How to Freeze Your Credit (US)
How to freeze (and unfreeze) your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — free by law — plus the lesser-known bureaus worth freezing too.
How to use
- 1Create an account (or call) at each of the three main bureaus and request a security freeze.
- 2Save your PINs/logins — you'll need them to lift the freeze before applying for credit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze only blocks new creditors from viewing your report; your score and existing accounts are unaffected.
How fast does a freeze take effect?
Requests online or by phone must be applied within one business day, and lifted within one hour.
Freeze vs. fraud alert — what's the difference?
A freeze blocks access to your report entirely. A fraud alert lets lenders see it but asks them to verify your identity first.