Data breaches are a fact of life these days, but recent ones… Violation of national public data, The leak of nearly 3 million records (including Social Security numbers) onto the dark web may end up being one of the worst we’ve ever seen. If you’re wondering what you can do to protect yourself, start by freezing your credit. Freezing your credit is one simple thing you can do to prevent bad actors from using your personal information for financial gain.
A credit freeze prevents creditors from viewing your credit report during the credit application process. If creditors cannot access your credit reports, they will not open new accounts in your name. You can freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus and then unfreeze it at any time if you want to apply for a mortgage loan or credit card.
How to freeze your credit
What you need: While requirements may vary between the three credit bureaus, you must provide them with your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. You should be prepared to provide your contact information, a government-issued ID, and proof of address to validate your identity.
Three major credit bureaus can access your identifying information: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You must contact each of them to freeze your credit:
- Equifax: You can freeze your credit online using the Equifax Security Freeze Serviceby phone by calling 1-888-378-4329, or by mail using This form.
- Experian: Manage your credit freeze online at Experian Websiteby phone at 1-888-397-3742, or by submitting a written request.
- TransUnion: Freeze your credit with TransUnion Onlineby phone by calling 800-916-8800, or by submitting a written request.
When you contact each credit bureau, you will go through a process with your information that may vary depending on how you contacted them:
- Online: Create an account and fill out a form with your information, including details to confirm your identity.
- By phone: Follow the instructions or speak to a representative to freeze your credit.
- By mail: Submit your request in writing to the credit agency, including copies of your identification process.
Note: Credit bureaus used to issue a PIN to manage your frozen credit, but that practice has stopped.
After the process to freeze your credit, you will receive a confirmation to let you know that the process is complete.
A frozen credit stays frozen until you change or unfreeze it. You can unfreeze your credit by contacting all credit bureaus, accessing your account, and requesting that your credit be unfrozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a credit freeze?
A security freeze, commonly referred to as a credit freeze, allows individuals to restrict access to their credit report, making it more difficult for thieves and other malicious actors to access a report. A credit report freeze is a free service; users can place, remove, or unfreeze a credit report at any time.
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When you apply for a mortgage, credit card, or other loan, you must unfreeze your credit to allow lenders to access it. Consumers can also request a temporary stay, which lifts the freeze for a limited time before reinstating it.
Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
No, freezing your credit does not affect your credit score. The freeze also does not prevent you from getting your free annual credit report or using your existing credit accounts.
Freezing your credit significantly restricts access to your report, but it doesn’t completely block it. Existing creditors with whom you already have an account can still access your credit report, as can government agencies, employers (with your consent), and insurance companies. Finally, debt collectors can access or manage your credit and assess your financial situation.
If I freeze my credit, how long will it remain frozen?
A credit freeze is permanent until you change it. The freeze does not expire and does not require you to renew it. Once you freeze your credit, it will remain that way until you lift it online, by phone, or by mail.