![]() A freeze may also need to be lifted to allow insurers, utility providers, or potential employers access to your credit file. If you want to apply for new credit, you must lift the freeze (which can take several days). To initiate a security freeze, you must contact all three credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax. A security freeze would be most appropriate for a consumer who is extremely concerned about identity theft and has little need for immediate credit. To determine if a security freeze is right for you, consider your current need for credit. A security freeze is a permanent measure until you choose to lift the freeze. A fraud alert is one example however, it’s a temporary measure that lasts for 90 days. Other options exist for limiting access to credit. State laws control security freeze rights and fees, which tend to range from $3-20. You can still check your credit report and score at any time.Ĭurrent creditors are exempt from the freeze, along with law enforcement and other governmental agencies. This prevents would-be identity thieves from establishing new credit in your name. once the freeze is in place, potential creditors are unable to access both your credit report and score unless you “unlock” your file. To help us process your request, please click here to see. ![]() ![]() How it WorksĪ security freeze works by the consumer requesting the freeze with each of the credit bureaus. We can’t process your Equifax security freeze request online, because we need additional address or identification information. While not for every consumer, the security freeze is considered the strongest measure one can take in protecting a credit file. The same form can also be used to temporarily or permanently lift a credit freeze.With millions of identity theft cases reported each year, a security freeze can be a useful measure in preventing identity theft. We recommend sending the letter via certified mail. You'll need to mail it, along with copies of your Social Security card or pay stubs showing the number, plus copies of your driver's license, utility bills or other documents showing your address, to: Print and fill out the form on this page. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax by mail Once your freeze is set up, you'll be given a PIN that will unfreeze your credit. You'll be asked for your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number to verify your identity. Eastern time during the week, and between 9 a.m. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax by telephoneĬall Equifax at (888) 298-0045 between 9 a.m. You won't need to set up a PIN to unfreeze it if you have an Equifax account - your username and password will be enough. Then you'll be able to freeze your credit. Make sure the password is unique and strong. Equifax will retrieve your information and prompt you to set up an Equifax account. Then you'll have to fill out personal information, including your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Go to the dedicated page on the Equifax website at and click "Get started with a freeze." This is the easiest way to freeze your credit with Equifax. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax online We also have guides on how to freeze your credit with Experian and how to freeze your credit with TransUnion. Equifax doesn't let you have a credit lock and a credit freeze at the same time.īelow is how to set up an Equifax credit freeze. The difference is that Lock & Report isn't regulated by the federal government, and Equifax makes more money if it's easier to unlock your files. To do this with a credit freeze, you have to log into your account on the Equifax website. Equifax also offers a free service called "Lock & Report" that is basically the same as a credit freeze, except that there are mobile apps for iOS and Android that let you "unlock" your Equifax credit file with a swipe of a finger.
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