How to Freeze Your Credit for Free

on

How to Freeze Your Credit for Free

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit reports, making it harder for an identity thief to open a new credit card, loan or other credit account in your name. Placing, temporarily lifting and removing a freeze is free under federal law.

You must freeze your reports separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Freezing only one report leaves the other two available to lenders that may use them. This guide explains how to freeze all three reports, protect your login information and temporarily lift a freeze when you need to apply for credit.

On This Page

Quick Answer

Freeze your credit separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Placing, temporarily lifting and removing a security freeze is free.

Use the official freeze pages:

For each bureau:

Open the official freeze page

Type the website address directly rather than following an unexpected email, text or advertisement.

Verify your identity

Provide the identifying information requested by the bureau.

Select the security freeze option

Do not accidentally enroll in a paid credit lock or monitoring subscription.

Confirm that the freeze is active

Save the confirmation page, email and account information.

Repeat with the other two bureaus

A freeze placed with one bureau does not automatically freeze the others.

A freeze does not stop fraudulent activity on an existing bank or credit card account. Continue monitoring transactions and report unauthorized charges immediately.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, restricts prospective creditors from accessing your credit report for many new-account decisions.

Most lenders want to review a credit report before approving:

  • A credit card
  • A personal loan
  • An auto loan
  • A mortgage
  • A retail financing account
  • Another new credit account

When the lender cannot access the frozen report, it will usually delay or reject the application until the freeze is lifted.

You do not have to be an identity-theft victim to freeze your credit. Anyone can place a freeze for any reason.

A freeze:

  • Is free
  • Does not affect your credit score
  • Remains until you lift or remove it
  • Can be temporarily lifted
  • Must be managed separately with each credit bureau

What Does a Credit Freeze Do?

A freeze can make it more difficult for someone to open new credit using your identity.

It is especially useful when:

  • Your Social Security number was exposed
  • Your wallet or identification was stolen
  • You experienced identity theft
  • You found an account you did not open
  • You received a data-breach notice
  • A scammer obtained sensitive personal information
  • You are not planning to apply for credit soon
  • You want an additional layer of protection

A freeze controls access to the credit report. It does not freeze your bank account, credit card or credit score.

What Does a Credit Freeze Not Do?

A credit freeze does not:

  • Cancel your existing credit cards
  • Prevent you from using existing credit accounts
  • Stop purchases made with stolen card information
  • Stop withdrawals from a compromised bank account
  • Correct credit-report errors
  • Remove fraudulent accounts already appearing on your reports
  • Prevent every type of identity theft
  • Stop tax, medical or government-benefit identity theft
  • Prevent existing creditors from reviewing an account
  • Stop every organization with a legally permitted purpose from accessing information

Continue monitoring bank, credit card, insurance and other financial statements after placing a freeze.

When an unauthorized credit card charge already exists, use:

Unauthorized Credit Card Charge: What to Do

Why Must You Freeze All Three Credit Reports?

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion maintain separate consumer credit files.

A freeze placed with Equifax:

  • Freezes your Equifax report
  • Does not freeze Experian
  • Does not freeze TransUnion

The same rule applies to each bureau.

Bureau frozen What remains available
Equifax only Experian and TransUnion reports may remain accessible
Experian only Equifax and TransUnion reports may remain accessible
TransUnion only Equifax and Experian reports may remain accessible
All three All three nationwide credit files are frozen

Do not assume one bureau will notify the others. That happens with certain fraud alerts, not credit freezes.

Credit Bureau Freeze Information

Credit bureau Official online freeze page Telephone
Equifax Equifax Credit Freeze 1-888-298-0045
Experian Experian Credit Freeze 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion TransUnion Credit Freeze 1-888-909-8872

Contact information can change. Confirm current telephone numbers and mailing instructions on each bureau’s official website before sending sensitive documents.

What Do You Need Before Freezing Your Credit?

A bureau may request:

  • Your full legal name
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your current address
  • Previous addresses
  • Your email address
  • Your telephone number
  • Answers to identity-verification questions

For a mailed request, you may need copies of:

  • A driver’s license or government identification
  • A utility bill
  • A bank statement
  • Another document proving your current address
  • A Social Security card or other identity document

Check each bureau’s current document requirements before mailing anything. Send copies rather than irreplaceable original documents.

Before beginning, create a secure record with separate spaces for:

  • Equifax confirmation
  • Experian confirmation
  • TransUnion confirmation
  • Login usernames
  • Freeze dates
  • Recovery instructions

How to Freeze Your Equifax Credit Report

Online

Visit:

Equifax Credit Freeze

Follow the prompts to:

  • Create or access your myEquifax account
  • Verify your identity
  • Locate the security-freeze controls
  • Place the freeze
  • Save the confirmation

Telephone

Use the current Equifax security-freeze number:

1-888-298-0045

Mail

Equifax currently lists this security-freeze mailing address:

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Confirm the current address, required identification and request form through Equifax before mailing.

How to Freeze Your Experian Credit Report

Online

Visit:

Experian Credit Freeze

Follow the prompts to:

  • Create or access your Experian account
  • Verify your identity
  • Select the security-freeze option
  • Confirm that the report is frozen
  • Save the confirmation

Telephone

1-888-397-3742

Mail

Experian currently lists:

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

Experian’s current mailed-request instructions may require:

  • Your full name
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your addresses for the previous two years
  • A copy of government identification
  • A copy of a utility bill or bank statement

Review the current Experian instructions before mailing because documentation requirements may change.

How to Freeze Your TransUnion Credit Report

Online

Visit:

TransUnion Credit Freeze

Use the TransUnion Service Center to:

  • Create or access your account
  • Verify your identity
  • Place the security freeze
  • Temporarily lift it later when necessary
  • Save your confirmation

Telephone

TransUnion provides an automated freeze line at:

1-888-909-8872

Its Consumer Relations team may also assist with freeze questions at:

1-800-916-8800

Mail

TransUnion currently lists:

TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094

TransUnion advises including your:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Social Security number

It may also be helpful to include the identity and address documentation listed in its current instructions.

How to Freeze Your Credit Online

Online freezing is generally the fastest method.

Open the official bureau website

Type the address into the browser or use the links in this guide.

Create or access your account

Use a unique password that is not shared with your banking or email accounts.

Verify your identity

Answer the requested questions carefully.

Find the security freeze

Look specifically for “Security Freeze” or “Credit Freeze.”

Place the freeze

Confirm that the status changes to frozen.

Save proof

Download or screenshot the confirmation and record the date.

Repeat at the next bureau

Complete the process separately at all three bureaus.

Do not buy a credit-monitoring membership merely to reach the free security-freeze option.

How to Freeze Your Credit by Telephone

Freezes can also be requested by telephone.

Before calling, have:

  • Your legal name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your current address
  • Previous addresses
  • A pen or secure place to record confirmation details

During the call:

  • Confirm that you are requesting a free security freeze
  • Complete identity verification
  • Ask when the freeze becomes effective
  • Write down any confirmation or reference number
  • Ask how to manage the freeze later

Call only a number listed on the bureau’s official website or an official government resource. Do not call a number supplied by an unexpected fraud-alert message.

How to Freeze Your Credit by Mail

A mail request may be useful when:

  • Online identity verification fails
  • You cannot access the bureau’s online service
  • You are freezing a minor’s credit
  • You are acting for a protected adult
  • The bureau requests additional documents

Your written request may need to include:

  • A clear request for a security freeze
  • Your full legal name
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your current address
  • Your previous addresses
  • Copies of required identity documents
  • Copies of required address documents

Use the bureau’s current form when one is provided. Keep a complete copy of everything mailed and use a trackable delivery method.

Do not mail irreplaceable original documents unless the bureau’s current instructions specifically require them.

How Long Does a Credit Freeze Take?

Request method General federal timeframe
Secure online request Freeze placed within one business day
Telephone request Freeze placed within one business day
Mail request Freeze placed within three business days after receipt
Online or telephone temporary lift Completed within one hour
Mailed temporary lift or removal Completed within three business days after receipt
Written confirmation Generally sent within five business days after placement

A bureau may complete an online request almost immediately, but federal timing rules allow the periods shown above.

When the freeze does not appear:

  • Check the confirmation page
  • Sign back into the official bureau account
  • Call the bureau
  • Record the representative and case number
  • Confirm whether additional identity documents are needed

Save Your Freeze Confirmations

Save separate records for all three bureaus.

Bureau Date requested Status Confirmation saved?
Equifax [Date] [Frozen] [Yes or no]
Experian [Date] [Frozen] [Yes or no]
TransUnion [Date] [Frozen] [Yes or no]

Keep:

  • Confirmation emails
  • Screenshots
  • Reference numbers
  • Usernames
  • Password-recovery information
  • The date each freeze was placed
  • Telephone call records
  • Copies of mailed requests

Store this information securely. Do not email passwords, Social Security numbers or account-recovery details to yourself in plain text.

How to Temporarily Lift a Credit Freeze

A temporary lift allows access to a frozen report during a period you select.

You may need one when applying for:

  • A credit card
  • An auto loan
  • A mortgage
  • A personal loan
  • Retail financing
  • Another new credit account
Ask which bureau will be checked

The lender may use Equifax, Experian, TransUnion or more than one.

Sign in to the appropriate bureau

Use the official freeze-management page.

Select a temporary lift

Do not permanently remove the freeze unless that is your intention.

Choose the date range

Allow enough time for the lender to complete its credit inquiry.

Save the confirmation

Record which bureau was lifted and when it will refreeze.

Confirm the freeze returns

Check the bureau account after the temporary period ends.

A temporary lift is free. You should not need to purchase monitoring or a credit lock to lift a security freeze.

Temporary Lift vs Permanent Freeze Removal

Temporary lift Permanent removal
Allows access for a selected period Ends the freeze until you place a new one
Useful for one application Useful when you no longer want the freeze
Automatically returns at the end of the period Does not automatically return
Free Free
Usually the safer choice for temporary credit needs Leaves the report available after removal

For most one-time applications, temporarily lifting the appropriate report is better than permanently removing all three freezes.

Which Credit Bureau Should You Unfreeze?

Ask the lender:

  • Which bureau will you check?
  • Will you check more than one bureau?
  • When will you submit the inquiry?
  • How long should the report remain available?

When the lender identifies one bureau, you may need to lift only that report.

When the lender:

  • Cannot identify the bureau
  • May use more than one
  • Uses an automated process that varies by applicant

You may need to lift all three temporarily.

Do not assume a lender will use the same bureau it used during an earlier application.

How to Handle a Credit Freeze Before a Mortgage

Mortgage lenders commonly review reports from all three nationwide credit bureaus.

Before applying:

  • Ask the lender when it will pull credit
  • Ask whether all three reports are needed
  • Temporarily lift the required freezes
  • Allow enough time for additional credit checks during underwriting
  • Save each lift confirmation

A mortgage process may include more than one credit review. Ask the lender how long the reports should remain available before choosing the temporary-lift dates.

Also review your reports before applying:

Car Loans, Credit Cards and Other Applications

For a credit card or auto-loan application:

Ask which bureau will be used

The company may be able to identify the report it expects to access.

Lift the required freeze

Choose a short but adequate date range.

Wait for confirmation

Online or telephone lifts generally must be completed within one hour.

Submit the application

Tell the lender when the necessary report is available.

Confirm the freeze returns

Check the bureau after the selected period ends.

Do not repeatedly apply while the report remains frozen. Confirm the lift before submitting another application.

Jobs, Apartments and Insurance

The federal security-freeze requirement does not restrict employment, tenant-screening and insurance access in the same way it restricts many new-credit inquiries.

Before lifting a freeze, ask the employer, landlord or insurer:

  • Are you requesting a traditional credit report?
  • Which consumer reporting company will you use?
  • Does my security freeze affect your screening request?
  • Do you need me to take any action?

Do not remove all three freezes automatically. Confirm exactly which report or screening product the organization needs.

Can You Still Use Existing Credit Cards and Loans?

Yes. A credit freeze generally does not prevent you from:

  • Using an existing credit card
  • Making loan payments
  • Using an existing line of credit
  • Reviewing your account online
  • Receiving monthly statements
  • Paying down balances

Existing creditors may still have access to information for account-management purposes.

A credit freeze affects many new-account applications, not the normal use of existing credit.

Does Freezing Credit Affect Your Credit Score?

No. Placing, lifting or removing a credit freeze does not lower your credit score.

Your score can still change while the report is frozen because creditors may continue reporting:

  • Balances
  • Payments
  • Late payments
  • Account openings
  • Account closures
  • Other account information

A credit freeze does not freeze the numerical score. It restricts access to the credit report.

To monitor a score without a paid trial, see:

How to Get a Free Credit Score Without a Paid Trial

Can You Check Your Credit Report While It Is Frozen?

Yes. A freeze does not prevent you from requesting and reviewing your own credit report.

You can still:

  • Obtain reports from all three bureaus
  • Review account information
  • Dispute errors
  • Monitor an identity-theft recovery
  • Check whether fraudulent accounts appeared

Use:

Credit Freeze vs Credit Lock

A credit freeze and credit lock may both restrict access to a report, but they are not identical products.

Credit freeze Credit lock
A consumer right provided under federal law A commercial product provided under company terms
Free to place, lift and remove May be free or included with a paid service
Subject to federal timing requirements Subject primarily to the provider’s service agreement
Available from each credit bureau May be bundled with monitoring or identity protection
Does not require a paid subscription May be marketed as part of a subscription

Look specifically for “security freeze” or “credit freeze.” Do not pay for a credit lock because the free freeze option is difficult to find.

Credit Freeze vs Fraud Alert

Credit freeze Fraud alert
Restricts access to the report for many new-credit decisions Tells businesses to verify your identity
Contact all three bureaus separately Contact one bureau, which generally notifies the others
Remains until lifted or removed An initial alert generally lasts one year
Must usually be lifted for a new-credit application Normally does not block access to the report
Free Free

You may use both a freeze and a fraud alert.

A fraud alert may be useful when:

  • You suspect identity theft
  • Your identifying information was exposed
  • You want lenders to take additional verification steps

Identity-theft victims with the required report may qualify for an extended fraud alert lasting seven years.

What Should You Do After Identity Theft?

A credit freeze is an important step, but it is not the complete recovery process.

Contact affected companies

Report fraudulent accounts or transactions and ask that they be closed or blocked.

Freeze all three reports

Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion separately.

Place a fraud alert

Contact one of the three bureaus when appropriate.

Review all three credit reports

Look for accounts, inquiries and addresses you do not recognize.

Use IdentityTheft.gov

Create an FTC Identity Theft Report and personalized recovery plan.

Dispute or block fraudulent information

Follow the identity-theft procedure for accounts that are genuinely not yours.

Secure existing accounts

Change passwords and review recent financial activity.

Start at:

IdentityTheft.gov

Do not use an identity-theft report for a legitimate account or debt.

Should You Freeze Your Credit After a Data Breach?

A freeze is especially worth considering when a breach exposed:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Government identification information
  • Financial account information
  • Other information useful for opening new accounts

A breach may also offer free credit monitoring. Monitoring and freezing serve different purposes:

Credit monitoring Credit freeze
Alerts you about certain report changes Restricts access for many new-credit decisions
Usually alerts after activity occurs Can make new-account fraud more difficult
May be free for a limited period Is free under federal law
May monitor one or more bureaus Must be placed separately with all three

You may use both free monitoring and credit freezes after a serious data breach.

What if Your Wallet Was Lost or Stolen?

Consider freezing your reports when the wallet contained:

  • Your Social Security card
  • A driver’s license
  • A passport card
  • Insurance identification
  • Other identifying documents

Also:

  • Report lost credit and debit cards
  • Replace compromised card numbers
  • Monitor bank and card activity
  • Report stolen identification when necessary
  • Review your credit reports

A credit freeze does not disable the cards that were in the wallet. Contact each card issuer separately.

Does a Credit Freeze Stop Fraud on Existing Accounts?

No. A freeze is aimed mainly at new-account credit checks.

It does not stop a thief from:

  • Using a stolen credit card number
  • Taking over an online bank account
  • Sending money through a compromised payment app
  • Changing an existing account’s contact information
  • Using stored payment credentials

Protect existing accounts by:

  • Changing compromised passwords
  • Using unique passwords
  • Enabling multi-factor authentication
  • Turning on transaction alerts
  • Removing unfamiliar devices
  • Reviewing account activity regularly

For scam recovery, see:

How to Freeze a Child’s Credit

A parent or authorized representative can request a free protected-consumer freeze for a child under age 16.

When the child does not already have a credit file, the bureau may create a record solely so that it can be frozen.

You will generally need documents proving:

  • Your identity
  • The child’s identity
  • Your authority to act for the child
  • Your current address

Possible documents include:

  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Government identification
  • Guardianship documents
  • Proof of address

Child-freeze procedures usually require a mail request and supporting documents. Follow each bureau’s protected-consumer instructions separately.

Children who are 16 or 17 may generally request and remove a security freeze themselves.

Send document copies as directed and verify the bureau’s protected-consumer mailing address. It may differ from the ordinary adult freeze address.

Freezing Credit for a Protected Adult

An authorized representative may be able to request a freeze for:

  • An incapacitated adult
  • A person under guardianship
  • A person under conservatorship
  • Someone for whom the representative has a valid power of attorney

The bureau may require:

  • Proof of the protected person’s identity
  • Proof of the representative’s identity
  • Guardianship or conservatorship documents
  • A valid power of attorney
  • Proof of address
  • A signed written request

Use each bureau’s protected-consumer procedure. Ordinary online freeze enrollment may not support representative requests.

What if You Cannot Place or Lift a Freeze?

Common problems include:

  • Online identity verification fails
  • Your address does not match the credit file
  • Your name recently changed
  • You have a thin or limited credit file
  • You cannot access the email account used previously
  • You lost account recovery information
  • The bureau needs additional documents
  • A technical error prevents submission

Try these steps:

Check the identifying information

Confirm your legal name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.

Use the bureau’s telephone option

Complete identity verification through its official freeze number.

Follow the mail procedure

Supply the documents requested by the bureau.

Save evidence of each attempt

Keep screenshots, error messages and reference numbers.

Contact consumer assistance

Ask what specifically prevents the freeze or lift.

Escalate an unresolved problem

Use the CFPB complaint system when a bureau does not properly honor a freeze right.

Do not create several different online accounts with conflicting information. Contact the bureau when you cannot access the existing account.

When Should You File a CFPB Complaint?

A CFPB complaint may be appropriate when a nationwide credit bureau:

  • Charges a fee for placing or lifting a security freeze
  • Does not place a qualifying freeze
  • Does not lift it within the applicable period
  • Does not provide confirmation
  • Continues showing the report as available incorrectly
  • Does not address repeated identity-verification problems
  • Does not follow a protected-consumer freeze request

Before filing, gather:

  • The bureau’s name
  • The date of your request
  • The method used
  • Confirmation or reference numbers
  • Error messages
  • Copies of letters
  • Postal delivery records
  • The response from the bureau
  • The exact correction requested

Submit through:

CFPB Complaint System

How to Avoid Credit Freeze Scams

Be cautious when someone:

  • Calls unexpectedly offering to freeze your credit
  • Claims you must pay a government freeze fee
  • Asks for gift-card or cryptocurrency payment
  • Requests your banking password
  • Asks for a one-time verification code
  • Requests remote access to your computer
  • Sends a link to a lookalike bureau website
  • Promises to freeze all three reports through one paid service

The three official credit bureaus provide security freezes free. You do not need a third-party company to place them.

Protect yourself by:

  • Typing bureau addresses directly
  • Checking the domain spelling
  • Using a private device
  • Avoiding public Wi-Fi
  • Using unique passwords
  • Enabling multi-factor authentication
  • Never sharing verification codes

A Simple Credit Freeze Routine

Freeze Equifax

Save the confirmation and account-recovery information.

Freeze Experian

Confirm that the status is frozen.

Freeze TransUnion

Save the third confirmation.

Review all three credit reports

Look for accounts and inquiries you do not recognize.

Secure existing accounts

Enable alerts and multi-factor authentication.

Temporarily lift only when needed

Ask the lender which bureau it will check.

Confirm the freeze returns

Check the status after the temporary period.

Keep your records current

Update your secure freeze record when login or contact information changes.

Credit Freeze Mistakes to Avoid

Freezing only one bureau

Complete separate freezes with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Buying a credit lock

Look for the free security-freeze option before accepting a paid service.

Losing login and recovery information

Store each bureau’s information securely.

Permanently removing a freeze for one application

Use a temporary lift when possible.

Lifting the wrong bureau

Ask the lender which report it intends to access.

Choosing too short a lift period

Allow time for the lender’s actual inquiry and possible follow-up review.

Assuming the freeze stops existing-account fraud

Continue monitoring bank and card activity.

Ignoring credit-report errors

A freeze does not correct inaccurate information.

Using a suspicious website

Type the official bureau domain directly.

Sending original documents unnecessarily

Follow the bureau’s current instructions and retain your original records.

Forgetting to confirm the status

Check that all three reports show as frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is freezing your credit really free?

Yes. Placing, temporarily lifting and removing a security freeze is free under federal law.

Do I need to pay for credit monitoring to freeze my credit?

No. A security freeze is available without purchasing monitoring, identity protection or a credit lock.

Do I need to freeze all three credit bureaus?

Yes. A freeze placed with one bureau does not freeze the other two.

Can I freeze all three reports in one request?

No. Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion separately.

How quickly does an online freeze take effect?

A nationwide credit bureau generally must place an online or telephone freeze within one business day. It may take effect much sooner.

How long does a mailed freeze request take?

The bureau generally must place it within three business days after receiving the request.

How long does a credit freeze last?

It remains until you temporarily lift or permanently remove it.

Does a credit freeze expire?

An adult security freeze does not normally expire automatically.

Does freezing credit hurt my credit score?

No. Placing, lifting or removing a freeze does not lower your score.

Can my credit score still change while frozen?

Yes. Creditors can continue reporting account activity, so the score may rise or fall.

Can I use my existing credit cards while frozen?

Yes. A freeze does not prevent normal use of existing accounts.

Can I check my own credit report while frozen?

Yes. You can request and review your own reports without lifting the freeze.

Can creditors I already use see my frozen report?

Existing creditors and certain other entities may still have legally permitted access for account-management or other authorized purposes.

Does a freeze stop unauthorized credit card charges?

No. It does not stop fraudulent use of an existing card. Contact the issuer immediately about unauthorized transactions.

Does a freeze remove fraudulent accounts?

No. Dispute or request identity-theft blocking for fraudulent information already appearing on your reports.

Can I apply for credit while frozen?

You can apply, but the lender may be unable to complete the application until the required report is temporarily lifted.

How quickly can I temporarily lift a freeze?

An online or telephone lift generally must be completed within one hour.

Should I lift all three freezes for a credit card application?

Ask which bureau the issuer will use. Lift only that bureau when the company can identify it. Otherwise, more than one lift may be necessary.

How long should I temporarily lift the freeze?

Choose a period that covers the expected credit inquiry and any follow-up review. Ask the lender about its timing.

Should I remove the freeze permanently for a mortgage?

Usually not. A temporary lift covering the lender’s underwriting period may be sufficient.

Do I need to lift a freeze for a job or apartment?

The federal freeze right does not restrict employment, tenant-screening and insurance inquiries in the same way as many new-credit checks. Ask the organization whether any action is required.

What is the difference between a freeze and a fraud alert?

A freeze restricts access for many new-credit decisions. A fraud alert tells businesses to take additional steps to verify your identity.

Can I have both a freeze and fraud alert?

Yes. They can be used together.

What is the difference between a freeze and credit lock?

A freeze is a free legal right. A lock is a company product that may be governed by different terms or bundled with a paid service.

Can I freeze a child’s credit?

A parent or authorized representative can request a free protected-consumer freeze for a child under age 16.

What if the child has no credit report?

The bureau may create a protected-consumer record so it can be frozen.

What should I do if a bureau will not freeze my report?

Contact the bureau, document the problem, follow its identity-verification instructions and consider a CFPB complaint when the issue remains unresolved.

Official Credit Freeze Resources

Bottom Line

Freezing your credit is free and can make it much harder for an identity thief to open a new credit account in your name. You must place the freeze separately with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Save each confirmation and use a temporary lift when a legitimate lender needs access. Remember that a freeze does not protect existing bank and card accounts, remove fraudulent information or correct reporting errors.

The practical rule: Freeze all three reports, save all three confirmations and temporarily lift only the report a legitimate lender needs.

This article provides general U.S. consumer information and does not provide individualized legal, credit or financial advice. Bureau procedures, telephone numbers, addresses and identity-verification requirements may change.

Comments

Post a Comment