A credit freeze is the single best free step you can take against identity theft in the U.S. It stops criminals from opening new credit cards or loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It costs nothing, doesn’t hurt your credit score and takes about 15 minutes. Here is exactly how to do it at all three credit bureaus.
Do this today
- Freeze your credit at all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. A freeze at one does not cover the others.
- It is free by federal law, both to freeze and to unfreeze.
- Save the PIN or login for each bureau. You need it to lift the freeze later.
- Lift the freeze (online, in minutes) before you apply for a loan, card or apartment.
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What a credit freeze does (and doesn’t do)
| A credit freeze… | Yes / No |
|---|---|
| Blocks new accounts opened in your name | Yes |
| Is free to place and lift | Yes |
| Lowers your credit score | No |
| Stops you using your existing cards | No |
| Stops your current lenders from seeing your report | No |
| Protects against charges on cards you already have | No (watch your statements) |
How to freeze your credit: step by step
- Go to each bureau’s official freeze page (type the address yourself, don’t click links in emails): equifax.com, experian.com/freeze and transunion.com/credit-freeze.
- Create an account. Have your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number ready.
- Verify your identity. You may get a text code or questions about past addresses and loans.
- Place the freeze. Online and phone requests must be processed within one business day.
- Save your PIN or login details somewhere safe, such as a password manager.
- Repeat for the other two bureaus. Then do it for any children in your care: kids’ identities are a common target.
How to unfreeze (“thaw”) when you need credit
Log in to the bureau your lender uses and choose a temporary lift (for example, for 7 days) or a permanent removal. Online and phone lifts must happen within one hour. If you don’t know which bureau a lender checks, ask them, or lift all three for a few days.
Credit freeze vs. fraud alert vs. credit lock
| Option | Cost | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Credit freeze | Free | Blocks new credit until you lift it; protected by federal law |
| Fraud alert | Free | Asks lenders to verify your identity; lasts 1 year (7 years for identity theft victims); one request covers all three bureaus |
| Credit lock | Often paid | Bureau product similar to a freeze, but governed by the bureau’s contract, not the same federal rules |
⚠️ No real bureau will call or text you asking for your freeze PIN. If someone does, hang up. If you think your identity was stolen, report it at IdentityTheft.gov, the FTC’s official site, which gives you a recovery plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does freezing my credit hurt my score?
No. A freeze has no effect on your credit score.
Is a credit freeze really free?
Yes. Since 2018, federal law requires all three bureaus to freeze and unfreeze for free.
Can I still use my credit cards?
Yes. A freeze only blocks new accounts. Your existing cards and loans work normally.
How long does a freeze last?
Until you lift it. There is no expiration.
Do I need to freeze my child’s credit?
You can, and it is free. Each bureau has its own process for minors, usually requiring proof that you are the parent or guardian.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026. Rules and websites can change; always use the official links in this guide.
