How to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

How do I put a security freeze on my credit report? ›

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a free and easy way to help protect yourself from identity theft. You can place a freeze online through the TransUnion Service Center with no impact to your credit score. Once you place a freeze, you can unfreeze it at any time.

Credit bureaus cannot charge any fees to place, lift, or temporarily lift a credit freeze. For each, you must contact each consumer reporting agency directly. If applicable, include payment by check, money order or credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover cards only).

A freeze can give you a false sense of security — you may still be susceptible to credit fraud or other fraud involving your Social Security number. A credit freeze won't affect your current accounts, but if a thief steals the information on an existing account, your credit may be used without your permission.

When the freeze is in place, you will still be able to do things like apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance without lifting or removing it. Duration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it. How to place: Contact each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

When freezing your credit to limit the processing of new credit applications, you must make a separate freeze request at each of the national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax).

If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).

Security freezes and Experian CreditLock both limit access to Experian credit reports, but they differ several ways: Freezes are free, while CreditLock is part of paid subscriptions. CreditLock can be managed instantly, but security freeze changes could take longer.

Key Takeaways. A credit freeze can secure your credit reports from unauthorized access. It's now free to freeze and unfreeze your credit reports with the three major credit reporting bureaus. A credit freeze doesn't prevent people who already have access to your credit history from viewing your credit file.

Unfreeze requests: Online or by phone: agencies must lift the freeze within one hour. By mail: agencies must lift the freeze within three business days.

Is an Equifax security freeze free? ›

You'll be required to give certain information to verify your identity. You'll also have the option to receive a one-time PIN by text message or answer questions based on information in your Equifax credit report for identity verification. Placing, lifting and removing a security freeze is free.

Updating your security freeze or unfreeze will take up to 3 days upon receiving your mailed request.

It should not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts. "A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be seen by potential creditors or employers doing background checks – unless you give your consent.

When you ask for a security freeze to be lifted, you tell the credit bureau how long you want your credit report to be available. In most instances a week is usually enough time for a business, credit card issuer, or potential employer to check your report.

A freeze doesn't affect your credit score or prevent you from accessing your own credit report. Your accounts remain open, so it's a good idea to keep monitoring your bank and credit accounts for signs of fraud.

Fraud alerts can help you protect yourself from identity thieves. Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting the fraud department of a major credit bureau such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

By phone. Call us at (888) 298-0045. You'll be required to give certain information to verify your identity. You'll also have the option to receive a one-time PIN by text message or answer questions based on information in your Equifax credit report for identity verification.

A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, is one way you can help protect your personal information against fraud or identity theft.