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If you’re looking to keep your credit data from being accessed, the best way to protect it is a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze. Credit freezes are free.
You’ll have to freeze your credit with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Here’s what to know about freezes and how to do an Equifax credit freeze.
What does a credit freeze do?
A credit freeze makes your credit report off-limits to anyone who does not already have access to it. No one else will be able to check your credit until you lift the freeze. That means if scammers try to misuse your personal data to open a fraudulent credit account, they are unlikely to be approved.
Note that a freeze does not affect your ability to use the credit accounts you already have, and it has no effect on your credit score. You can still monitor your own credit while it’s frozen by getting reports from AnnualCreditReport.com and by signing up for a free credit monitoring account, such as through NerdWallet.
How to place an Equifax credit freeze
Freeze your Equifax credit report online
The easiest way to freeze your credit is via Equifax’s website. You'll be asked for your name, address, Social Security number and other information to verify your identity in order to set up a password-protected "myEquifax" account. When freezing and unfreezing online, you don't need to set a PIN.
You can request an Equifax security freeze by calling 888-298-0045.
You’ll need to give your Social Security number, street address and state of residence. You’ll have the option to get a one-time PIN by text or to answer some security questions in order to verify your identity.
Freeze your Equifax credit report by mail
If you’d rather set up a security freeze via postal mail, you’ll need to send Equifax a completed security freeze request form. The address is: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.
You’ll need to include your full name, including any suffixes, your address, Social Security number and date of birth.
Equifax also asks that you include copies of documents that verify your identity and address. Acceptable ones include a passport, valid driver’s license, military ID, tax documents, bank statements and utility bills.
If you are requesting a freeze on behalf of a minor or other protected consumer, you’ll need to submit a minor freeze request form or incapacitated adult freeze request form. You must provide information for the person whose credit you want to freeze along with a copy of their Social Security card and birth certificate, as well as documentation that shows you have the authority to make the request.
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What to do once your Equifax credit freeze is in place
Because credit reporting agencies don’t share data for freezes, just for fraud alerts, you’ll need to request a freeze at the two other major credit bureaus. NerdWallet has guides for freezing your Experian and TransUnion credit reports as well.
Keep track of your password and a PIN if you received one. Though it’s possible to retrieve lost account-access information, it’s less hassle and faster if you can access it when you want to.
When you want to use your credit, follow our guide on how to unfreeze your credit with each bureau. You can temporarily lift the credit freeze in order to apply for a new account.
How to unfreeze your credit with Equifax
To lift your credit freeze with Equifax, follow these steps:
Online: Log in to your myEquifax account through the Equifax website to manage your freeze. You’ll have the option to temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit.
By phone: Call Equifax at 888-298-0045. You’ll go through the same steps to verify your identity as required to place a freeze over the phone.
By mail: Fill out Equifax’s security freeze request form, checking the appropriate box to either temporarily lift the freeze or remove it altogether. Send the form and your verification documents to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.
The best way to remove (or "thaw") a credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is to use a digital tool―a website or smartphone app―because that typically yields instant results. Removing a freeze by phone or mail is equally effective but may take longer.
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 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 want to freeze your credit, you need to do it at each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (1-800-349-9960)TransUnion (1-888-909-8872)Experian (1-888-397-3742) .
Before applying for credit, you will need to lift your security freeze so that potential creditors can access your Equifax credit report. At Equifax, you can manage your freeze online with your username and password after creating a myEquifax account. You can also manage your freeze by phone: call us at (888) 298-0045.
Credit freeze services are mandated by federal law and are free. A credit lock is an optional service a credit bureau may offer you for a fee, but it offers fewer legal protections than a freeze.
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.
While credit lock vs. freeze might sound different, they function similarly: A credit freeze is a free service that stops new accounts from being opened, while a credit lock is a service from the credit bureaus that lets you lock and unlock your credit faster than a freeze.
A credit freeze prevents lenders from checking your credit file. Freezing your credit has no effect on your credit score. But this doesn't mean that a credit freeze blocks your score from regular changes. It's still important to monitor your credit use and make payments on time to keep your score from falling.
A common misconception is that a credit freeze means you can't use your current forms of credit, like a credit card. But your credit report isn't accessed when you purchase something with a credit card. So, freezing your credit file doesn't affect your ability to use your existing accounts.
A credit freeze is a security measure you can take to prevent new accounts from being fraudulently opened in your name. But that also means you can't open a new account yourself while the freeze is in place. Credit freezes work by blocking new creditors from reviewing your credit report.
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.
Freeze or lift the freeze on your credit report for free by contacting each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax. Experian. TransUnion.
How do I update fraud alert or active duty alert contact information on my Equifax credit report? You can update your fraud alert or active duty alert contact information at any time. Please call (800) 525-6285 for assistance.
No, freezing your credit report primarily stops hard inquiries, which are typically associated with credit applications. Soft inquiries, such as background checks and credit monitoring, are not affected by a credit freeze. Yes, you can check your own credit report even if it's frozen.
Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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