Experian, TransUnion and Equifax now offer all U.S. consumers free weekly credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
In this article:
- Before You Freeze Your Credit
- How to Freeze Your Credit for Free
- Does a Credit Freeze Affect Your Credit Score?
- A Credit Freeze Is Helpful but Not a Cure-All
A credit freeze, otherwise known as a security freeze, is something you can put in place to limit others from viewing your credit reports, including lenders. Freezing your credit file is an extreme step, but it's something that might be necessary if you're dealing with identity theft and other measures, such as fraud alerts, haven't been effective for you.
Because a credit freeze limits most lenders and service providers from obtaining your credit report, you will have to lift the freeze before making any applications for new credit. Freezing your credit file report simply as a preventive measure may cause undue inconvenience. Before you request a credit freeze, there are some things to keep in mind and alternatives to look into.
Before You Freeze Your Credit
The process of freezing and unfreezing your credit file can be done in a few minutes with each credit reporting agency (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax), but that doesn't mean it's an action to be taken lightly. Here are six things to understand before you start the process:
1. Know What a Credit Freeze Is
A credit freeze is a tool consumers can use to help protect themselves against credit fraud. When you freeze your credit file reports, most companies are limited from viewing them until you "thaw" the freeze.
When lenders can't view your credit file, they can't extend credit. This means that if someone has managed to steal your Social Security number and other personal information, they won't be able to open fraudulent credit accounts in your name.
That said, a credit freeze will also make it impossible for you to get approved for credit unless you lift it temporarily or permanently.
2. Understand the Credit Freeze Process
You'll need to file a credit freeze request with all three major credit bureaus for it to be effective. During the process, you'll need to answer a handful of questions to verify your identity.
You'll also need to provide your Social Security number, a copy of a photo ID and proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill. Depending on the bureau, you may create an account on its site that you can use to freeze and unfreeze your file in the future.
If you plan to apply for credit with a credit freeze on your credit files, you'll need to lift the freezes, either temporarily or permanently, before you apply to ensure the lender can view your credit reports during its credit check.
3. You Can Freeze Your Credit for Free
There is no fee associated with freezing or thawing your credit. Until recently, credit freezes carried fees that varied by state, but they're now free regardless of where you live in the U.S.
It's also free regardless of whether you've been a victim of identity theft. In the past, victims of identity theft may have had their fees waived, but now credit freezes are available for free to everyone.
4. Know That a Freeze Doesn't Protect Everything
A credit freeze can help protect you from someone committing credit fraud by opening a credit account in your name without your permission. It can't, however, protect you from having your identity stolen. A credit freeze has never prevented identity theft. Its purpose is to limit use of your stolen identity to commit fraud against you.
If someone steals your credit card number, they can still use your credit account to make unauthorized purchases. Also, if someone steals your Social Security number, a credit freeze won't prevent them from filing fraudulent tax returns and health insurance claims in your name.
As a result, it's important to remain vigilant in other areas of your financial life, especially if you're certain that someone has stolen your personal information.
5. You Might Experience Credit Delays
Credit freezes can create delays and problems when access to your credit files is needed quickly. This can happen when you apply for a loan or credit card; however, if you are applying for a job, trying to rent an apartment or applying for insurance, a credit freeze will not impact you.
Companies typically won't extend credit if one or more of your credit reports are frozen. If you request a thaw through the Experian Freeze Center or your Experian account, you can unfreeze your Experian credit file in real time. But if you do it by phone, the credit bureaus are required by law to complete the request within an hour. Requests via snail mail can take up to three days from receipt, however.
Even with a fast turnaround time, it can cause delays if you forget to thaw your credit before you apply for something that requires a credit check. You can avoid these delays by thinking ahead and lifting your credit freeze before you submit an application for a credit card, loan, lease or insurance policy.
6. Explore Your Other Options
Freezing your credit usually isn't necessary if you've never been a victim of identity theft or fraud. If you think your information has been compromised, a fraud alert may be sufficient. It will let lenders know to verify the applicant is really you before opening a new account, while still allowing you to access credit when you need it. The exception is instant credit—because lenders take extra steps to verify your identity when you have a fraud alert on file, you may find that you won't be able to be approved for credit instantly in stores.
Deciding between a fraud alert and a credit freeze is up to you. A fraud alert may be better if you're concerned your information may have been compromised but don't yet have evidence of fraud, or if you want to protect yourself but intend to apply for credit in the near future and don't want to deal with freezing and unfreezing your credit files.
When you add a fraud alert to your Experian credit file, the other two credit bureaus will be notified (this is not the case with a credit freeze). The initial fraud alert lasts up to one year and an extended fraud alert lasts up to seven years. You can also provide a phone number instructing lenders to contact you if someone applies for credit in your name, and you'll get an instant alert to potential fraud.
If you've been victimized by identity fraud even with a fraud alert in place, a credit freeze may be helpful.
And whether you freeze your file or go with a fraud alert, credit monitoring helps you spot potential fraud so you're able to more quickly address it. With Experian's free credit monitoring service, you'll get access to your FICO® Score☉ powered by Experian data, as well as real-time alerts about new credit inquiries and accounts on your Experian credit report.
How to Freeze Your Credit for Free
You'll want to place a free credit freeze on all three of your credit reports, including from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. That said, the process can vary from agency to agency.
With Experian, you can visit the Experian Freeze Center and request a credit freeze on your Experian credit file online or call 888-397-3742. Provide the requested information and verify your identity to complete the process.
If you need to lift your credit in the future, you can do so by visiting your online account with each credit bureau or calling.
Does a Credit Freeze Affect Your Credit Score?
A credit freeze won't have any impact on your credit score, nor will it impact your current credit accounts.
While a credit freeze won't affect your credit score in any way, it will impact your ability to qualify for a loan or credit card unless you thaw your credit file before submitting your application. If you're lifting the freeze temporarily, make sure you have enough time to complete the loan application and underwriting process.
A Credit Freeze Is Helpful but Not a Cure-All
A credit freeze can help reduce your exposure if you suspect identity theft, but it won't eliminate it entirely.
It's important to keep track of your credit score and check your credit reports regularly. You can get a copy of each of your credit reports for free through AnnualCreditReport.com, and you can access your free Experian credit report anytime. Through December 31, 2022, you can receive a free credit report from each of the bureaus once a week from AnnualCreditReport.com.
As you stay on top of your credit scores and reports, you'll be in a good position to detect potential fraud sooner, minimizing any damage to your credit history.
Learn More About Freezing Your Credit
- What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze is a free service that can protect you from credit fraud by limiting most access to your credit report until you lift it and “thaw” your... - Do You Have to Freeze Your Credit Report With Each Credit Bureau?
When freezing your credit to prevent processing of new credit applications, you must make separate requests at each of the national credit bureaus. - How to Check if My Credit Report Is Frozen
A frozen credit report can make applying for new credit accounts difficult. Here’s how you can check and manage credit report freezes. - Does Freezing Your Credit File Affect Other Accounts
Freezing your credit file will not have an effect on your existing credit accounts. Find out how a security freeze works and when it’s a good idea. - Can I Apply for Credit if My Credit Report Is Frozen?
Credit freezes can stop thieves from taking out debt in your name, but they also block legitimate credit checks. Here’s what to know. - How to Unfreeze Your Credit Report
Looking for simple tools to unfreeze your credit report? Here’s how to unfreeze your credit file at all three bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. - What Is the Best Way to Get a Credit Freeze Removed?
Removing a credit freeze (like activating a freeze in the first place) is your right under the law, and new online tools make the process simpler than ever. - Do I Need to Lift a Credit Freeze to Apply for Credit?
Do you need to lift a security freeze to apply for a new credit card or loan? Yes. Here’s how to do it without opening yourself up to identity... - What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Credit Lock?
Credit freezes and locks block all limit credit-report access, but you can turn locks on and off instantly, while freezes can take a bit more effort. - Should I Add a Fraud Alert or a Credit Freeze to My Credit Report?
If there is an inquiry on your credit report and you do not recognize the merchant, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. - Security Freeze Basics
What Is a Security Freeze? A security freeze, also sometimes known as a credit freeze, is a step you can take to limit the release of your credit report...
