How to Freeze Your Credit After a Data Breach: Complete Guide
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) is the single most effective way to prevent identity theft and credit fraud. It's free, takes about 10 minutes per bureau, and doesn't affect your credit score. Here's exactly how to freeze your credit with all three bureaus.
What is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, which prevents anyone (including you) from opening new credit accounts in your name. When a lender tries to check your credit to approve a new account, they'll be denied because they can't access your report. You can temporarily "thaw" the freeze when you need to apply for legitimate credit.
Why You Should Freeze Your Credit
- Prevents new account fraud. Even if a thief has your Social Security number, they can't open credit cards or loans in your name with a frozen credit report.
- It's completely free. Federal law made credit freezes free for all Americans in 2018.
- No impact on your credit score. Freezing your credit does not lower your score.
- Doesn't affect existing accounts. Your current credit cards and loans work normally.
- Doesn't prevent credit monitoring. You can still check your own credit and use credit monitoring services.
How to Freeze Your Credit: Step by Step
You must freeze your credit separately with each of the three major bureaus. Here's how:
Experian
- Online: Visit experian.com/freeze and create a free account
- Phone: 1-888-397-3742
- Freeze PIN: Save the PIN you create " — you'll need it to thaw your credit
Equifax
- Online: Visit equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services and select "Credit Freeze"
- Phone: 1-800-349-9960
- Freeze PIN: Equifax will provide a PIN " — store it securely
TransUnion
- Online: Visit transunion.com/credit-freeze and create a free account
- Phone: 1-888-909-8872
- Freeze PIN: Save the PIN " — you'll need it to remove the freeze
When to Temporarily Unfreeze (Thaw) Your Credit
You'll need to temporarily lift the freeze when:
- Applying for a new credit card
- Applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan
- Opening a new utility account or cell phone plan
- Applying for a job that requires a credit check
- Renting an apartment
You can schedule the thaw for specific dates and automatically refreeze, or you can thaw for a specific lender. Most bureaus allow online thaw requests that take effect within 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Freeze Your Credit with Innovis and ChexSystems Too
Most people freeze only with the three major bureaus, but two additional bureaus should also be frozen:
- Innovis: A smaller credit bureau. Freeze at innovis.com or call 1-800-540-2505.
- ChexSystems: Used for bank account applications. Freeze at chexsystems.com or call 1-800-422-7138.
Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock
Credit bureaus offer "credit lock" products as an alternative to free credit freezes. Locks are typically app-based and may come with fees. They're functionally similar to freezes but are not governed by the same federal law. Free credit freezes are the better choice " — they're free, legally protected, and just as effective.