What You’ll Learn
- Find out how to freeze your credit and (unfreeze it later) with the three major credit bureaus to protect yourself from identity theft and potential fraud.
Why You Should Freeze Your Credit
With identity theft and financial fraud on the rise, keeping your personal information safe is on all of our minds these days. One of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access to your credit is by placing a credit freeze on your credit reports. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Fortunately, freezing and unfreezing your credit is free and easy to set up with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
When Should You Freeze Your Credit?
A credit freeze can be a smart move in several situations:
After Identity Theft or a Data Breach
If your personal information has been compromised, freezing your credit can prevent fraudsters from taking out loans or opening accounts in your name. Learn more about the steps you should take if you’ve been the victim of ID theft.
If You’re Not Planning to Apply for Credit Soon
Not applying for a new credit card, car loan, or mortgage anytime soon? A freeze adds an extra layer of security while keeping your credit report off-limits to scammers.
To Protect Kids or Elderly Family Members
Criminals sometimes use the credit profiles of those who aren’t actively monitoring their finances. Freezing the credit of minors or older family members can help stop fraud before it starts.
How to Freeze Your Credit
To freeze your credit, you’ll need to contact each of the three credit bureaus separately. Here’s how:
Equifax
- Online: Visit the Equifax security freeze FAQ page.
- Phone: 1.888.298.0045
- Mail: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian
- Online: Visit the Experian Freeze Center.
- Phone: 1.888.397.3742
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
- Online: Visit the TransUnion credit freeze page.
- Phone: 1.888.909.8872
- Mail: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
What You’ll Need to Provide
When placing a credit freeze, you may be asked for:
- Your full name.
- Social Security number.
- Date of birth.
- Current and previous addresses.
- A copy of a government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license).
- A utility bill or bank statement as proof of address.
How Long Does It Take?
Online or by phone: The freeze is placed within one business day.
By mail: The bureaus must process your request within three business days after receiving it.
When Should You Unfreeze Your Credit?
A credit freeze isn’t permanent—you can lift it whenever you need to. Consider unfreezing your credit when:
Applying for a New Loan or Credit Card
Lenders will need access to your credit report to approve your application.
Renting a Home or Apartment
Many landlords run credit checks before approving a lease.
Job Hunting
Some employers check credit history as part of their hiring process.
Signing Up for Utilities or Cell Phone Plans
Many service providers require a credit check before setting up new accounts.
How to Unfreeze Your Credit
Just like freezing your credit, unfreezing it requires you to contact each credit bureau separately. You can do this temporarily (for a specific lender or period) or permanently.
Equifax
- Online: Log in to your myEquifax account.
- Phone: 1.888.298.0045
- Mail: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian
- Online: Log in to your Experian account.
- Phone: 1.888.397.3742
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
- Online: Log in to your TransUnion account.
- Phone: 1.888.909.8872
- Mail: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Final Thoughts
A credit freeze can be an excellent tool for protecting yourself against fraud, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you rarely apply for new credit and want to minimize the risk of identity theft, keeping your credit frozen indefinitely might be the right move. However, if you plan to make big financial decisions—such as buying a home or taking out a car loan—you may want to lift the freeze temporarily when needed. By understanding when and how to freeze and unfreeze your credit, you can take control of your financial security while ensuring that your credit is available when you need it.
