Digital Safety Desk

Credit protection

How to freeze your credit at all three bureaus.

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file, making it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name. To cover all three files, you must place the freeze separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

6 practical stepsUS consumersFree to place and liftBy Digital Safety DeskLast reviewed September 3, 2026
Three frozen credit-file folders protected by a shield and padlock

  1. Decide whether a freeze fits your goal

    Use a freeze when you want to restrict access to your credit files and reduce the risk of new-account fraud. A freeze is different from monitoring: it does not watch transactions, notify you about every change, or secure bank and email accounts. It is one control in a broader protection plan.

  2. Start only from official bureau links

    Use the bureau contact links provided by the FTC rather than links in an unexpected email, text, advertisement, or phone call.[1] You will be asked to verify your identity, so complete the process on a trusted device and network.

  3. Freeze Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately

    A freeze at one bureau does not freeze the other two. Complete the request with each bureau and read the confirmation screen before moving on. If a bureau cannot verify you online, follow its official alternative process rather than paying a third party to place the freeze.

  4. Save every confirmation securely

    Record the bureau name, date, confirmation number, and the official method you must use to manage the freeze. Store this information somewhere secure and accessible. Do not place sensitive identity information in an unprotected note or send it to yourself through ordinary email.

  5. Lift only the file a legitimate check needs

    When you apply for credit, housing, insurance, or another service that needs a credit check, ask which bureau will be used. The FTC notes that you can temporarily lift the freeze at the needed bureau and place it back afterward.[1]

  6. Review your reports for existing problems

    A freeze focuses on new access; it does not correct an inaccurate report or resolve an account already opened. Request your reports through AnnualCreditReport.com and review each one for unfamiliar accounts, inquiries, addresses, or balances.[2]

Educational information only. This is not legal or financial advice. Bureau processes can change; follow the current instructions on official sites.

Common credit freeze mistakes

A freeze is simple, but incomplete coverage and false assumptions can create gaps.

Freezing only one file
Complete the process with all three nationwide credit bureaus.
Assuming a freeze is monitoring
Continue reviewing statements, alerts, and reports for activity on existing accounts.
Paying an unnecessary intermediary
The FTC states there is no cost to place or lift a credit freeze.[1]
Losing the management details
Keep each bureau’s confirmation and official access method in a secure record.

Credit freeze FAQ

Direct answers to the questions that most often affect the decision.

Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?

No. The FTC states that placing a credit freeze does not affect your credit score.[1]

How long does a freeze last?

It stays in place until you lift it. You can temporarily lift a freeze when a legitimate credit check is needed.[1]

Is a fraud alert the same thing?

No. A freeze restricts access to your credit file; a fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before granting new credit. The placement process also differs, so review the FTC comparison before choosing.[1]

Sources

Primary consumer resources used for this guide.

  1. Federal Trade Commission — Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts
  2. AnnualCreditReport.com — federally authorized credit-report access