A free credit freeze is a protective tool that allows consumers to block access to their credit reports at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion without any charge. Since the 2018 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, all U.S. consumers, including minors and vulnerable adults, have the right to freeze and unfreeze their credit reports for free. This prevents identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name by locking your credit report, meaning lenders cannot view it without your permission.

To place a credit freeze, you must contact each credit bureau individually, typically online for fastest service, provide personal identification information, and receive a PIN or password to manage the freeze. The freeze blocks most new credit inquiries but does not affect your current credit accounts or credit score. Temporarily lifting or permanently removing the freeze is similarly free.

Free credit freezes are especially useful after data breaches, if you’re a victim of identity theft, or as a preventative security measure. Parents can also place freezes on their children’s credit reports to protect against early identity theft.

For optimal protection, it’s important to freeze your credit with all three bureaus. Beyond freezes, consider a fraud alert as an additional layer of security. A fraud alert warns lenders to verify your identity but does not block access like a freeze does.

Be aware that freezing your credit doesn’t stop existing creditors from accessing your reports or eliminate all identity theft risks. It mainly prevents new accounts opened fraudulently. Accessing your own credit report remains possible regardless of a freeze.

For detailed steps on placing a freeze and managing it, visit the credit bureaus’ websites. Learn more about credit freezes and related protections in our Credit Freeze and Fraud Alert Notification articles.

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