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    Money & Banking
    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsApril 16, 2026Verified April 2026

    How to Freeze Your Credit to Prevent Identity Theft

    Place a free security freeze on your credit reports to prevent criminals from opening accounts in your name.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Money & Banking
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    credit freeze
    identity theft
    equifax
    experian
    transunion

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Freeze your credit at Equifax
    2. 2.Freeze your credit at Experian
    3. 3.Freeze your credit at TransUnion
    4. 4.Unfreeze when you need to apply for credit
    5. 5.Consider freezing a child's credit too
    1

    Freeze your credit at Equifax

    ~15s
    Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze. Click "Place a Security Freeze" and follow the steps. You will need to create an account and verify your identity. You will receive a PIN — save this, as you will need it to unfreeze your credit later.
    2

    Freeze your credit at Experian

    ~15s
    Go to experian.com/freeze/center.html and click "Freeze or Manage Freeze." Create an account or log in and follow the instructions to place the freeze. Experian will give you a PIN or confirmation number to save.
    3

    Freeze your credit at TransUnion

    ~15s
    Go to transunion.com/credit-help/credit-freeze and click "Get Started." Create an account and follow the steps. TransUnion lets you manage the freeze through their website or app.
    4

    Unfreeze when you need to apply for credit

    ~17s
    If you want to apply for a loan, credit card, or apartment that requires a credit check, you will need to temporarily unfreeze your credit at the relevant bureau. Log in to each bureau's website and select "Temporary Lift". You can usually do this in minutes.
    5

    Consider freezing a child's credit too

    ~15s
    Identity thieves sometimes target children because the fraud can go undetected for years. If you have children under 16, you can request a credit freeze on their behalf by contacting each bureau with proof of your identity and their relationship to you.

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    A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) blocks anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name, which is the most effective tool to prevent identity theft. It is completely free, does not affect your credit score, and does not stop you from using existing accounts. You must freeze your credit at all three bureaus separately. And you can lift it at any time.

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    credit freeze
    identity theft
    equifax
    experian
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    Official Resources

    Consumer Financial Protection BureauFTC — Identity TheftAnnualCreditReport.com

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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