Complete Guide: How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit Reports With All 3 Bureaus
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, blocks access to your credit reports to prevent scammers from opening fraudulent accounts in your name. When your credit is frozen, potential creditors cannot access your credit reports, making it impossible to approve new credit applications.
Freezing your credit is free, won't harm your credit score, and remains one of the strongest defenses against identity theft.
How to Freeze Your Credit
Contact each credit bureau individually to freeze your credit:
Equifax:
- Online at Equifax.com
- Phone: 888-298-0045
- Mail: Equifax Info Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian:
- Online at Experian.com
- Phone: 888-397-3742
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion:
- Online at TransUnion.com
- Phone: 800-916-8800
- Mail: TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
Required Information:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Government-issued ID (for online/mail requests)
- Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements)
Important Features:
- Freezes are implemented within one business day for online/phone requests
- Credit freezes last until you lift them
- You can temporarily unfreeze your credit when needed
- Current creditors and certain agencies can still access your reports
- You maintain access to your own credit reports
When to Freeze Your Credit:
- If you're not actively seeking new credit
- After a data breach involving your personal information
- If your Social Security number has been compromised
- To prevent identity theft proactively
Woman looking at laptop screen
Special Circumstances:
- Parents can freeze credit for children under 16
- You can freeze credit for an incapacitated adult with proper documentation
- Credit monitoring services still work with frozen credit
- May need temporary thaw for certain services (like creating a mySocialSecurity account)
Remember: While credit freezes provide strong protection, continue monitoring existing accounts for fraudulent activity and checking credit reports regularly.
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