What a credit freeze is
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, is a legal right that restricts access to your credit report. When you place a freeze, the national credit reporting companies must generally prevent creditors from accessing your report for most new credit inquiries. This can help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
A freeze is not a statement about your creditworthiness. It does not affect your credit score. It also does not prevent you from using existing credit accounts or from getting your own free credit reports. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs freezes, and state laws may provide additional rights.
What a credit freeze does and does not do
A freeze blocks most creditors from accessing your credit report when you apply for new credit. It also limits access by some other entities, such as landlords or insurers, depending on the purpose. However, it does not block access by existing creditors who are monitoring your account, or by government agencies for certain purposes like child support or tax collection.
A freeze does not stop identity theft entirely. It cannot prevent someone from using your existing accounts or from committing tax fraud. It also does not remove inaccurate information from your credit report. You still have the right to dispute inaccurate information under the FCRA.
How to place a credit freeze
To place a freeze, you must contact each of the three national credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can typically place a freeze online, by phone, or by mail. Each company requires you to provide identifying information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
Federal law requires that placing a freeze be free. After you request a freeze, the company must place it within one business day if you request it online or by phone, or within three business days if you request it by mail. You will receive a confirmation and a personal identification number (PIN) or password. Keep this information safe because you will need it to lift the freeze later.
How to lift or remove a credit freeze
You can temporarily lift a freeze to allow a specific creditor or a specific period of time. You can also permanently remove the freeze. To do either, you must contact each national credit reporting company where you placed the freeze and provide your PIN or password.
Federal law requires companies to lift a freeze within one hour if you request it online or by phone, and within three business days if you request it by mail. There is no fee to lift or remove a freeze. If you request a temporary lift, you can specify the duration or the party that may access your report.
Managing freezes for family members
You can place a freeze on behalf of certain family members, such as your children under age 16 or an incapacitated adult for whom you are the legal guardian. This can help protect them from identity theft. Each national credit reporting company has its own process for requesting a freeze for someone else.
You will typically need to provide proof of your authority, such as a birth certificate, court order, or power of attorney. The freeze itself remains free. Once placed, you manage the freeze just as you would your own, using the PIN or password provided.
Credit freeze vs fraud alert vs credit lock
A fraud alert is different from a freeze. A fraud alert requires businesses to take reasonable steps to verify your identity before extending credit. An initial fraud alert lasts one year, and an extended fraud alert for identity theft victims lasts seven years. Fraud alerts are free.
A credit lock is not a legal term. It is a product offered by some credit reporting companies that may function similarly to a freeze but does not carry the same legal protections. Locks may be subject to fees and terms of service. A freeze is a statutory right under the FCRA, while a lock is a contractual arrangement.
Legal framework and costs
The FCRA provides the right to place, lift, and remove a security freeze at no cost. This federal right applies nationwide. Some state laws may offer additional protections or procedures, but they cannot charge for a freeze that federal law requires to be free.
The FCRA also requires credit reporting companies to provide a way to lift a freeze quickly. If you believe a company has violated your freeze rights, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state attorney general. This pillar does not provide legal advice; consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
No. A credit freeze does not affect your credit score. It only restricts access to your credit report. The information in your report remains unchanged.
How long does it take to lift a credit freeze?
If you request a lift online or by phone, the national credit reporting companies must lift the freeze within one hour. If you request by mail, they must lift it within three business days. You must contact each company where the freeze is placed.
Can I freeze my credit at just one company?
You can, but it may not be effective. Creditors may request your report from any of the three national credit reporting companies. To block most new credit inquiries, you should place a freeze at all three.
Is a credit freeze the same as a fraud alert?
No. A fraud alert requires businesses to verify your identity before extending credit. A freeze restricts access to your credit report entirely for most new credit inquiries. Fraud alerts are free and last one or seven years, depending on the type.
Can I place a credit freeze for my child?
Yes. You can place a freeze for a child under 16 or an incapacitated adult for whom you are the legal guardian. You will need to provide proof of your authority to each national credit reporting company.