How Do You Place and Lift a Credit Freeze?
You must place a freeze separately with each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through their websites, phone lines, or by mail. Freezes are free under federal law. When you need to apply for credit yourself, you temporarily lift or 'thaw' the freeze at the specific bureau the lender uses, then refreeze it afterward.
Does a Credit Freeze Affect Your Credit Score?
No. Placing or lifting a credit freeze has absolutely no effect on your credit score. It also does not prevent you from using existing credit cards or accounts, checking your own credit report, or allowing existing lenders to access your account. It only blocks new lenders from pulling your full report to open new credit.
When Should You Consider a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze is especially valuable after a data breach, if you have received a data breach notification, or if you suspect your personal information has been compromised. It is also a smart precaution for children's credit files, which are prime targets for identity theft since they go unmonitored for years. Many financial experts recommend a permanent freeze as a default security measure for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is a credit freeze the same as a fraud alert?
No. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts — it does not block access. A credit freeze fully restricts access to your report. A freeze is stronger protection, but a fraud alert is easier to manage if you are actively applying for credit.
How long does a credit freeze last?
A credit freeze remains in place indefinitely until you lift it. There is no expiration date. You control when and for how long to thaw it. Fraud alerts, by contrast, last for one year (or seven years if you are a confirmed identity theft victim).