how to freeze your credit

To freeze your credit, you need to place a security freeze on your credit reports with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This prevents creditors from accessing your credit report and helps protect you from identity theft or fraud. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Freeze Your Credit

1. Gather Required Information
   You will generally need to provide:

   • Your full name
   • Social Security number
   • Date of birth
   • Current and previous addresses
   • Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, passport, or utility bills) if requested

2. Contact Each Credit Bureau Individually
   You must request the freeze separately at each bureau. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail:

Bureau| Phone Number| Mailing Address| Website (for online freeze)
---|---|---|---
Equifax| 888-298-0045| Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788| Equifax website
Experian| 888-397-3742| Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013| Experian website
TransUnion| 800-916-8800| TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094| TransUnion website

Online or phone freeze requests are processed within one business day; mail requests take up to three business days

3. Confirm the Freeze
   After placing the freeze, each bureau will provide a confirmation and may give you a PIN or password to manage your freeze (some bureaus no longer require a PIN but use online accounts instead)

Additional Information

• A credit freeze does not affect your credit score or your ability to use existing credit cards. It only blocks new credit applications until you lift the freeze

• You can temporarily or permanently lift the freeze when you want to apply for new credit by contacting the bureaus again. Online or phone unfreeze requests are usually processed within an hour

• You can also freeze the credit reports of minors or another adult if you have legal authority, typically by mail with additional documentation

Freezing your credit is free and recommended if you suspect identity theft or want to proactively protect your credit