Quick answer: A credit freeze is free by federal law and takes about 5 minutes per bureau. You must place it separately at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Online or phone requests take effect within one hour; mail requests within three business days.
Key Takeaways
- A credit freeze is free by federal law at all three bureaus
- You must place it separately at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- It does not affect your credit score or existing accounts
- Lift it temporarily online in about an hour when you apply for credit
What a credit freeze actually does
A freeze (also called a security freeze) blocks lenders from pulling your credit report, which stops most new accounts from being opened in your name. It does not affect your credit score, existing accounts, or your ability to use current cards. Since September 2018, freezing and unfreezing has been free nationwide under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.
Step 1: Freeze at Equifax
Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services and create a myEquifax account, or call 888-298-0045. You will verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Once confirmed, the freeze is active immediately.
Step 2: Freeze at Experian
Visit experian.com/freeze or call 888-397-3742. Experian lets you manage the freeze from a free account dashboard, so keep the login details somewhere safe.
Step 3: Freeze at TransUnion
Visit transunion.com/credit-freeze or call 800-916-8800. TransUnion also offers a free online account where you can toggle the freeze on and off.
How to lift (thaw) a freeze when you apply for credit
Log in to the same bureau account and choose a temporary lift for a set number of days, or a permanent removal. Online lifts take effect within an hour. If you know which bureau a lender uses, you only need to lift that one. When in doubt, ask the lender before applying.
Freeze vs. fraud alert vs. credit lock
| Credit freeze | Fraud alert | Credit lock | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Often paid (bureau product) |
| Legal protection | Federal law | Federal law | Contract with bureau |
| Blocks new credit | Yes | No (lenders must verify identity) | Yes |
| Set at each bureau? | Yes, all three | One bureau notifies the others | Yes |
For most people the free freeze is the stronger choice; a lock is a convenience product with similar effect.
FAQ
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score? No. Freezes are not visible to lenders as a negative factor and do not change your score.
Can I still use my existing credit cards? Yes. A freeze only blocks new credit inquiries; existing accounts work normally.
Should I freeze my child’s credit? Yes, if you can. All three bureaus allow parents to place a free freeze for minors, which prevents child identity theft.
Sources
Last updated: August 15, 2026. Written by the InfoBrief Editorial team. We link to official government and company sources and update articles when facts change. See our disclosure.