how to freeze your credit for free

February 18, 2026

You can freeze your credit for free in the U.S. by placing a “security freeze” with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Quick Scoop

A credit freeze blocks most new-credit checks in your name, making it much harder for identity thieves to open accounts.

It’s free for everyone under federal law, and you can lift or reapply the freeze whenever you want.

You must do it separately with each bureau (freezing one does not freeze the others).

You can set it up online, by phone, or by mail; online is usually fastest and takes about 10 minutes total.

What a Credit Freeze Does (and Doesn’t Do)

A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) limits access to your credit reports, which most lenders and creditors rely on when opening a new account.

It blocks most new credit checks , so crooks who stole your Social Security number can’t easily open credit cards, loans, or phone plans in your name.

It does not affect your credit score, your existing credit cards, or your ability to use them.

Existing creditors, some government agencies, and some collection agencies may still have access.

The freeze stays in place until you lift it ; there is no automatic expiration.

Think of it like putting a strong deadbolt on your credit file: lenders can’t open the “door” unless you unlock it.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Freeze Your Credit for Free

You’ll repeat a similar process with Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion.

Have ready: your full name, date of birth, current and past addresses, Social Security number, and access to your phone or email for verification.

1. Freeze with Equifax

Go to the Equifax credit freeze page or app, or call their freeze phone line.

Create or sign in to your Equifax account and verify your identity by answering questions about loans, addresses, or credit cards.

Choose the option to place a security freeze on your credit file and confirm.

Save any PIN, password, or confirmation details they provide; you’ll need them to lift the freeze.

2. Freeze with Experian

Visit Experian’s credit freeze/help page or use their app.

Select “add a security freeze” (or similar wording) and submit.

Experian applies freezes and thaws in real time when done online; you’ll get confirmation right away.

3. Freeze with TransUnion

Go to TransUnion’s credit freeze/security freeze page or use their app.

Create an online profile or sign in, then verify your identity.

Select the option to freeze or lock your credit report and confirm.

Store your login info and any freeze confirmations securely.

4. If You Prefer Phone or Mail

Online is fastest, but you can also freeze by phone or mail with each bureau.

By phone: call each bureau’s published credit-freeze number, follow prompts, and answer identity questions.
By mail: send a written request with copies (not originals) of ID documents as each bureau specifies on its website.

Bureaus must place freezes within one business day for online/phone requests and within a few days for mail, under federal rules.

How to Unfreeze or “Thaw” When You Need Credit

A freeze is flexible; you can temporarily or permanently lift it.

Log in to each bureau account (or call) and choose lift/unfreeze. Online/phone thaws are typically nearly instant; legally, they must be lifted within about an hour.

Options often include:
- Permanent thaw : completely removes the freeze until you choose to add it back.

* **Temporary thaw** : lifts the freeze for a set date range (for example, from Friday to Tuesday) and then automatically refreezes.

If a car dealer or mortgage lender tells you which bureau they’ll use, you may only need to thaw that one instead of all three.

Extra Layers of Protection (Optional but Smart)

Freezing your credit is powerful, but pairing it with other tools gives even better protection.

Fraud alerts : If you suspect identity theft, you can place a free fraud alert that makes lenders verify identity more carefully; one bureau must pass it to the others in many cases.

Credit monitoring : Many banks, card issuers, and some bureaus offer free alerts when there are new accounts or major changes reported.

Check specialty bureaus : Some people also freeze with specialty consumer reporting agencies (for example, those used for bank accounts or telecom), as suggested in community discussions.

Monitor statements : Regularly review bank and card statements and dispute any unknown charges immediately.

Mini “Forum-Style” Snapshot

“Freezing your credit is free now, takes maybe 10 minutes total, and honestly it’s one of the easiest wins against identity theft. Just don’t forget your login or PIN.”

Common viewpoints you’ll see:

Some people freeze by default and only thaw when applying for credit, seeing it as a no-brainer safety measure in 2025–2026 with rising fraud cases.

Others avoid freezes because they apply for new cards frequently and don’t want the extra step, preferring monitoring and alerts instead.

Many who had their data exposed in breaches say a permanent freeze plus monitoring is now their standard setup.

SEO‑Style Notes for Your Post

Focus keyword: how to freeze your credit for free — use it in the title, intro, and at least one H2.
Supporting keywords: “credit freeze,” “identity theft protection,” “freeze credit online,” and “latest news on free credit freezes.”

Meta description example (under ~160 characters):
- “Learn how to freeze your credit for free with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Step‑by‑step guide, pros and cons, and what to know in 2026.”

Short, scannable paragraphs and bullet lists, like the ones above, generally test well for readability and search performance on this topic.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.