Freezing Your Credit: Free Protection Most People Skip
The most effective anti-fraud step available costs nothing and takes one evening.
At a glance
Figures checked 1 Sep 2026
Time needed
15 minutes for all three bureaus
Effort
Easy
Have to hand
Identity documents
What you get
New credit cannot be opened in your name while the freeze is on
What to take away
- Freezes are free by federal law at all three bureaus.
- You must freeze each bureau separately.
- Temporarily lifting a freeze takes minutes online when you apply for credit.
A security freeze stops lenders pulling your report, which stops new accounts being opened in your name. Existing accounts are unaffected, and it does not influence your score.
Doing it
- Freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion individually.
- Store each PIN or account login somewhere you will find it later.
- Lift temporarily when applying for credit — usually instant online.
- Consider freezing for children and elderly relatives, who are frequent targets and rarely check.
A freeze is stronger than a fraud alert. An alert asks lenders to verify identity; a freeze blocks access to the file altogether.
Common questions
No. Freezing or lifting a freeze has no impact on your credit score.