How to Place a Credit Freeze at the Three Major Credit Bureaus
Worried about identity theft or fraud? Learn how to place a credit freeze at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to protect your credit report and stop unauthorized accounts before they start.
Identity theft can happen to anyone—especially when your personal information is floating around from credit card applications, online accounts, or even travel bookings. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is to place a credit freeze on your credit reports.
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file. This means scammers can’t open new credit in your name—even if they have your Social Security number. I personally have gotten rejection letters in the mail from credit cards that I have NEVER applied for all because my credit was frozen!
The best part? It’s free and you can unfreeze it whenever you need to apply for credit.
Here’s exactly how to freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
1. Equifax
Equifax makes it fairly simple to freeze your credit online.
How to Freeze Your Credit with Equifax:
- Go to the Equifax Security Freeze page: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
- Select “Place or Manage a Freeze”.
- Create a myEquifax account if you don’t already have one.
- Follow the prompts to verify your identity (they’ll ask for your SSN, date of birth, and address).
- Do NOT upgrade to any paid option when offered.
- Once complete, your freeze is active immediately.
Phone Option: Call 1‑888‑298‑0045 if you prefer to freeze over the phone.
2. Experian
Experian allows you to freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail.
How to Freeze Your Credit with Experian:
- Visit www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
- Click “Get Started” under “Freeze Your Experian Credit File”.
- Sign in or create a free Experian account.
- Verify your identity with personal details and security questions.
- Your freeze will be effective immediately.
Phone Option: Call 1‑888‑397‑3742 and follow the prompts for “Security Freeze”.
3. TransUnion
TransUnion has an easy online portal for managing your freeze.
How to Freeze Your Credit with TransUnion:
- Go to www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
- Click “Add a Freeze”.
- Create a TransUnion account if you don’t already have one.
- Verify your identity with your SSN, birth date, and address.
- Activate your freeze.
Phone Option: Call 1‑888‑909‑8872 for phone assistance.
Tips for Managing Your Credit Freeze
- Freezing is free: The bureaus can’t charge you for placing or lifting a freeze.
- You can lift temporarily: If you’re applying for a loan, credit card, or rental, you will need to unfreeze your file temporarily.
- Keep your login info safe: You’ll need it to lift the freeze.
- Freeze for your kids: Minors can also have their credit frozen to prevent identity theft.
The Wrap Up
Even if you aren't applying for credit cards to earn point and miles you will want to be actively freezing credit whenever you are not applying for a credit card, loan etc. When you are ready to apply for a new line of credit unfreeze your credit and then refreeze it when your line of credit is secured.
It’s an easy, no-cost step that adds a powerful layer of security and peace of mind.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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