Credit Freeze — Step by Step

What it does

A credit freeze locks your credit reports. No one can open a new credit card, mortgage, or loan in your name — including you — until you "thaw" it. Best protection against identity theft.

• Free since 2018 (federal law).
• Doesn't hurt your credit score.
• Doesn't affect existing accounts.
• Doesn't affect your ability to use cards/loans you already have.

Bureau 1 — Equifax

1. Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services.
2. Click "Place a freeze".
3. Create account (or sign in).
4. Enter SSN, address, DOB. Verify identity (security questions).
5. Place freeze. Save the PIN they give you.
6. Phone alternative: 1-800-685-1111.

Bureau 2 — Experian

1. Go to experian.com/freeze.
2. Click "Add a security freeze".
3. Create account (or sign in).
4. Verify identity. Place freeze. Save PIN.
5. Phone alternative: 1-888-397-3742.

Bureau 3 — TransUnion

1. Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze.
2. Click "Place a credit freeze".
3. Create account.
4. Verify identity. Place freeze. Save PIN.
5. Phone alternative: 1-888-909-8872.

Bonus — also freeze these

• ChexSystems — banks pull this when opening checking. Freeze at chexsystems.com.
• Innovis — 4th bureau most don't know. innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze.
• NCTUE — telecom/utility bureau. nctue.com.

When you need to thaw

1. Sign back into the bureau's website.
2. Click "Lift" or "Thaw freeze".
3. Set duration: temporary (1-30 days) OR permanent.
4. Use PIN if requested.
5. Effective immediately.
6. Re-freeze when done (or it expires automatically with temp option).