How to Freeze and Unfreeze Your Credit Reports

With identity theft and data breaches on the rise, protecting your credit isn’t optional — it’s essential. One of the strongest tools available to consumers today is the credit freeze. This simple action can block unauthorized access to your credit file, making it nearly impossible for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

But what exactly is a credit freeze, how do you activate it, and how do you lift it when needed?

Here’s your go-to guide on how to freeze and unfreeze your credit reports in 2025 — and why it’s one of the smartest security moves you can make.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) prevents lenders, creditors, and most third parties from accessing your credit report. That means no new credit cards, loans, or even some utility accounts can be opened in your name — unless you lift the freeze.

Important: A credit freeze doesn’t affect your current credit accounts or your credit score. It just blocks new credit applications.

In 2025, freezing your credit is:

• Free by federal law
• Available from all three major credit bureaus
• Easy to manage online, by phone, or by mail

It’s not permanent — you can lift it temporarily or permanently anytime.

When Should You Freeze Your Credit?

Freezing your credit makes sense if:

• You’re not actively applying for credit
• You’ve been affected by a data breach
• You suspect identity theft or fraud
• You want to prevent unauthorized access to your credit file

Think of it like putting a lock on your front door. Even if a thief has your Social Security number, they can’t open a new account without your permission.

Note: A credit freeze does not stop debt collectors, employers, or insurers (in some cases) from accessing your file if they already have a legal reason to.

How to Freeze Your Credit With All Three Bureaus

To fully protect yourself, you must place a freeze with each bureau individually.

1. Equifax

• Website: www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
• Phone: 1-800-349-9960
• What you’ll need: Name, address, SSN, date of birth, and possibly proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license)

2. Experian

• Website: www.experian.com/freeze
• Phone: 1‑888‑397‑3742
• You’ll set up a PIN or password to manage the freeze.

3. TransUnion

• Website: www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
• Phone: 1-888-909-8872

All three bureaus offer online portals where you can manage your freeze status easily — including lifting it temporarily or permanently.

How to Temporarily Unfreeze Your Credit

If you’re applying for a mortgage, car loan, or new credit card, you’ll need to thaw your credit so lenders can view your report.

Here’s how it works:

• Log into each bureau’s freeze portal
• Choose a temporary lift (for a set number of days) or a specific creditor/unlocking (using a code)
• Confirm your identity (password, PIN, or security questions)
• The freeze is typically lifted within minutes

Once the freeze expires or you re-freeze it manually, your credit is locked again.

Tip: Ask the lender which bureau they’ll pull from, so you only have to unfreeze one report if possible.

Does Freezing Your Credit Affect Your Score?

No — freezing your credit does not hurt your credit score or change anything on your credit report. It simply limits access.

It also won’t impact:

• Your ability to use your existing credit cards
• Your credit monitoring or alerts
• Your credit utilization ratio or payment history

What it does affect: new credit applications. If your file is frozen, any attempt to open a new account will be denied unless you unfreeze it first.

Who Can Still Access a Frozen Credit Report?

Even with a freeze in place, your report may still be accessible by:

• Existing creditors (to review or update your account)
• Debt collectors
• Government agencies (with a subpoena or court order)
• Insurance companies (depending on state laws)
• You, when checking your own credit

If you need to apply for housing, utilities, or employment that requires a background check, ask what credit information they’ll need so you can lift the freeze appropriately.

When to Consider Lifting the Freeze Permanently

In most cases, a temporary lift is enough. But if you’re entering a phase of life that requires frequent credit checks — such as shopping for a mortgage or car loan — you might consider permanently unfreezing your reports.

Just remember: once it’s lifted, your credit is vulnerable again. Consider using a fraud alert instead if you still want some layer of protection.

Should You Freeze Your Kids’ Credit?

Absolutely. Children are prime targets for identity theft because their credit reports are often unused. You can create and freeze a child’s credit file with all three bureaus, even if they don’t have credit yet.

Contact each bureau individually to start the process and provide documentation (birth certificate, your ID, proof of guardianship).

Final Word: Freezing Is One of the Best Free Tools You Can Use

In a digital age where your personal data is everywhere, freezing your credit is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect yourself. It costs nothing, takes only minutes to set up, and can save you years of damage.

The key is remembering to lift the freeze when you’re ready to apply for credit — and refreezing afterward.

Next step: Want to know how freezing compares to other protection methods?
Read Fraud Alerts vs. Credit Freezes: Which One Should You Use? to make the best choice for your situation.

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