Freeze Your Credit: How to Freeze/Unfreeze Equifax, Experian & TransUnion — Free & Fast

Freezing your credit is one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take to stop someone from opening new credit accounts in your name. A credit (security) freeze restricts access to the credit report that lenders use to decide whether to approve new credit. Because a freeze prevents most businesses from viewing your report, thieves can’t easily open credit cards, loans, or lines of credit using your identity — and the freeze is free to place and remove in the U.S. under federal law.

You must request a freeze separately with each of the three major credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and you can do it online, by phone, or by mail. Each bureau provides an easy online flow and phone numbers for people who prefer to freeze by phone; getting the freeze in place online or by phone typically takes one business day, and lifts placed online/phone must be honored quickly (often within an hour).

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I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step so you can freeze your credit fast, handle temporary lifts when you need credit, and understand what a freeze does and doesn’t block.

Why Freezing Your Credit Matters

Freezing your credit is one of the smartest and easiest steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. When your credit is frozen, new creditors can’t access your credit report. That means if someone tries to open a credit card or loan in your name using stolen information, their application will likely be denied since lenders can’t see your history.

Unlike paid “credit lock” services, a credit freeze is completely free and available to everyone in the U.S. Once you put it in place, it stays until you choose to lift it. If your personal data has been exposed in a data breach, you’ve lost important documents, or you’ve noticed suspicious activity, freezing your credit should be one of your first moves.

Freeze vs. Fraud Alert vs. Credit Lock

It’s easy to confuse these options, so here’s the breakdown:

• Fraud Alert – Tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. It lasts one year (longer if you’re a victim of identity theft). It doesn’t block access, it just warns lenders.
• Credit Freeze – Stops most new credit checks completely. It’s free and highly effective.
• Credit Lock – Similar to a freeze, but it’s often a paid feature offered by credit bureaus.

How to Freeze Your Credit with Each Bureau

You’ll need to place a freeze separately with all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Equifax

• Online: Create an account at myEquifax and place your freeze.
• Phone: Call (888) 298-0045.
  You’ll need to provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address.

Experian

• Online: Visit Experian’s Freeze Center and create an account.
• Phone: Call 1-888-397-3742 (1-888-EXPERIAN).
• Mail: Still supported if needed.
  They’ll verify your identity with your SSN, date of birth, and address history.

TransUnion

• Online: Use the TransUnion Service Center.
• Phone: Call 800-916-8800.
  They’ll ask for the same identifying details before activating your freeze.

What You’ll Need to Freeze Your Credit

Before you start, have these details ready:

• Full legal name
• Current and past addresses
• Date of birth
• Social Security number

If mailing your request, you’ll also need copies of ID documents such as your driver’s license, birth certificate, or utility bill.

How Long It Takes and How to Lift a Freeze

• Online or Phone: Freezes are usually placed within one business day, often instantly. Lifting (unfreezing) can also happen within an hour.
• By Mail: May take up to three business days.

Keep any confirmation numbers or logins safe — you’ll need them to make changes later.

What a Credit Freeze Does Not Block

A credit freeze is strong, but it’s not absolute. It won’t:

• Affect your existing credit cards or loans
• Stop insurance companies, government agencies, or certain background checks from accessing your file
• Prevent companies you’ve given permission to from viewing your report

So, if you’re expecting a job or rental screening, make sure to temporarily lift your freeze ahead of time.

Special Cases: Children, Identity Theft, and Deceased Loved Ones

• Children: Parents and guardians can freeze a child’s credit to stop fraudulent accounts from being opened in their name (proof of guardianship is required).
• Victims of Identity Theft: File a report at IdentityTheft.gov. They’ll guide you through placing freezes, alerts, and disputing fraudulent accounts.
• Deceased Individuals: Authorized representatives can request a freeze with the right documents.

Recap as Practical Checklist

Begin with these four steps:

1. Gather your SSN, DOB, current address, and one proof of identity (driver’s license or utility bill);
2. Place freezes online with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (or call their phone numbers if you prefer);
3. Save confirmation numbers or create bureau accounts to manage freezes later;
4. If you plan to apply for credit soon, set a temporary lift window or request to lift the freeze before submitting applications. For identity-theft victims, follow IdentityTheft.gov’s recovery plan after placing freezes.

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