How to Freeze Your Credit Report

Freezing your credit is one of the smartest moves you can make to protect yourself from identity theft. It's completely free, doesn't hurt your credit score, and you can lift it anytime you need to apply for new credit. The whole process takes maybe 15 minutes online.

When you freeze your credit, you're basically locking down your credit report so nobody can open new accounts in your name. Even if someone steals your Social Security number, they can't do anything with it because lenders can't pull your credit report to approve new accounts.

The catch is you need to freeze your credit with all three bureaus separately. Each one has their own system, but they're all pretty straightforward. Here's exactly how to do it.

TransUnion

TransUnion makes this pretty simple. Head to their website and create an account if you don't have one already. You'll need to provide your basic info like name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify who you are.

Once you're logged in, look for the freeze option and follow the prompts. They'll ask you to create a PIN that you'll use later if you need to lift the freeze. Make sure you save this somewhere safe because you'll need it if you want to unfreeze your credit later.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes. TransUnion will send you a confirmation once the freeze is active, which usually happens right away if you do it online.

TransUnion Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
• Phone: 800-916-8800
• Mail: TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Equifax

Equifax works pretty much the same way. Go to their website, create an account or log in, and provide your personal details to verify your identity. They'll need the usual stuff: full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.

After you're in, find the option to freeze your account and follow the instructions. Equifax also requires you to create a 6-digit PIN. This is what you'll use to manage your freeze later, so don't lose it.

The freeze usually kicks in within one business day if you do it online. If you prefer calling or mailing them, it might take a bit longer.

Equifax Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
• Phone: 888-298-0045
• Mail: Equifax Info Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Experian

Experian follows the same basic process. Visit their website, set up an account if needed, and log in. They'll verify your identity with your personal information, then guide you through freezing your credit.

Like the others, you'll create a PIN for future use. Keep this safe because you'll need it to lift the freeze when you want to apply for credit.

Experian will let you know when your freeze is active, which is usually pretty quick if you do it online.

Experian Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
• Phone: 888-397-3742
• Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

The Bottom Line

Freezing your credit takes less than half an hour and costs nothing. Once it's frozen, it stays that way until you decide to lift it. You can still use your existing credit cards and loans normally. The freeze only blocks new credit applications.

If you need to apply for a car loan, mortgage, or new credit card, you can temporarily lift the freeze online or permanently remove it. Just remember those PINs you created.

There's really no downside to freezing your credit if you're not actively shopping for new loans. It's free protection that could save you from a massive headache if your identity gets stolen.