how to freeze credit

To freeze your credit, you need to place a security freeze on your credit reports with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, preventing creditors from opening new accounts in your name without your permission, which helps protect against identity theft and fraud.

Steps to Freeze Your Credit

1. Contact Each Credit Bureau Individually
   You must request a freeze separately at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail.

2. Provide Required Information
   Typically, you will need to provide:

   • Your full name (including any suffixes)
   • Social Security number
   • Date of birth
   • Current and previous addresses
   • Copies of identification documents such as a driver’s license, passport, or utility bills may be required if you apply by mail or phone for identity verification

3. Use Online or Phone for Fastest Processing
   • Online or phone requests are usually processed within one business day.
   • Mail requests can take up to three business days to process

4. Confirm Freeze Activation
   Once the freeze is in place, creditors cannot access your credit report without your authorization. This means new credit applications may be denied or put on hold until you lift the freeze.

How to Lift or Temporarily Unfreeze Your Credit

• You can lift the freeze permanently or temporarily when you want to apply for new credit.
• The fastest way to unfreeze is online or by phone, which is usually processed within an hour. Mail requests take up to three business days

Additional Notes

• Freezing your credit does not affect your credit score.
• Existing creditors and certain government agencies can still access your credit report despite the freeze.
• You can still get your free annual credit reports while your credit is frozen

Contact Information for Credit Bureaus

Bureau| Phone Number| Mailing Address
---|---|---
Equifax| 888-298-0045| Equifax Info Services LLC P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian| 888-397-3742| Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion| 800-916-8800| TransUnion P.O. Box 160 Woodlyn, PA 19094

Freezing your credit is a free service and a strong preventative measure against identity theft