How do you freeze your credit?

A credit freeze (security freeze) locks your credit file at each bureau so new creditors can't pull your report — which prevents fraudsters from opening accounts in your name. Under federal law it's free and permanent until you lift it. You must freeze separately at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — it takes about 15 minutes online at each bureau.

What a credit freeze does — and doesn't do

A security freeze tells Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion not to release your credit report to new creditors. Because most lenders require a credit pull to open an account, a freeze effectively blocks new credit accounts from being opened in your name without your explicit permission. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 made credit freezes free for all consumers and permanent until removed — per the CFPB. A freeze does not affect your existing credit accounts, your credit score, your ability to use existing cards, or your existing lenders' ability to review your account. It also does not prevent employers, landlords, or insurance companies from pulling your report (they use different inquiry types).

How to place a freeze at each bureau

You must freeze your file separately at all three bureaus — a freeze at one does not extend to the others. Online is the fastest method:

• Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/ — Create an account, verify identity, select 'Add a Security Freeze.'
• Experian: experian.com/freeze/center.html — Create an account, verify identity, select 'Add a Security Freeze.'
• TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze — Create or log in to a TrueIdentity or TransUnion account and enable the freeze.
• Phone option: All three bureaus also accept freeze requests by phone if online verification fails. The FTC publishes current phone numbers.
• Mail option: Freeze requests by certified mail are accepted but take longer — include name, address, date of birth, SSN, and copies of two forms of identification.

How to temporarily lift a freeze when you need to apply for credit

When you're ready to apply for a loan, credit card, or apartment, you lift (thaw) your freeze through the same portal where you set it up. You can lift it permanently or for a specific time window (e.g., 7 days while you're rate-shopping for a mortgage). The bureau must lift the freeze within 1 hour for online or phone requests under federal law. Once the application is complete, re-freeze. Keep your PIN or login credentials for each bureau — you'll need them to manage the freeze.

Freeze vs. fraud alert — which one to use

A fraud alert is a less restrictive option: it doesn't block credit pulls, but it requires lenders to take extra verification steps before opening an account. An initial fraud alert lasts 1 year (free); an extended fraud alert (for confirmed identity theft victims) lasts 7 years and requires a copy of an FTC identity theft report. Per the FTC, placing a fraud alert at one bureau requires that bureau to notify the other two — so you only need to contact one bureau for a fraud alert, unlike a freeze which requires all three. For maximum protection, a freeze at all three bureaus is stronger than a fraud alert alone.

Sources

• Credit freezes are free for all consumers under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. Bureaus must lift a freeze within 1 hour of an online or phone request. — CFPB — Credit Reports and Scores
• The FTC provides current contact information for placing freezes and fraud alerts at all three credit bureaus — and explains the difference between the two tools. — FTC — Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts
• Placing a fraud alert at one bureau requires that bureau to notify the other two — making fraud alerts a one-stop action, unlike freezes which must be placed at each bureau separately. — FTC — Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts

Key takeaways

• A credit freeze is free, permanent until removed, and blocks new creditors from pulling your report — effectively preventing new-account fraud.
• You must freeze all three bureaus separately (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) — a freeze at one does not extend to the others.
• Lift a freeze temporarily online or by phone — bureaus must comply within 1 hour under federal law.
• A fraud alert is weaker (requires extra verification, not a full block) but only requires contacting one bureau — which then notifies the other two.
• A freeze does not affect your existing accounts, your credit score, or your current lenders' access to your file.

Related

• How do you dispute credit report errors?
• How do you read your credit report?
• How do you check your credit score for free?
• What affects your credit score?