How to freeze credit: A shield to protect your finances

One of the most effective measures is a credit freeze, a free procedure that restricts access to your credit report, preventing new creditors from approving fraudulent accounts.

Financial security is a growing concern, especially with the increase in fraud and identity theft. If your personal information is compromised, criminals can open credit accounts in your name without your knowledge.

But how do you freeze credit correctly? How long does the freeze last? How do you unfreeze it when needed?

In this guide, you’ll find all the answers to protect your credit history and avoid financial issues.

What is a credit freeze?

Knowing how to freeze credit (credit freeze) is simple; you just need to understand that it is a free service offered by the three major credit bureaus in the United States: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

It restricts access to your credit report, preventing creditors and companies from reviewing it without your authorization.

This means that even if someone tries to open an account in your name, the request will be denied due to a lack of access to your information.

This procedure does not affect your credit score or prevent you from using your credit cards, applying for a job, or renting a home. The freeze can also be temporarily lifted if you need to apply for a loan or financing.

Why should you freeze your credit?

A credit freeze is one of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.

Your personal information may be compromised in data breaches, and criminals can use your details to open credit cards, take out loans, or even finance vehicles in your name.

Additionally, this measure is especially recommended for:

• Victims of identity theft – If your information has been misused before, a freeze can prevent further issues.
• People who don’t plan to apply for credit soon – If you don’t intend to finance a home or open new credit accounts, keeping your report frozen adds an extra layer of protection.
• Parents who want to protect their children’s credit – Children are frequent targets of identity theft because they usually don’t check their credit reports until adulthood.

In short, learning how to freeze credit is a smart decision for anyone looking to ensure their financial information remains secure.

How to freeze credit with the 3 credit bureaus

To ensure full protection, you must request a freeze from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, as each maintains different records. The process can be done online, by phone, or by mail.

Equifax

• Online: Visit the Equifax website and follow the instructions to activate the freeze.
• By phone: Call (888) 298-0045 and provide your personal information to request the freeze.
• By mail: Send a written request to
  Equifax Security Freeze
  P.O. Box 105788
  Atlanta, GA 30348
  Include your full name, address, Social Security number, and a copy of an identification document.

Experian

• Online: Visit the Experian website and create an account to manage the freeze.
• By phone: Call (888) 397-3742 and request the freeze on your report.
• By mail: Send your request to
  Experian Security Freeze
  P.O. Box 9554
  Allen, TX 75013
  Make sure to include copies of documents for identity verification.

TransUnion

• Online: Visit the TransUnion website and follow the instructions to activate the freeze.
• By phone: Call (800) 680-7289 and request the credit freeze.
• By mail: Send a letter to
  TransUnion
  P.O. Box 2000
  Chester, PA 19016
  As with the other bureaus, include all necessary personal information to complete the request.

What information is required to freeze credit?

When requesting a credit freeze, you will need to provide:

• Full name and address (current and previous, if necessary).
• Social Security number.
• Date of birth.
• A copy of an official identification document (such as a driver’s license or passport).
• Proof of residence (utility bill, water bill, or recent bank statement).

This information is essential for the credit bureaus to verify your identity before processing the freeze.

How long does a credit freeze last?

In the United States, a credit freeze remains active until you request its removal.

Unlike fraud alerts, which expire after a certain period, a freeze continues indefinitely, ensuring long-term protection.

If at any time you need to apply for new credit, you can temporarily lift your freeze to allow creditors to review your report.

Can anyone view a frozen credit report?

Although a credit freeze prevents most creditors from accessing your report, some entities can still view it, including:

• Existing creditors – Banks and institutions with which you already have open accounts can still access your report.
• Collection agencies – If you have past-due debts, collection agencies can view your information.
• Government agencies – Some government institutions can access your report for legal and security purposes.

Aside from these exceptions, the freeze prevents new credit inquiries and protects against fraud.

How do I unfreeze my credit?

If you need to apply for new financing or allow a creditor to access your report, you must temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit.

The process can be done online, by phone, or by mail directly with each credit bureau.

To speed up the process, keep the credentials used during the freeze, such as PINs or passwords, as they will be required for authentication.

Typically, online unfreezing is immediate, while phone or mail requests may take a few days to process.

A credit freeze is one of the most effective ways to protect your financial information from fraud and identity theft.

Although it requires some planning, this process is free and can prevent serious problems in the future.

If you don’t plan to apply for credit soon, keeping your report frozen is a highly recommended security measure.

If you need credit in the future, you can simply unfreeze it temporarily in a quick and secure manner.

For more tips on how to freeze credit and manage your finances securely, keep following our content!

Want a suggestion? Check out our article explaining how a co-signer credit card works!