Restricts credit report access. Free, no score impact.
8 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Contact all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
- Provide info — SSN, DOB, possibly ID copies
- Choose method — Online (1 day), phone, mail (3 days)
- Save PIN/password — Store securely
- Freeze specialty bureaus — NCTUE, ChexSystems, LexisNexis
- Freeze children credit — Prevent child ID theft
- Lift when needed — Temporarily for applications
- Re-freeze after applications
Common Mistakes
- Only one bureau
- Forgetting to lift
- Confusing lock with freeze
- Not freezing specialty
Pro Tips
- Freeze proactively even without being victim
- Some states allow freezing minors
- Calendar reminders
- PINs in password manager
- Does not affect existing accounts