TL;DR: Children generally shouldn't have a credit file at all, so if one exists, it's often a sign someone has used their Social Security number to open accounts — a freeze both prevents this and blocks it if it's already started.
How to Freeze a Child's Credit File — a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do and how long it takes.
Step 1: Understand why this matters
Children generally shouldn't have a credit file at all, so if one exists, it's often a sign someone has used their Social Security number to open accounts — a freeze both prevents this and blocks it if it's already started.
Step 2: Confirm whether a file exists first
Contact each of the three credit bureaus and ask them to check whether a credit file exists for your child using their SSN — most legitimate minors won't have one yet.
Step 3: Request a freeze at each bureau
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each have a process for freezing (or creating and immediately freezing) a minor's credit file — this typically requires proof of your identity, your relationship to the child, and the child's identifying documents.
Step 4: Keep documentation of the freeze
Save the confirmation from each bureau, since you'll need it if you ever need to lift the freeze, such as when your child turns 18 and needs to apply for their first credit.
Step 5: Check periodically for unauthorized activity
Periodically verify with the bureaus that no file has been created or that the freeze remains active, since this is one of the few checks that requires you to proactively ask rather than being notified.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading How to Freeze Your Credit in Canada.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see How to Freeze Your Credit (US).
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Understand why this matters
Children generally shouldn't have a credit file at all, so if one exists, it's often a sign someone has used their Social Security number to open accounts — a freeze both prevents this and blocks it if it's already started.
Step 2: Confirm whether a file exists first
Contact each of the three credit bureaus and ask them to check whether a credit file exists for your child using their SSN — most legitimate minors won't have one yet.
Step 3: Request a freeze at each bureau
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each have a process for freezing (or creating and immediately freezing) a minor's credit file — this typically requires proof of your identity, your relationship to the child, and the child's identifying documents.
Step 4: Keep documentation of the freeze
Save the confirmation from each bureau, since you'll need it if you ever need to lift the freeze, such as when your child turns 18 and needs to apply for their first credit.
Step 5: Check periodically for unauthorized activity
Periodically verify with the bureaus that no file has been created or that the freeze remains active, since this is one of the few checks that requires you to proactively ask rather than being notified.