How to Freeze your Credit
How to Freeze your Credit
Freezing your credit is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against identity theft. It prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name, and it is completely free to freeze and unfreeze your credit at all three major bureaus - Equifax, Experian and Transunion
You will need to contact each bureau individually. For each one, you can freeze your credit online (the fastest method), by phone, or by mail.
What You Need Before You Start
To verify your identity, have the following information ready for all three bureaus:
Your full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN).
Your current residential address (and previous addresses if you've moved in the last two years).
A mobile phone number (for receiving verification PINs via text).
Online (Recommended)
Go to the Equifax Credit Freeze Page.
Click Get Started to create a "myEquifax" account if you don't already have one.
Once logged in, navigate to the Freeze section and toggle the status to "Frozen."
By Phone
Call 1-888-298-0045.
You will be prompted to provide your personal information and set up a PIN.
By Mail
Send a written request along with copies of your identity verification documents (like a driver's license and utility bill) to:
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Online (Recommended)
Go to the Experian Freeze Center.
Click Add a freeze.
Fill out the security forms with your personal details and set up an account password.
Experian will generate a PIN. Save this PIN securely, as you may need it to unfreeze your credit later.
By Phone
Call 1-888-397-3742.
Follow the automated prompts to request a security freeze.
By Mail
Send your request and copies of identity documents to:
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Online (Recommended)
Go to the TransUnion Credit Freeze Page.
Click Add a Freeze and select Create Account.
Once your account is set up, log into your dashboard, locate the Credit Freeze option, and select Freeze My Credit.
TransUnion will require you to create a 6-digit PIN. Write this down and keep it safe.
By Phone
Call 1-888-909-8872.
Select the option for a security freeze and follow the prompts.
By Mail
Send your request and required documentation to:
TransUnion LLC
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Safeguard Your PINs/Passwords: When you create these freezes, write down the account passwords and any PINs provided (especially by Experian and TransUnion). You will need them to temporarily lift ("thaw") the freeze if you ever want to apply for a new credit card, utility service, or loan.
Online vs. Phone Speed: Online freezes take effect instantly. By law, if you request a freeze by phone or online, the bureaus must implement it within 1 business day. If you request it by mail, they have 3 business days from receiving your letter.
What a Freeze Does NOT Do: A freeze stops new accounts from being opened, but it does not stop your current creditors or collection agencies from accessing your report. It also does not impact your credit score.