How to Freeze Your Credit to Prevent Fraud

Learn to freeze your credit reports at all three bureaus to block identity thieves from opening accounts in your name.

1. Understand what a credit freeze actually does. A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) locks your credit report so new lenders can't access it to approve loans or credit cards. Existing accounts stay open and work normally. Think of it like putting a padlock on your credit file — you keep the key, but strangers can't get in.
2. Freeze your report at all three major bureaus. You must freeze separately at Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion since they maintain independent files. Visit each bureau's website and look for 'Security Freeze' or 'Credit Freeze' — the process takes about 10 minutes per bureau. You'll need to provide your Social Security number, address, and answer security questions.
3. Save your PIN or password for each freeze. Each bureau will give you a unique PIN, password, or account login to manage your freeze. Write these down and store them safely — you'll need them to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze later. Losing this information makes unfreezing much more complicated.
4. Lift the freeze when you need new credit. Before applying for loans, credit cards, or anything requiring a credit check, temporarily lift your freeze at the specific bureau the lender uses. Most lifts happen instantly online, though you can set them for specific time periods. Some lenders will tell you which bureau they check, or you can lift all three to be safe.
5. Consider freezing your spouse's and children's credit too. Identity thieves target children because the fraud often goes undetected for years. You can freeze your minor child's credit at all three bureaus using their Social Security number. Spouses should freeze their own credit separately since joint accounts don't protect individual credit files.