What a freeze does and does not do
- It blocks new lenders from seeing your credit report, so a thief cannot open a new card or loan in your name.
- It does not affect your credit score.
- It does not stop you from using the cards and accounts you already have.
- It does not stop your current bank from seeing your account, or block Social Security or Medicare payments.
- By federal law it is free to place and free to lift.
How to place a freeze
You need to freeze your credit at each of the three bureaus separately. One does not tell the others.
- Go to equifax.com and look for Credit Freeze. Create a free account and follow the steps.
- Go to experian.com and look for the Freeze Center.
- Go to transunion.com and look for Credit Freeze.
- Write down the login details or PIN each one gives you, and keep them somewhere safe at home.
By phone or mail
If you would rather not do this online, each bureau's website lists a phone number and a mailing address for freezes. When you ask online or by phone, the law says the freeze must be in place within one business day. By mail it takes a few business days longer.
Lifting the freeze when you need credit
When you apply for a new card, loan, apartment, or phone plan, ask the company which bureau they use. Log in to that bureau and lift the freeze for a few days, or for that one lender. A lift requested online or by phone must happen within one hour. Afterward, the freeze can go back on.
Freeze or fraud alert?
A fraud alert is lighter. It asks lenders to check with you before opening credit. It is also free, lasts one year, and you only need to contact one bureau, which tells the other two. If your identity was stolen, you can get an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years. A freeze is the stronger choice for most people.
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Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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