What is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) restricts access to your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Most creditors need to see your credit report before approving a new account. If it’s frozen, they can’t access it, and the application should be denied.
How to Place a Credit Freeze
You must contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually. This is free to do.
- Equifax: Visit Equifax.com or call 1-800-349-9960.
- Experian: Visit Experian.com or call 1-888-397-3742.
- TransUnion: Visit TransUnion.com or call 1-888-909-8872.
You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information to verify your identity.
What You’ll Receive
Each bureau will provide you with a unique PIN (Personal Identification Number) or password. Keep this information safe! You will need it to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze later.
Temporarily Lifting or Removing a Freeze
If you need to apply for credit or a loan, you can temporarily lift the freeze for a specific period or for a particular creditor, using your PIN. You can also permanently remove the freeze using the same methods you used to place it.