How to Freeze Your Credit
5 Min Read | Last updated: July 10, 2026
Learn how to freeze your credit online for free. Get the information you may need to freeze your credit at all three credit bureaus.
At-A-Glance
- Freezing your credit at all three credit bureaus can be a straightforward process.
- You can freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail.
- Freezing your credit can limit access to your credit reports, which can help prevent people from fraudulently opening accounts in your name.
If you ever have a suspicion that someone has stolen your identity, knowing how to freeze your credit can come in handy. A credit freeze may help block other people from opening credit accounts in your name. In this article, we’ll dive into what a credit freeze is, when it makes sense to freeze your credit, and how you can do it at three different credit bureaus.
What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, may allow you to take action to help prevent creditors from gaining access to your credit reports from Experian®, TransUnion®, and Equifax®. By freezing your credit, credit bureaus may not release your report to creditors who want to check your credit as part of the application process for credit cards and loans. If a fraudster is trying to open a new account in your name, a credit freeze may be able to stop them.
When Should You Freeze Your Credit?
Wondering if you should freeze your credit? If your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, or if you suspect that someone may be trying to use your information fraudulently, then a credit freeze can be a crucial step in helping to safeguard your financial information.
However, even if your data hasn’t been compromised, freezing your credit could still be a proactive move that can help safeguard your data in the event of identity theft. If you’re not actively shopping for new credit or a loan and don’t plan to for some time, then freezing your credit could block potential identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name in the future.
Plus, credit freezes and unfreezes are free, may not directly impact your credit score.1
How to Freeze Your Credit with the Credit Bureaus
If you choose to freeze your credit, you may want to do so at each of the three main credit bureaus. You can initiate a credit freeze online, via phone, or by mail, but online may be the fastest option.2
Here’s a look at how you may freeze your credit with each of the different bureaus. Note that information can change, so visit the relevant credit bureau websites to double-check the process.
How to Freeze Your Credit
| Credit Bureau: | Experian | Equifax | TransUnion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Number: | 888-397-3742 | 888-298-0045 | 888-909-8872 |
| Online: | Experian Website | Equifax Website | TransUnion Website |
| Address: | Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 |
Equifax Information Services LLC P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 |
TransUnion P.O. Box 160 Woodlyn, PA 19094 |
How to Freeze Your Credit with Experian
You can freeze your credit with Experian by visiting the Experian website.3
To freeze your credit, you may need to provide the following information:
- Your phone number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
Note that you may need to provide additional information as well.
You can also freeze your credit with Experian by calling: 888-397-3742.
Or by mail, using the following address:
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
How to Freeze Your Credit with Equifax
To freeze your credit with Equifax, you can start by visiting the Equifax website.4
You can start the process by completing a form, which may require the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your mobile number
- Your date of birth
You can also freeze your credit with Equifax by calling: 888-298-0045.
Or by mail, using the following address:
Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
How to Freeze Your Credit with TransUnion
You can freeze your credit with TransUnion by visiting the TransUnion website.5
You may start by creating a free account, where you can provide information about yourself, including the following:
- First name
- Middle name
- Last name
- Address
- Mobile number
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
You can also freeze your credit with TransUnion by calling: 888-909-8872.
Or by mail, using the following address:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity theft can happen when someone uses your personal information, like your Social Security number or credit card details, without your consent for fraud. To keep yourself safe, it can be a good idea to regularly monitor your accounts, use strong passwords, turn on two-factor authentication when it’s available, and freeze your credit as a precautionary measure.
A credit freeze can restrict access to your credit report and help to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name, but it may not affect your existing credit accounts. You can continue to use your credit cards as usual.
Freezing your credit may not impact your credit score. Instead, it can restrict access to your credit report, preventing new accounts from being opened in your name.
The Takeaway
Freezing your credit can be a step toward safeguarding your financial information, especially if your information has been compromised. The process of freezing your credit at all three of the credit bureaus may be relatively straightforward and cost you nothing. Just keep in mind that you may need to unfreeze your credit at all three credit bureaus when you’re ready to apply for credit once again.
1,2,3,4,5 “How to Freeze Your Credit at All 3 Credit Bureaus,” Experian
Mike Azzara has covered technology and financial services issues for more than 30 years as a writer, editor, publisher, consultant, and analyst for media brands, startups, and established corporations.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
