How to Freeze Your Credit at All Three Bureaus

Beginner Time: 15-20 minutes Category: Identity Protection

A credit freeze is the single most effective step you can take to prevent new-account identity theft. It blocks lenders from pulling your credit report, which means no one can open credit cards, loans, or accounts in your name. Freezing your credit is completely free and takes about five minutes per bureau.

Why This Matters

In 2023, the FTC received over 1 million identity theft reports, and new-account fraud was one of the most common types. When a thief has your Social Security number, they can apply for credit cards and loans in your name within minutes. A credit freeze stops this cold because lenders cannot approve new credit without first pulling your report. Unlike fraud alerts, which only last one year and merely ask lenders to verify your identity, a freeze is a hard block that stays in place until you choose to lift it. It has no impact on your credit score and does not prevent you from using your existing accounts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Go to the Equifax freeze page at https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/. Create an account if you do not have one, verify your identity, and select "Place a Freeze." Save the PIN or confirmation number you receive.
  2. Go to the Experian freeze page at https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html. Create an account or log in, verify your identity, and select "Freeze My Credit." Experian uses your login credentials instead of a PIN, so make sure your password is strong and unique.
  3. Go to the TransUnion freeze page at https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze. Create an account or log in, verify your identity, and place the freeze. Save your PIN or confirmation number.
  4. Store all three PINs or confirmation numbers in your password manager. You will need these any time you want to temporarily lift the freeze, such as when applying for a mortgage or new credit card.
  5. Optionally, freeze your credit with the two lesser-known bureaus as well: Innovis (https://www.innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze) and ChexSystems (https://www.chexsystems.com/security-freeze). These cover specialty reports used for bank account openings and check cashing.
  6. Verify each freeze is active by attempting to view your credit report from each bureau. You should see a notice that your file is frozen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only freezing one or two bureaus: Lenders can pull from any of the three major bureaus, so leaving even one unfrozen leaves you exposed.
  • Losing your PINs: Without your PIN or login credentials, lifting a freeze requires mailing identity documents, which can take weeks. Store them in a password manager immediately.
  • Confusing a freeze with a fraud alert: A fraud alert is a note on your file asking lenders to verify your identity. It does not block access. A freeze actually prevents your report from being pulled.
  • Thinking a freeze hurts your credit score: A credit freeze has zero impact on your credit score. It only prevents new inquiries.
  • Forgetting to freeze for children: Minors are common targets for identity theft because no one checks their credit. You can freeze a child's credit at each bureau with proof of guardianship.

Additional Tips

  • If you are applying for a new credit card or loan, you only need to temporarily lift the freeze at the specific bureau the lender uses. Ask the lender which bureau they pull from.
  • You can lift a freeze temporarily for a set number of days and it will automatically re-freeze after that period.
  • Consider also opting out of pre-screened credit offers at OptOutPrescreen.com to reduce junk mail and phishing opportunities.

Last updated: February 10, 2026