How to Freeze Your Credit Report at Each Credit Bureau

Freezing your credit report can protect you from identity theft

What is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a “security freeze,” locks your credit report, preventing all new inquiries. Since most banks require a credit check to process your application, it’s likely that your credit application will be denied while the freeze is in place. This makes it harder for thieves to steal an account in your name.

How does a Credit Freeze work?

While a security freeze is in place, lenders and creditors cannot access your credit report. Instead, when you’re ready to apply for credit, you’ll need to temporarily lift the security freeze to allow for a credit pull. You may not know in advance which credit report the company will check, so lifting the freeze on all three credit reports is best.

How to Freeze Your Credit

You can freeze your credit report at all three major credit bureaus by contacting them individually. You will need to provide some personal information and identify a series of security questions or a PIN to lift or replace the freeze in the future.

Online

Freezing your credit report online is the fastest way, and you can do it directly on each credit bureau’s website:

– Equifax

– Experian

– TransUnion

By Phone

You can call the credit bureau by phone to freeze your credit report:

– Equifax: 888-298-0045

– Experian: 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)

– TransUnion: 888-909-8872

By Mail

You can also freeze your credit report by sending your request by mail to the credit bureau. The request must include personal information and specify a PIN that you will use to freeze your credit.

Ultimately, freezing your credit report can help reduce identity theft. However, you should be aware that a credit freeze does not protect against all types of fraud. Thieves may still be able to open accounts with companies that do not use a major credit bureau. They may also commit other types of fraud, such as taking over a credit card or bank account or filing taxes in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can you unfreeze your credit?

When you freeze your credit with any of the credit bureaus, you should receive a PIN that grants you access to your account. To unfreeze your credit, you’ll generally only need to call the credit bureau and provide your PIN. You can also unfreeze your credit online or by mail.

How long does a credit freeze last?

A credit freeze usually lasts until you temporarily lift it or remove it permanently. Some states require that a credit freeze automatically expires after seven years.

How much does it cost to freeze your credit?

Credit freezes have been free since September 21, 2018, when a new law mandated free consumer access due to the major credit breach of Equifax.

Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-freeze-your-credit-report-at-each-credit-bureau-960796