How to freeze your credit at all three bureaus

The short answer: a credit freeze is free and locks your credit report so most new lenders can't see it. You place it separately at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and you can lift it in minutes when you need to apply for credit.

• Each bureau: freeze online, by phone or by mail
• Lifting: online or by phone, within one hour
• Steps: gather your details, contact each bureau, create an account or PIN, confirm the freeze
• Freeze vs. lock vs. alert compared below
• Next step: Plan it with the Ultimate Budget Bundle ($19.99).

A credit freeze is one of the simplest free ways to protect your credit from strangers. It locks your credit report so most new lenders can't see it, which means someone who steals your information can't easily open a new credit card or loan in your name. You place a freeze separately at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and you can lift it in minutes whenever you need to apply for credit. This guide walks through each step.

This page is general education, not financial advice. Keeping a calm, organized record of your accounts makes it easier to spot anything unusual. The Ultimate Budget Bundle and the Bill Tracker Spreadsheet help you review every account and bill each month.

What a credit freeze does

When you freeze your credit, the bureau restricts access to your credit report. Most lenders check your report before approving a new account, so if they can't see it, they usually won't approve the application. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that a freeze, also called a security freeze, is free and doesn't affect your credit score.

A freeze does not stop you from using the cards and loans you already have. Your current lenders, debt collectors acting for them and some government agencies can still see your report. You can also still check your own report for free.

How to freeze your credit, step by step

1. Gather your details. You'll need your full name, address history, date of birth and Social Security number.
2. Contact each bureau. Go to the official site or call Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The USA.gov credit freeze page lists the official contact details for each.
3. Create an account or PIN. Each bureau will give you a way to lift the freeze later, usually through an online account or a PIN. Store this somewhere safe.
4. Confirm the freeze. You should receive a confirmation from each bureau. Keep it with your records.
5. Repeat for all three. A freeze at one bureau doesn't carry over to the others, so you need all three for full coverage.

Credit freeze at each bureau

Federal law has made freezes free at all three bureaus since 2018. When you ask online or by phone, the bureau must place the freeze within one business day and lift it within one hour. Requests by mail can take up to three business days.

How to lift or thaw a freeze

Before you apply for a loan, credit card, apartment or new phone plan, lift the freeze at the bureau the lender uses. If you don't know which one, ask the lender, or lift all three for a few days. You can choose a temporary lift for a set number of days, a lift for one specific creditor, or a permanent removal. A temporary lift is usually the best choice, because the freeze switches back on automatically.

Credit freeze vs. credit lock vs. alerts

A credit freeze is free and protected by federal law. A credit lock is a similar product offered by the bureaus, sometimes as part of a paid subscription, and its terms are set by contract rather than law. An alert on your file tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity but doesn't block access to your report. An initial alert lasts one year, and you only need to request it from one bureau, which tells the other two. Many people use a freeze for the strongest protection.

When a credit freeze makes sense

A freeze is a good idea if your information was exposed in a data breach, if you've lost your wallet or Social Security card, or if you simply aren't planning to apply for credit soon. Many people keep their credit frozen all the time and lift it only when needed. It's also useful for older parents and for children, who rarely need new credit and may not notice a new account in their name for years. Parents can request a free freeze for a child under 16.

What a freeze doesn't cover

A freeze doesn't stop someone from using an existing card number, and it doesn't protect bank accounts, tax refunds or medical benefits. Keep checking your statements every month and turn on account alerts with your bank. The FTC's free credit reports page explains how to check all three reports so you can spot accounts you don't recognize. Our guide on how to check your credit report walks through what to look for.

Keep your records organized

After you freeze your credit, keep your bureau logins or PINs, confirmation numbers and dates in one secure place. A simple monthly money check-in, where you review bills, statements and balances, is one of the best habits for catching problems early. Our budgeting for beginners guide shows how to set one up, and good credit habits are covered in what is a good credit score.

The bottom line

Freezing your credit takes about 15 minutes per bureau, costs nothing and doesn't hurt your score. For most people, it's one of the easiest ways to stop new accounts from being opened in your name. Freeze at all three bureaus, store your PINs safely, and lift the freeze briefly whenever you need to apply for credit.