How to Freeze Your Credit Report – Equifax, Experian, TransUnion

With the rapid influx of online businesses and the availability to do everyday tasks such as banking, shopping, and investing through Internet-based platforms, there has been a rise in the occurrence of identity theft and financial fraud among consumers.

It can be a challenge to fully protect your personal information online, but there are mechanisms in place to help prevent an identity thief from using stolen data for their benefit. One of the most effective tools in identity theft protection is a credit freeze.

What is a Security Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a free service that allows you to effectively seal your credit reports through each of the three major credit bureaus to prevent new accounts being opened in your name. An individual who places a security credit freeze on his or her credit profile also establishes a personal identification number (PIN) that allows for a credit report to be unfrozen (thawed, removed), or temporarily lifted over the phone, via the Internet, and by post mail, when necessary.

This is an important tool because new credit account applications require creditors to view a credit file prior to making a decision to approve a loan, credit card, mortgage, or line-of-credit. When identity thieves attempt to acquire a new credit account with the personal information of one of their victims, a credit freeze stops the process altogether.

Considerations for Freezing Your Credit Reports

An individual who applies for a new credit account legitimately can utilize his or her established PIN to allow new creditors to view the applicants credit history and make credit lending decisions. It is important to note that a credit freeze does not have an impact on current credit accounts in good standing, nor does it impede their access to a consumer’s credit report for things like a credit line increase, accessing your own credit report, or insurance underwriting.

Credit Freeze Process

A security credit freeze must be placed with each of the three main consumer credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, separately, as there is no central location to put an overarching freeze on your credit files. However, thanks to a federal law that went into place in 2018, freezing your credit report does not cost anything.

The following steps can be taken if you’re going to be placing a freeze on your credit file with each of these credit reporting agencies:

Equifax Security Credit Freeze

You can visit the Equifax website; call the automated phone system at (800) 349-9960; or request a credit freeze by mail using this form and mailing it:

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348

If the request is made via the mail, you must include your personal identity information along with your Equifax credit freeze request:

• Name (married and maiden if applicable)
• Proof of current address
• Previous address if less than five years at same location
• Date of birth
• Social security number identification
• Copy of driver’s license, government ID or other qualified personal identification information
• Request type: freeze credit, temporarily lift freeze, permanently remove freeze

Equifax will send your unique PIN via mail once the credit freeze request is received and processed.

Experian Security Credit Freeze

A credit freeze can be requested via Experian’s website; calling a customer service representative or using the automated system at 888-397-3742; or by sending a letter to the credit reporting agency along with your identity information:

Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013

If the Experian credit freeze request is made by mail, the following information must be included:

• Name (married and maiden if applicable)
• Proof of current address
• Previous address if less than five years at same place
• Date of birth
• Social security number identification
• Copy of driver’s license, government ID or other qualified personal identity information
• Request type: freeze credit, temporarily lift freeze, permanently remove freeze

Once Experian has received your request, the credit freeze will be processed and a PIN assigned.

TransUnion Security Credit Freeze

A credit freeze with TransUnion can be placed through the credit bureau’s website, via the telephone at 888-909-8872, or by mailing it to the credit bureau:

TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000

If making a TransUnion credit freeze request via mail, the following information is necessary:

• Name (married and maiden if applicable)
• Current address
• Previous address if less than five years at current home
• Date of birth
• Social security number identification
• Copy of driver’s license, government ID or other qualified personally identifiable information
• Request type: freeze credit, temporarily lift freeze, permanently remove freeze

A PIN will be assigned to you once all information is received and processed.

Now that you’ve frozen your credit reports you should be able to easily manage the credit freezes with each of your PINs. If you happen to misplace one of them, follow these steps to recover your lost PIN to manage your credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.