Protect Your Credit: How to Place a Credit Freeze
A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) helps protect you from identity theft by restricting access to your credit report. When your credit report is frozen, lenders and creditors cannot view your credit file to open new accounts. This makes it much more difficult for someone to open credit in your name without your permission.
Placing a credit freeze is free and can be done online with each of the three major credit bureaus. If you plan to apply for a loan, credit card, or other financing, you can temporarily lift the freeze when needed.
When Might a Credit Freeze Be Beneficial?
You may want to consider placing a credit freeze if:
You suspect identity theft or notice suspicious activity on your credit report.
Your personal information has been exposed in a data breach.
Your wallet, Social Security card, or personal documents were lost or stolen.
You want an extra layer of protection to prevent unauthorized credit accounts from being opened in your name.
You simply want to take a proactive step to protect your financial identity.
How to Place a Credit Freeze
To fully protect your credit file, you must place a freeze with each of the three credit bureaus individually:
Experian – Place or manage your credit freeze here:
Experian Credit Freeze
Equifax – Place or manage your credit freeze here:
Equifax Credit Freeze
TransUnion – Place or manage your credit freeze here:
Transunion Credit Freeze
Each bureau will guide you through creating an account and confirming your identity. Once completed, your credit report will remain frozen until you choose to lift or remove the freeze.
Need to Apply for Credit?
If you plan to apply for a loan, mortgage, credit card, or other financing, you can temporarily lift the freeze with the bureau your lender will use. This can typically be done online and takes only a few minutes.