A credit freeze blocks most new lenders from viewing your credit report, which helps stop new accounts from being opened in your name. It is free, does not hurt your score, and stays in place until you lift it.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you have a U.S. credit file and want protection after a breach, identity-theft concern, lost wallet, or just as a general safety step.
Freeze all three credit bureaus
You need to freeze each bureau separately.
- Go to Equifax.com and find Credit Freeze or Security Freeze.
- Go to Experian.com and use its Freeze or Unfreeze section.
- Go to TransUnion.com and open Credit Freeze.
- Create or sign into each bureau account and place the freeze.
- Save the login, PIN, password, and confirmation for each bureau in a password manager or secure record.
- Confirm each freeze is active. Online freezes typically take effect quickly and no later than the legal deadline.
Temporarily lift the freeze when needed
Credit applications and some rental or job checks may require a thaw.
- Ask the lender or company which bureau they will check. If they do not know, lift all three.
- Log into the bureau site and choose Temporarily Lift, Thaw, or Unfreeze.
- Choose a date range or keep it open until you turn the freeze back on.
- Complete the application or check.
- Refreeze afterward so protection resumes.
Freeze a child’s credit
A child normally should not have active credit, which makes a freeze useful.
- Search each bureau site for minor freeze or child identity theft.
- Follow the written process, which usually asks for the child’s Social Security number, birth certificate, your ID, and proof of guardianship.
- If the bureau finds a file, freeze it and investigate for possible misuse.
- Consider doing this proactively even without known theft.
More control
Freeze vs. lock vs. fraud alert
A credit freeze is free and legally guaranteed. A credit lock may be convenient but is usually a private bureau product. A fraud alert asks lenders to verify identity and can be placed with one bureau, but it is less protective than a freeze.
Leave it on
A freeze stays active indefinitely. There is usually no reason to remove it unless you are actively applying for credit.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Advice – Credit freeze FAQs (2025)
- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – Security freeze official bureau pages (2025)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – What is a credit freeze? (2025)