Freeze your credit for free
A credit freeze stops anyone opening a new loan or card in your name. It costs nothing and doesn't touch your score.
- Go to the freeze page of Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each one is separate, so you need all three.
- Request the freeze online or by phone. They must place it within one business day.
- Save any PIN or login each bureau gives you somewhere safe.
- Applying for credit later? Lift the freeze at that bureau online or by phone; it's lifted within one hour, also free.
Tip: A freeze doesn't block your existing accounts, and it doesn't stop scams that use those accounts. Keep checking your statements.
Try it now: Freeze your file at one bureau now, and set a reminder to do the other two today.
Next crumbs
- 💵 MoneyPull your free credit reportSee what Equifax, Experian and TransUnion have on you, free, every week. Mistakes and accounts opened by strangers show up here.
- 💵 MoneyLower your credit utilizationHow much of your credit limit you're using is one of the biggest parts of a credit score.
- 💵 MoneySpot a phishing text or email"Your account is locked, tap here" is the oldest trick going. Four checks catch most of them.