How to Place a Credit Freeze: Complete Guide to Freezing Your Credit Reports
Updated March 2026 · 10 min read · Identity Theft Protection
The Short Version
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) restricts access to your credit report, making it nearly impossible for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. It is completely free, has no expiration date, and does not affect your credit score. You can temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze whenever you need to apply for credit.
Identity theft affects millions of Americans each year. When thieves steal your personal information — your name, Social Security number, date of birth — they often use it to open credit cards, take out loans, or establish utility accounts. By the time you discover the fraud, your credit may be ruined and you could spend months or years cleaning up the mess.
A credit freeze is one of the most effective tools you have to prevent this type of fraud. When your credit is frozen, creditors cannot access your credit report — which means they cannot approve new accounts in your name. Identity thieves cannot open credit cards, get car loans, or establish utilities using your stolen information.
This guide walks you through exactly how to place a credit freeze at all three major credit bureaus, how to temporarily lift it when you need to apply for credit, and what a freeze does and does not protect against.
What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze — also known as a security freeze — is a free tool that lets you restrict access to your credit report. When your credit is frozen:
Most creditors cannot see your credit report
New credit applications will be denied (because creditors cannot access your file)
Your existing creditors can still access your report
You can still check your own credit
Your credit score is not affected
Key Benefit: You Control Access
With a credit freeze, you decide who can access your credit report. When you want to apply for a loan or credit card, you temporarily lift the freeze for a specific time period or for a specific creditor. When you are done, the freeze goes back into place.
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: What Is the Difference?
Both credit freezes and fraud alerts help protect against identity theft, but they work differently:
Feature
Credit Freeze
Fraud Alert
Access to your credit report
Blocked (unless you lift it)
Allowed, but creditors must verify your identity
How long it lasts
Until you remove or lift it
1 year (initial), 7 years (extended)
Cost
Free
Free
How to set it up
Contact each bureau separately
Contact one bureau; they notify the others
Protection level
Strongest available
Moderate
Which should you choose? A credit freeze provides stronger protection and is recommended for most people. A fraud alert may be appropriate if you expect to apply for credit frequently in the near future and do not want to deal with lifting a freeze.
How to Place a Credit Freeze: Step-by-Step
You must place a credit freeze separately at each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The process is free and can be completed online, by phone, or by mail.
Gather your information. You will need: your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, previous addresses (if you have moved recently), and a copy of your government-issued ID (for mail requests).
Contact Equifax. Visit freeze.equifax.com or call 1-800-685-1111. Follow the prompts to place a security freeze. You will create an account and receive a PIN — save this PIN securely. You will need it to lift or remove the freeze.
Contact Experian. Visit www.experian.com/freeze or call 1-888-397-3742. Complete the freeze request and save your PIN.
Contact TransUnion. Visit www.transunion.com/credit-freeze or call 1-888-909-8872. Complete the freeze request and save your PIN.
Store your PINs securely. Write down the PIN from each bureau and keep them in a safe place. You will need these PINs to temporarily lift or permanently remove your freezes. Consider storing them in a password manager or secure location.
Do Not Lose Your PIN
If you lose your PIN, you can still lift or remove a freeze — but the process is more complicated. You may need to submit additional documentation or wait for a mailed confirmation. Treat your PINs like passwords.
Direct Links and Phone Numbers for All Three Bureaus
Equifax
Online freeze: freeze.equifax.com
Phone: 1-800-685-1111
Mailing address: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348
Mailing address: TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
How to Temporarily Lift a Credit Freeze
When you need to apply for credit — such as a mortgage, car loan, or credit card — you can temporarily lift (or "thaw") your credit freeze. You have two options:
Option 1: Lift for a Specific Time Period
You can lift the freeze for a specific number of days (such as 3 days while you shop for a car loan). During this window, creditors can access your credit report. After the period ends, the freeze automatically resumes.
Option 2: Lift for a Specific Creditor
You can grant access to a specific creditor (such as "Chase Bank" or "Quicken Loans"). Only that creditor can access your report; all others remain blocked.
Log in to each bureau's website or call the phone number you used to place the freeze. Have your PIN ready.
Select "temporary lift" or "thaw." Specify the dates or the specific creditor.
Confirm the lift. The bureau will provide confirmation. Online lifts are typically immediate; phone lifts may take up to one hour.
Apply for credit within your specified window. Once the window expires, the freeze automatically resumes.
Plan Ahead When Shopping for Credit
If you are shopping for a mortgage or auto loan, consider lifting your freeze for a 7-14 day window. This gives you time to shop around and compare rates without having to lift and re-freeze multiple times.
How to Permanently Remove a Credit Freeze
If you no longer want a credit freeze, you can remove it permanently. The process is similar to lifting it temporarily:
Log in to each bureau's website or call their phone number
Provide your PIN
Select "remove freeze" or "permanently lift freeze"
Confirm the removal
Your credit report will be accessible within one hour for online or phone requests. Mail requests may take up to three business days.
What a Credit Freeze Does NOT Protect Against
A credit freeze is powerful, but it is not a complete shield against all types of identity theft. A freeze does not prevent:
Fraudulent charges on existing accounts. If a thief gets your credit card number, they can still make unauthorized purchases. Monitor your existing accounts regularly.
Tax fraud. Someone can still file a fraudulent tax return in your name using your Social Security number.
Medical identity theft. Thieves can still use your identity to obtain medical care or prescriptions.
Synthetic identity theft. Criminals can combine your Social Security number with other information to create a "new" identity.
Account takeovers. If a thief obtains your login credentials, they can still access your existing bank or credit card accounts.
Layer Your Defenses
A credit freeze is one layer of protection. Combine it with: monitoring your existing accounts, using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and reviewing your credit reports annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a credit freeze free?
Yes. Under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act passed in 2018, placing, temporarily lifting, or removing a credit freeze is completely free at all three major credit bureaus. There are no fees and no expiration dates.
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A credit freeze has no impact on your credit score. It simply restricts access to your credit report. Your existing creditors can still see your report, and you can still check your own credit. Only new creditors seeking to open accounts are blocked.
How long does a credit freeze last?
Credit freezes do not expire. Once placed, they remain in effect until you temporarily lift or permanently remove them. You can lift a freeze for a specific time period or remove it entirely at any time.
What is the difference between a credit freeze and a fraud alert?
A credit freeze blocks all access to your credit report unless you lift it. A fraud alert allows access but requires creditors to verify your identity before issuing credit. Fraud alerts last one year (seven years for extended alerts), while freezes have no expiration.
Can I still use my credit cards with a freeze?
Yes. A credit freeze does not affect your existing accounts. You can continue using your current credit cards, and your existing creditors can still access your report for account review purposes. A freeze only blocks new creditors from opening new accounts.
Debt Collection Concerns? Get Free Help
If you are dealing with debt collectors, our free Debt Validation Letter can help you challenge questionable debts and understand your rights under the FDCPA.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Credit freeze laws and procedures may change. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed consumer rights attorney or contact the credit bureaus directly.