Credit Freeze: How to Place One, and Fraud Alert vs Freeze
A freeze is the strongest free protection against new-account fraud. It takes about fifteen minutes and you can undo it whenever you need credit.
By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 11, 2026A credit freeze stops lenders seeing your credit report, which makes it hard for a thief to open new accounts. In the United States it is free, does not affect your credit score and lasts until you lift it, but you must place it with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion separately. A fraud alert is a lighter option that asks lenders to verify your identity.
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A credit freeze is one of the few privacy measures that is both free and effective. It does not stop every kind of identity theft, but it makes the most expensive kind, new credit in your name, much harder. This guide covers the United States in detail, with notes for the UK and Canada at the end.
What a credit freeze does
A freeze restricts access to your credit report so lenders cannot view it. Because most lenders check a report before approving new credit, a thief using your details is stopped. The FTC calls it free to place and lift and says it does not affect your credit score.
A freeze does not stop misuse of existing cards, tax fraud or medical identity theft. See how to prevent identity theft for the wider picture.
Credit freeze versus fraud alert
Credit freeze
Blocks access to your report. Free. Lasts until you lift it. Contact all three bureaus.
Fraud alert
Asks lenders to verify your identity. Free. Initial alert lasts one year and can be renewed. Contact one bureau, which must tell the other two.
An extended fraud alert lasts seven years and requires an FTC identity theft report or police report. It also removes you from credit and insurance marketing lists for five years. Active duty military personnel can get a one-year alert, renewable for the length of deployment.
When a fraud alert is enough
A fraud alert can be the better option when you plan to apply for credit soon, want a lighter touch, or when you think your data may be at risk but there is no sign of misuse. If you have been a confirmed victim, or your Social Security number has been exposed, a freeze is the stronger choice. Many people use both.
How to place a freeze in the United States
1Choose how to contact each bureau
You can freeze online, by phone or by mail. Equifax offers the myEquifax online account (you must be 18) and the phone line (888) 298-0045. TransUnion lists 800-916-8800. Experian lists 1-888-397-3742 and a mail address at Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Check each bureau's site for the current method before you call.
2Freeze at all three bureaus
A freeze at one bureau does not carry over to the others. Repeat the process at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
3Save your PIN or login details
You will need them to lift or reapply a freeze. Store them in a password manager.
4Check that the freeze is active
Online freezes take effect quickly. Mailed requests can take longer, with Experian noting up to three days for changes made by mail.
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Applying for credit while frozen
The FTC says to lift the freeze at the bureau the lender will check, then re-freeze afterwards. TransUnion lets you schedule a temporary lift up to 15 days ahead. Ask the lender which bureau it uses so you do not lift more than you need.
Freezing a child's credit
The FTC says that if your child is under 16, you can request a free credit freeze. It stays until you ask for it to be removed, and each bureau has its own process for minors.
Check your credit reports too
A freeze blocks new credit but does not show what is already there. Each bureau must give you a free report once every 12 months, and the bureaus have made free weekly checks at AnnualCreditReport.com permanent.
If you live in the United Kingdom
We have not found an official UK equivalent of a US-style credit freeze, so we do not describe one. The option that is documented is Cifas Protective Registration, which costs £30 for two years and adds a warning flag to the National Fraud Database so organizations carry out extra checks. It does not affect your credit score.
If you live in Canada
Credit lock or freeze availability varies by province. Equifax Canada says its lock is only available to residents of Quebec and Ontario, free of charge, and TransUnion Canada's freeze is for Quebec residents. Equifax Canada fraud alerts are free and stay on the report for six years. Check with Equifax and TransUnion for the latest rules in your province.
Sources
- FTC: What to know about credit freezes and fraud alerts (freeze is free and lasts until lifted; initial (1 year), extended (7 years) and active duty alerts)
- Equifax: Credit freeze (phone line and myEquifax age requirement)
- Experian: Credit freeze (phone number and mail address)
- TransUnion: Credit freeze FAQ (phone number and scheduling a lift up to 15 days ahead)
Frequently asked questions
Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
The FTC says it does not.
Does a freeze stop identity theft completely?
No. It protects against new credit accounts but not existing account misuse, tax fraud or medical identity theft.
How long does a freeze last?
In the United States it lasts until you lift it.
Can I still use my existing credit cards?
Yes. A freeze blocks access to your report by new lenders, not the use of existing accounts.
Do I need a freeze if I never apply for credit?
It is still worth considering, because the point is to stop others applying in your name.
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