Security Freeze | Freeze or Unfreeze Your Credit | Equifax® (2024)

FAQs

Is a security freeze the same as a credit freeze? ›

A security freeze (also known as credit freeze) of your Equifax credit report is regulated by federal law. You can place, temporarily lift or permanently remove a freeze on your Equifax credit report for free online, by phone or by mail.

Place or lift a credit freeze

Freeze or lift the freeze on your credit report for free by contacting each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax. Experian. TransUnion.

A security freeze shall remain in place until you request that it be removed. How long does it take for a security freeze to be lifted? The credit reporting agency has up to three business days to comply with your request once it has been received.

A freeze can give you a false sense of security — you may still be susceptible to credit fraud or other fraud involving your Social Security number. A credit freeze won't affect your current accounts, but if a thief steals the information on an existing account, your credit may be used without your permission.

A security freeze prevents criminals from opening new credit accounts in your name, but it also blocks your legitimate credit applications. So, if you have a credit freeze in place, you'll need to thaw your credit reports before applying for a new loan, credit card or other consumer credit.

A security freeze is one step you can take to help prevent access to your Equifax credit report to open new credit accounts, with certain exceptions. Security freezes are federally regulated, and a security freeze must be temporarily lifted or permanently removed each time you apply for new credit.

System errors, file mixups, data breaches, or even identity theft may be why your credit is frozen without you initiating it. System errors, file mixups, data breaches, or even identity theft may be why your credit is frozen without you initiating it.

If you're looking to apply for a loan or credit card, you will need to unfreeze your credit report. You'll have to unfreeze your credit report individually with each credit bureau. However, if you know which bureau a creditor is using, you can just unfreeze that one.

It's important to notify all three major credit bureaus of the death and request a credit freeze. Some debts may still need to be settled after a loved one's passing, and it's important to contact creditors and handle these matters carefully.

Should I freeze my credit with all three agencies? ›

Unfortunately, there's no central hub where you can lock or freeze all your reports at once. So technically, you'll need to lock or freeze your credit reports at all three bureaus to have the best chance at preventing criminals from opening new accounts.

A common misconception is that a credit freeze means you can't use your current forms of credit, like a credit card. But your credit report isn't accessed when you purchase something with a credit card. So, freezing your credit file doesn't affect your ability to use your existing accounts.

It's free to freeze and unfreeze your credit report as often as you like. Ultimately, freezing your credit adds an extra layer of security to your identity and accounts.

The three major credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion —sometimes promote their credit lock services. However, there are key differences between the two services. Credit locks can carry a monthly fee, while credit freeze options are free.

Freezing your credit is free, and you'll need to do it with all three credit bureaus to lock down each of your credit reports. And again, the freeze will stay in place until you lift it.

System errors, file mixups, data breaches, or even identity theft may be why your credit is frozen without you initiating it. System errors, file mixups, data breaches, or even identity theft may be why your credit is frozen without you initiating it.

A credit freeze is a security measure you can take to prevent new accounts from being fraudulently opened in your name. But that also means you can't open a new account yourself while the freeze is in place. Credit freezes work by blocking new creditors from reviewing your credit report.

No, freezing your credit report primarily stops hard inquiries, which are typically associated with credit applications. Soft inquiries, such as background checks and credit monitoring, are not affected by a credit freeze. Yes, you can check your own credit report even if it's frozen.