What is a Credit Report Freeze?
A credit report freeze allows you to restrict who can access your credit report. When a freeze is in place, only certain professional entities can see your information, and it is less likely that identity thieves can open new accounts in your name.
Ways a Credit Report Freeze Affects You
It prevents many entities from accessing your credit report, including potential lenders and some employers that request credit checks.
Existing creditors, collection agencies working for those creditors, and government agencies responding to a court order or subpoena may still access your report.
You can continue to access your free annual credit report.
Placing a freeze does not affect your credit score.
You will still receive prescreened credit and insurance offers unless you opt out through the national prescreen opt-out service; you can also call 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688) to opt out by phone.
How to Place a Credit Report Freeze
Contact each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies to request a freeze on your credit report. Provide your name, birth date, Social Security number, address and other verification information as requested. Fees may apply and vary by state.
How to Know if Your Credit Report Freeze is Successful
After placing a freeze, the credit reporting company will send a confirmation letter. The letter includes a unique password or personal identification number (PIN) you will need if you later choose to lift the freeze.
How to Lift a Credit Report Freeze
A freeze remains in place indefinitely until you request a lift. To lift a freeze, contact the reporting company, provide the password or PIN, and indicate whether you want a temporary or permanent lift; state fees may apply for lifting.
Consider monitoring your bank, insurance, and credit card statements for signs of identity theft, and consider additional protections such as cyber liability coverage. For general information on credit-reporting options, see Credit Reporting Services.
For credit-union-specific insurance and service options, see Credit Unions Services Insurance. If you want professional help with coverage or next steps, you can talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a credit freeze different from a fraud alert?
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report entirely unless you lift it, while a fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify identity but does not block access.
Will placing a freeze stop all forms of identity theft?
No; a freeze helps prevent new accounts from being opened in your name but does not stop misuse of existing accounts or all types of fraud.
Can I apply for credit while my report is frozen?
Yes; you can temporarily or permanently lift the freeze with the reporting company using your PIN to allow a specific creditor to access your report.
Do freezes affect employment background checks?
Some employers that check credit may be unable to view a frozen report; you can lift the freeze temporarily to allow the check.