Quick overview

A credit freeze (sometimes called a security freeze) stops most lenders from seeing your credit report. That makes it much harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. A freeze does not close existing accounts, remove fraudulent items, or prevent all uses of your credit information—so it’s one part of a broader identity-protection plan. (FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/freezing-credit; CFPB: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/credit-reports-and-scores/credit-freeze/)

Why and when to use a credit freeze

Use a credit freeze when you have a heightened risk that someone might open credit in your name. Common triggers:

  • You received a notice that a company holding your personal data was breached.
  • You discover you are a victim of identity theft or fraud.
  • You lost important documents (Social Security card, passport) or had a wallet stolen.
  • You are a parent protecting a minor’s Social Security number.
  • You want a long-term, low-maintenance barrier against new-account fraud.

A freeze is also commonly used before major life changes (moving, long hospital stays) that leave you less able to watch accounts closely. It’s free and reversible, so many people opt to freeze proactively if they have concerns. (Source: FTC, CFPB)

How a freeze changes access to your credit

  • Lenders generally cannot access your full credit report to approve new accounts while a freeze is in place.
  • Existing creditors, debt collectors, and companies that report on your accounts can still access your file.
  • Some government agencies and courts may access your report for legal or collection actions.
  • A credit freeze does not affect your credit score or your ability to use current credit accounts.

These limits make a freeze effective against the most common form of identity theft—fraudulent new accounts—while leaving routine credit-use and credit scoring unchanged. (FTC)

Step-by-step credit freeze steps (practical checklist)

Follow these steps for a thorough and defensible freeze.

  1. Gather documents and details
  • Your full name, date of birth, current and previous addresses, Social Security number, and a copy of government ID (driver’s license, passport) if asked.
  • If freezing a minor’s file, have the child’s birth certificate and proof of parental authority. (FTC guidance)
  1. Contact each national credit bureau separately
  1. Confirm the freeze and store credentials
  • Each bureau must confirm the freeze and provide a unique PIN, password, or confirmation number. Save this information securely—your PIN is required to lift or remove the freeze.
  • If the bureau offers multi-factor authentication or an account you can log into, enable it and record the user name and recovery options.
  1. Verify the freeze is active
  • Try to obtain a free credit report or contact the bureaus to check the status. Keep the confirmation emails or letters.
  1. Maintain and monitor
  • Keep your bureau credentials in a secure password manager or locked file.
  • Review your credit reports and account statements regularly. A freeze doesn’t catch everything—monitoring and periodic report checks are still important.
  1. Temporarily lift a freeze when needed
  • If you apply for new credit, a mortgage, or certain background checks, temporarily lift or remove the freeze for a specific creditor or defined time.
  • Lifts requested online or by phone must generally be processed within one hour; requests by mail can take up to three business days. Similarly, placing a freeze must be completed within one business day for online/phone requests and three business days for mailed requests. (FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/freezing-credit)
  1. Revoke permanently if you choose
  • You also can permanently remove a freeze at any time using the confirmation method provided by the bureau.

Special situations and rules

  • Minors: Parents or guardians can place or remove a freeze on a minor’s file. The bureau may require proof of identity and the child’s SSN. (FTC)
  • Active investigations: If you’re already disputing fraudulent entries, a freeze helps prevent new fraud but does not remove existing fraudulent entries—dispute those directly with the bureaus and furnish police reports if appropriate. See our guide on correcting identity-theft entries for next steps: Correcting Identity Theft Entries on Your Credit Report: https://finhelp.io/glossary/correcting-identity-theft-entries-on-your-credit-report/
  • Loan applications and mortgages: A freeze can slow loan processing unless you plan ahead. Learn how freezes affect lending and loan timing in our article: How Credit Report Freezes Impact Loan Applications: https://finhelp.io/glossary/how-credit-report-freezes-impact-loan-applications/

Pros and cons — quick comparison

Pros:

  • Blocks most new-account credit fraud quickly and for free.
  • Doesn’t affect credit score or existing accounts.
  • Can be used proactively or reactively.

Cons:

  • You must lift the freeze each time you apply for credit, which can add steps and time.
  • Some lenders (especially mortgage underwriters or certain background checks) require more lead time.
  • You must manage and protect the PINs/passwords issued by each bureau.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Losing the PIN: Record PINs in a password manager or secure safe. If you lose it, the bureau has procedures to verify identity and issue a new PIN.
  • Forgetting to lift the freeze before applying for credit: Plan ahead—temporary lifts can be time-limited and must be requested for each bureau.
  • Assuming the freeze stops all fraud: It does not prevent account takeovers of existing accounts or non–credit identity misuse. Continue monitoring and set alerts with banks.

Practical examples

  • After a major data breach, a client I worked with froze all three reports within 48 hours, then set alerts on bank accounts and ordered two years of free credit monitoring offered by the breached company. This layered approach stopped new accounts forming and helped us spot attempted account-takeover attempts quickly.
  • A family with young children placed freezes on their kids’ files proactively after learning how easy it can be for a child’s SSN to be repurposed. Because minor freezes require documentation, starting early made future remediation simpler.

Frequently asked technical questions

  • Does a freeze lower my credit score? No. A credit freeze does not affect your FICO or VantageScore. (CFPB)
  • How long does a freeze take to become active? Online/phone requests must be honored no later than one business day; mail requests may take up to three business days. (FTC)
  • Can a potential employer see my report if I have a freeze? Some background-screening companies use specialty consumer reporting agencies or specific checks that may still access limited data. If an employer needs a credit check, you can temporarily lift the freeze for that check.

Step-by-step checklist you can copy

  • [ ] Decide why you need a freeze and collect ID documents.
  • [ ] Place freezes at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion via their official pages.
  • [ ] Save confirmation numbers and PINs in a secure password manager.
  • [ ] Plan temporary lifts for known upcoming credit applications.
  • [ ] Monitor accounts and order free credit reports annually at annualcreditreport.com.

Recommended additional reading and internal resources

Final professional tips

  • Use a password manager for PINs and confirmation numbers.
  • If you suspect identity theft, file a police report and use it when disputing fraudulent items with creditors and the bureaus.
  • Keep a written log of when you place or lift freezes and communications with bureaus.

Professional disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a qualified financial or legal professional.

Authoritative sources

(Last reviewed: 2025)