Introduction: A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is the single most effective, free tool available to prevent a thief from opening new credit accounts in your name. By locking access to your credit reports, you stop new lenders from viewing your file, which is a prerequisite for most new loans or credit cards.
What is a Credit Freeze and Why Do You Need One?
A credit freeze locks your file at all three major credit bureaus, preventing potential creditors from accessing it. Since a new lender must pull your credit report to approve a loan, a locked report means no new credit can be issued—not even by you, unless you temporarily lift the freeze.
Key Facts About Credit Freezes:
- It's Free: Placing, temporarily lifting, or permanently removing a freeze is free of charge at all three bureaus.
- It Does Not Affect Your Score: A credit freeze has no impact on your credit score.
- It's Necessary to Contact All Three: You must contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately to fully protect yourself.
How to Place a Credit Freeze on Each Bureau
The fastest way to manage your freeze is online or by phone. Agencies must place the freeze within one business day of your request via these methods.
Equifax
Equifax provides two main phone numbers for placing a security freeze.
- Online: Create a myEquifax account at myEquifax.com
- Phone: (888) 298-0045 or automated line (800) 349-9960
- Mail: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian
Experian allows you to manage your security freeze entirely online.
- Online: Visit the Experian Security Freeze page at experian.com/freeze
- Phone: (888) 397-3742
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
TransUnion's online portal is the quickest way to place and manage your freeze.
- Online: Use the TransUnion Service Center at transunion.com/credit-freeze
- Phone: (888) 909-8872
- Mail: TransUnion, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016-2000
How to Temporarily Lift or "Thaw" Your Credit
When you need to apply for new credit (e.g., a new mortgage, car loan, or credit card), you will need to temporarily lift the freeze so the lender can pull your report. This is often called "thawing" the freeze.
- Get the Lender's Bureau: Ask the lender which of the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) they plan to use.
- Log In and Specify: Go to that bureau's website or call their number. You will need to provide your PIN/Passcode.
- Choose Date Range: Specify the exact dates you need the freeze lifted (e.g., from October 15, 2025, to October 20, 2025). This is safer than just lifting it indefinitely.
- Lender Pulls Report: The lender can now access your file during that window. Once the window closes, the freeze automatically reapplies.
How to Permanently Remove a Credit Freeze
If you no longer wish to maintain the freeze, you can permanently remove it by logging into your account or using the phone/mail options with each bureau, following the same process as lifting but selecting the permanent removal option. However, most security experts advise keeping a freeze in place indefinitely and only lifting it when necessary.
Conclusion
A credit freeze is the cornerstone of identity theft protection. It takes about an hour to set up across all three major credit bureaus and costs nothing. While it may require minor planning when applying for new credit, the peace of mind knowing that new accounts cannot be opened in your name without your explicit authorization is well worth the effort. **Make placing a credit freeze your priority today.**