Identity theft can create serious financial problems. Someone who obtains your personal information may attempt to open a credit card, apply for a loan, or establish other financial accounts in your name.
One way to help protect yourself is to place a security freeze on your credit reports. In the United States, consumers can request a security freeze for free from the three major nationwide credit reporting companies.
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file, making it more difficult for someone to open a new credit account using your identity. However, it does not prevent every type of fraud, and it does not replace monitoring your existing financial accounts.
This guide explains how credit freezes work, how to request one, when to temporarily lift it, and what limitations you should understand before using this protection.
What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a protection that restricts access to your credit report by prospective creditors.
When a lender evaluates an application for a new credit account, it will typically check a consumer’s credit report. A security freeze restricts this access, which can make it harder for an identity thief to open a new account in your name.
Under federal law, security freezes are available free of charge from the three major nationwide credit reporting companies:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
You do not need to purchase a credit monitoring subscription to request a security freeze.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a security freeze can help prevent identity thieves from opening new credit accounts using your personal information.
However, a freeze does not prevent every company or person from accessing your credit file. Certain exceptions apply under federal and state law.
How Does a Credit Freeze Work?
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file until you lift or remove the freeze.
For example, imagine that someone obtains your personal information and attempts to apply for a new credit card in your name.
If the relevant credit report is frozen, the card issuer may be unable to access that report for its normal credit evaluation. As a result, the application may not proceed as it otherwise would.
The exact outcome depends on the lender’s procedures and applicable requirements.
A credit freeze does not automatically cancel an application, erase existing debts, or close accounts that have already been opened.
It also does not prevent someone from making unauthorized transactions on an existing credit card or taking over an existing financial account.
For these reasons, a security freeze should be part of a broader approach to protecting your identity.
How to Freeze Your Credit for Free
You must contact each of the three major credit reporting companies separately if you want to freeze all three credit reports.
Freezing your report with one company does not automatically freeze your reports with the other two.
Step 1: Contact Equifax
Visit the official Equifax website and locate its security freeze service.
Follow the instructions to verify your identity and request the freeze.
Official website: https://www.equifax.com/
Step 2: Contact Experian
Visit Experian’s official website and find its credit freeze section.
Complete the identity verification process and follow the instructions to place the freeze.
Official website: https://www.experian.com/
Step 3: Contact TransUnion
Visit TransUnion’s official website and locate its credit freeze service.
Submit your request according to the company’s instructions.
Official website: https://www.transunion.com/
Step 4: Keep Your Confirmation Records
Save the confirmation details provided by each company.
You may need to refer to these records when temporarily lifting or removing a freeze in the future.
Always use official websites and avoid links from suspicious emails or text messages.
Does Freezing Your Credit Cost Money?
No. Federal law provides consumers with the right to place and remove security freezes free of charge at the three major nationwide credit reporting companies.
You should not need to purchase a credit monitoring subscription or paid credit lock to obtain this legal protection.
A credit lock is a separate product that a credit reporting company may offer. It may be included with a paid service.
According to the CFPB, credit locks are not more effective than security freezes, which are free and available to consumers under federal law.
Before purchasing an identity protection service, check what it includes and whether you actually need its additional features.
Will a Credit Freeze Lower Your Credit Score?
No. Placing a security freeze does not affect your credit score.
A freeze restricts access to your credit file; it does not directly change your credit history or the information used to calculate your score.
However, a freeze may affect your ability to obtain new credit while it is active because lenders generally need access to your credit report to evaluate an application.
If you plan to apply for a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or another credit product, check the lender’s instructions before submitting your application.
You may need to temporarily lift the freeze with one or more credit reporting companies.
How to Temporarily Lift a Credit Freeze
You do not necessarily have to remove a freeze permanently when applying for credit.
You can request a temporary lift for a period you specify.
For example, if you plan to apply for an auto loan, you can arrange to lift the freeze before the lender checks your credit report.
Follow these steps:
- Identify which credit reporting companies the lender intends to check.
- Contact those companies through their official websites or other authorized channels.
- Follow their instructions to temporarily lift the freeze.
- Specify the applicable period if the company offers that option.
- Confirm that the freeze status has been updated before submitting your application.
If you have frozen all three reports, remember that you may need to contact all three companies separately.
Under federal requirements described by the CFPB, a nationwide credit reporting company generally must remove a freeze within one hour of receiving a qualifying request through its toll-free telephone number or secure electronic method. A request made by mail generally must be completed within three business days.
These timeframes apply to qualifying requests under the applicable rules. Check the reporting company’s current instructions before relying on a particular deadline.
Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert: What Is the Difference?
A credit freeze and a fraud alert are different ways to help protect your credit information.
A security freeze restricts access to your credit file. A fraud alert asks creditors that check your report to take additional steps to verify your identity before extending certain forms of credit.
Here is a comparison:
| Feature | Credit Freeze | Initial Fraud Alert |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Main purpose | Restricts access to your credit file | Encourages additional identity verification |
| Duration | Remains until lifted or removed | Generally lasts one year |
| Contacting all three bureaus | Required; contact each separately | Contact one bureau, which must notify the other two |
| Effect on credit score | Does not affect your score | Does not directly affect your score |
| Best use | Restricting access to help prevent new-account fraud | Alerting creditors to possible identity theft |
An initial fraud alert can be useful if you suspect that someone has stolen your personal information.
If you have experienced identity theft and meet the applicable requirements, you may qualify for an extended fraud alert, which generally lasts seven years.
Neither a freeze nor a fraud alert guarantees that all fraud will be prevented.
What Should You Do If Someone Opens an Account in Your Name?
If you discover an account you did not open, take action promptly.
Contact the Financial Institution
Contact the bank, credit card issuer, or lender associated with the unfamiliar account.
Use the official contact information listed on the institution’s website or your verified account documents.
Explain that you do not recognize the account and ask the institution to investigate.
If an existing account has been compromised, ask about securing or closing it as appropriate.
Report Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission provides an official recovery resource at IdentityTheft.gov.
You can use the website to report identity theft and obtain a recovery plan tailored to your situation.
Official website: https://www.identitytheft.gov/
Follow the instructions provided and keep copies of any reports or correspondence.
Review Your Credit Reports
Check your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for unfamiliar accounts, unexpected inquiries, or other suspicious information.
If you find inaccurate information, dispute it with the relevant credit reporting company and the company that supplied the information.
Identity theft-related information may qualify for special blocking procedures under federal law. Follow the official instructions and provide the required documentation.
Secure Your Existing Accounts
Change compromised passwords, enable multifactor authentication where available, and review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized activity.
If you suspect that your email account has been compromised, secure it as well because it may be used to reset other account passwords.
A credit freeze alone cannot protect an account that someone can already access.
Are There Any Disadvantages to a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze is free, but it can create inconvenience if you need to apply for new credit.
For example, you may need to temporarily lift the freeze before applying for a new credit card or mortgage.
If you forget to lift it, the lender may be unable to access your credit report and may not be able to complete its normal evaluation.
You should also understand that a freeze:
- Does not improve your credit score.
- Does not erase accurate negative information.
- Does not prevent all identity theft.
- Does not stop unauthorized transactions on existing accounts.
- Does not automatically freeze your reports with all three companies.
These limitations do not mean that a freeze is ineffective. They simply explain what this protection can and cannot do.
Should You Freeze Your Credit?
A security freeze may be worth considering if you want to reduce the risk of someone opening new credit accounts in your name.
It can be especially relevant if you suspect identity theft, discover unfamiliar credit inquiries, or learn that personal information may have been exposed.
You do not need to wait until you become a victim of identity theft to request a freeze.
However, the decision should fit your circumstances. If you frequently apply for new credit, you may need to manage temporary lifts more often.
Regardless of whether you freeze your credit, regularly review your financial statements and credit reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a credit freeze really free?
Yes. You can place and remove a security freeze for free with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Do I need to freeze all three credit reports?
If you want to restrict access through all three major nationwide credit reporting companies, you must contact each company separately.
Can I still use my existing credit cards after freezing my credit?
Generally, yes. A credit freeze does not prevent you from using existing credit accounts. However, it does not protect those accounts from unauthorized transactions or account takeover.
How long does a credit freeze last?
A security freeze generally remains in place until you request that it be lifted or removed.
Does a credit freeze prevent identity theft completely?
No. It can make it harder for someone to open new credit accounts using your information, but it does not prevent every type of fraud.
Can I apply for a mortgage with a credit freeze?
You can apply, but the lender may need access to your credit report. You may need to temporarily lift the freeze with the relevant credit reporting companies.
Final Thoughts
A credit freeze is a free tool that can help U.S. consumers restrict access to their credit reports and reduce the risk of certain forms of identity theft.
You can request a freeze directly from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion without paying for a credit monitoring subscription.
Remember that each company must be contacted separately, and you may need to lift the freeze before applying for new credit.
For the most reliable information, use official government resources and the credit reporting companies’ verified websites.
Official references:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Credit Freeze and Security Freeze Guidance
- Federal Trade Commission: IdentityTheft.gov
- Equifax: Official Credit Freeze Service
- Experian: Official Credit Freeze Service
- TransUnion: Official Credit Freeze Service