a new one from each bureau, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail. Store your PINs in a password manager.
What's the difference between a freeze and a fraud alert?
A freeze blocks all access. A fraud alert just requires creditors to verify your identity before opening accounts—it doesn't guarantee they will. Freezes are more protective.
Should I freeze my children's credit?
Yes, if possible. Child identity theft is common because no one checks their credit. Each bureau has a process for freezing a minor's credit—you'll need to prove you're the guardian.
Next steps
Credit freezes are your foundation, but there's more you can do: