TL;DR: A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) restricts access to your credit report so new creditors generally cannot view it, which stops most identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. It does not affect your existing accounts or lower your credit score, and it is free for everyone in the US.
How to Freeze Your Credit (US) — a clear, step-by-step guide to what to do and how long it takes.
Step 1: Understand what a credit freeze does
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) restricts access to your credit report so new creditors generally cannot view it, which stops most identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. It does not affect your existing accounts or lower your credit score, and it is free for everyone in the US.
Step 2: Contact each of the three bureaus separately
You need to freeze your file with all three major credit bureaus individually — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — since each keeps its own separate report and a freeze at one does not cover the others. Each bureau lets you freeze online, by phone, or by mail.
Step 3: Create an account or request and verify your identity
Each bureau will ask you to verify your identity with personal details such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and address history before placing the freeze.
Step 4: Save your PIN or login credentials
Each bureau issues a unique PIN or account login you'll need to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze later, for example when you apply for a loan or new credit card — store these somewhere safe.
Step 5: Lift the freeze temporarily when you need credit checked
When you need to apply for credit, you can lift the freeze at a specific bureau for a set time window or specific creditor, then let it re-lock automatically, or lift it indefinitely and re-freeze afterward.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading How to Get a New Social Security Number After Theft.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see How to Lock Down Your Accounts After a Data Breach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Understand what a credit freeze does
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) restricts access to your credit report so new creditors generally cannot view it, which stops most identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. It does not affect your existing accounts or lower your credit score, and it is free for everyone in the US.
Step 2: Contact each of the three bureaus separately
You need to freeze your file with all three major credit bureaus individually — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — since each keeps its own separate report and a freeze at one does not cover the others. Each bureau lets you freeze online, by phone, or by mail.
Step 3: Create an account or request and verify your identity
Each bureau will ask you to verify your identity with personal details such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and address history before placing the freeze.
Step 4: Save your PIN or login credentials
Each bureau issues a unique PIN or account login you'll need to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze later, for example when you apply for a loan or new credit card — store these somewhere safe.
Step 5: Lift the freeze temporarily when you need credit checked
When you need to apply for credit, you can lift the freeze at a specific bureau for a set time window or specific creditor, then let it re-lock automatically, or lift it indefinitely and re-freeze afterward.