A credit freeze is free and stops most new lenders from seeing your report, which makes it one of the most effective ways to prevent new accounts being opened in your name. You place it separately at each bureau. Requests made online or by phone must be applied within one business day, and requests to lift a freeze within one hour.
- Freezing and unfreezing is free by law.
- Freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion separately.
- A freeze does not affect your score or existing accounts.
The three nationwide bureaus
Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion through their official websites or phone numbers. Keep any PIN or account login in a safe place, because you will need it to lift the freeze later.
Other agencies to consider
Innovis is a smaller nationwide bureau. Specialty consumer reporting agencies, for example those used for bank account screening (such as ChexSystems), phone and utility accounts, or identity verification (such as LexisNexis), keep their own files. Many of them offer freezes too; check each agency’s official site.
What a freeze does and does not do
- It does not lower your score or close existing accounts.
- Your existing creditors can still review your accounts.
- You can still check your own reports.
- Before applying for new credit, lift the freeze temporarily or for a specific lender.
Freeze or fraud alert?
A fraud alert asks lenders to verify your identity before opening credit. An initial alert lasts one year and you only need to contact one bureau, which tells the other two. Identity theft victims can place an extended alert for seven years. A freeze is stronger because most lenders cannot see your report at all.
Children
Parents and guardians can request a free freeze for children under 16.
Frequently asked questions
Does a freeze affect my credit score?
No.
Do I need to freeze if I already have a fraud alert?
Not necessarily, but a freeze offers stronger protection, especially after identity theft.
Sources
- FTC — Is a credit freeze or fraud alert right for you?
- 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-1 — FCRA: fraud alerts and security freezes
- IdentityTheft.gov — FTC identity theft reporting and recovery
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws and lender practices change; check the official sources above for current details.
Accurate, verifiable records may legally remain. We do not guarantee removal or any specific score. You may also dispute errors directly with the credit bureaus for free.
