Summary: Freezing your credit is the one of the fastest and most effective ways to prevent identity theft and protect your financial future.
The Benefits of a Credit Freeze
- Prevents new account fraud
- A credit freeze blocks lenders and creditors from pulling your credit report.
- Since most banks, credit card issuers, and loan companies won’t open a new account without checking your credit. A credit freeze stops anyone from opening accounts in your name, even if they have your Social Security number.
- Keeps Your Current Credit Accounts Safe
- Your existing credit cards, loans, or lines of credit still work normally.
- A freeze doesn’t lower your credit score or prevent you from using credit you already have.
- Lift or “thaw” Credit Any Time You Need To
- If you need a new loan, mortgage, or credit card you can “thaw” your credit online or by phone with the credit bureaus, temporarily or permanently.
- You can choose to thaw it for a specific creditor or for a set period of time.
- Free and Required by Law
- Federal law requires Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to offer free ways to freeze and unfreezes your credit profile.
- Federal law requires Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to offer free ways to freeze and unfreezes your credit profile.
- Stronger Than Fraud Alerts Alone
- Fraud alerts just make creditors verify your identity more carefully, but don’t block access to your credit. A freeze stops unauthorized access.
- Fraud alerts just make creditors verify your identity more carefully, but don’t block access to your credit. A freeze stops unauthorized access.
How to Freeze Your Credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Contact all credit bureaus to request a freeze online, by phone or via mail.
- Request a freeze online, by phone, or by conventional mail.
Credit Bureau | Website | Phone |
Equifax | Equifax.com/credit-freeze | 800-685-1111 |
Experian | Experian.com/freeze | 888-397-3742 |
Transunion | Transunion.com/credit-freeze | 888-909-8872 |
Innovis | Innovis.com/SecurityFreeze | 866-712-4546 |
- Save your PIN and / or Login Information in a safe place to freeze / unfreeze your credit later.
Some Common Credit Freeze FAQs
Q: Does freezing my credit affect my credit score?
No. A credit freeze does not impact your score at all. Your existing credit accounts and loans will still work as normal.
Q: Can I still use my credit cards if my credit is frozen?
Yes. You can use your current accounts as normal. The freeze only blocks attempts to file new credit applications.
Q: How much does a credit freeze cost?
By law, it is free at all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Q: How do I unfreeze my credit?
Log in online, call, or use the bureau’s app to lift the freeze whether temporarily or permanently.
Q: Do I need to freeze with all three credit bureaus?
Yes. You must contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately to fully protect yourself.
Q: Is a credit freeze the same as a fraud alert?
No. A fraud alert only warns creditors. A credit freeze actually blocks access to your profile report.
Q: Who should freeze their credit?
Anyone can, but it’s especially important after a data breach, identity theft, or if you want stronger protection against fraud.
Q: Can identity theft still happen with a freeze?
Yes, but only in other ways (like tax or medical fraud). Still, it prevents new credit accounts being opened.
Q: How long does a credit freeze last?
It stays in place until you choose to lift it. It does not expire.