How to Freeze Your Credit to Stop Fraud

What a credit freeze does and why you need one

A credit freeze stops anyone — including you — from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. When you freeze your credit, the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) lock your file. A scammer who has your Social Security number and other personal details cannot get a credit card, take out a loan, or open a phone account without first unfreezing your file with a PIN only you have.

A freeze does not affect accounts you already have. Your existing credit cards, bank accounts, and loans work normally. It also does not hurt your credit score. The freeze simply makes it harder for someone to commit identity theft in your name.

If you have already been a victim of fraud, a freeze is one of your strongest defenses against further damage. Even if you have not been targeted yet, a freeze costs nothing and takes about 15 minutes to set up.

Key Takeaways

• You must contact all three credit bureaus separately — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to freeze your entire credit file.
• Each bureau will give you a PIN when you freeze; save these PINs in a safe place because you will need them to unfreeze later.
• You can freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail; online is fastest and takes about 5 to 10 minutes per bureau.
• A freeze is permanent until you unfreeze it, so you do not have to renew it or pay a fee each year.
• If you need to open a new account after freezing, you will unfreeze temporarily for that lender, then refreeze when you are done.

How to freeze with Equifax

Go to freeze.equifax.com and click "Freeze My Credit." You will answer security questions about your credit history — questions only you should know the answers to. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

After you answer the questions, Equifax will show you a confirmation number and a PIN. Write down both. The PIN is what you will use later if you need to unfreeze. Take a screenshot or photo of this screen, or print it. Do not rely on email alone — save the PIN somewhere you can find it again.

If you cannot reach Equifax online, you can freeze by phone at 1-800-349-9960 or by mail. Mail takes longer (usually 10 business days), so phone or online is faster.

How to freeze with Experian

Go to experian.com/freeze and select "Freeze Your Credit." You will create an account or sign in if you already have one. Experian will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit file.

Once verified, you will receive a confirmation number and a PIN. Save both the same way you saved Equifax's — write them down and store them somewhere safe. Experian will also offer to send you a confirmation by email, but do not count on email alone.

If you prefer to freeze by phone, call 1-888-397-3742. By mail, send a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

How to freeze with TransUnion

Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze and click "Place a Freeze." You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions. Have your Social Security number ready.

TransUnion will give you a confirmation number and a PIN when the freeze is complete. Write these down and store them with your other PINs. You now have all three bureaus frozen.

If you freeze by phone instead, call 1-888-909-8872. By mail, send your request to TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022.

What to do with your PINs and confirmation numbers

You now have three PINs and three confirmation numbers — one set from each bureau. These are not passwords you will use often, but you must keep them safe. A scammer who gets your PIN can unfreeze your credit without your knowledge.

Store your PINs in a place separate from your wallet or purse. A locked drawer, a safe, or a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) all work. Do not store them in your email or on a sticky note on your computer. If you have a trusted family member who helps manage your finances, consider giving them a copy as well.

Write down the date you froze each bureau. This helps you remember when you did it and makes it easier to unfreeze later if you need to.

How to unfreeze temporarily when you need a new account

If you want to open a new credit card, apply for a mortgage, or sign up for a phone plan, you will need to unfreeze your credit first. The lender needs to see your credit file to make a decision.

Contact the bureau that the lender will check — usually all three, but the lender can tell you which ones. You can unfreeze online, by phone, or by mail using your PIN. Online is fastest: you log in, enter your PIN, and the freeze lifts immediately. You can set an end date for the unfreeze (for example, 30 days from now) so it automatically refreezes without you having to do anything.

Once the lender has made their decision, refreeze. If you set an automatic refreeze date, you do not have to do anything. If you did not, contact each bureau again and refreeze using your PIN.

What a freeze does not do

A freeze stops new accounts from being opened, but it does not stop someone from using your existing accounts. If a scammer already has your debit card number or bank account information, a freeze will not prevent them from making charges or withdrawals.

A freeze also does not stop fraud on accounts you already own — for example, if someone calls your credit card company and changes your address, a freeze will not prevent that. For protection against that kind of fraud, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the bureaus, which asks lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts or making major changes.

If you have already been a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov to file a report. The FTC will give you a recovery plan and a number you can show to creditors and bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does freezing my credit hurt my credit score?

No. A freeze does not affect your score at all. Your score is based on your payment history, how much credit you use, and other factors — not on whether your file is frozen or not.

Can I freeze my credit if I have been a victim of fraud?

Yes, and you should. A freeze is one of the strongest steps you can take after fraud. You can freeze at any time, whether or not you have already been targeted. If you have been a victim, also file a report with the FTC at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

What if I lose my PIN?

Contact the bureau where you lost the PIN and verify your identity by answering security questions. They can issue you a new PIN or help you unfreeze without it. This takes longer than using your PIN, so keep your PINs in a safe place.

Can I freeze my credit for someone else, like a parent or grandchild?

You can freeze credit for a minor child or for an adult you have power of attorney for. The process is different for minors — you will need to provide proof of your relationship and the child's birth certificate. Contact each bureau for their specific requirements.

Is there a fee to freeze or unfreeze my credit?

No. Federal law requires the bureaus to freeze and unfreeze for free. If a website charges you to freeze your credit, it is not an official bureau and you should not use it.