How to Place a Security Freeze on Your Credit

Most creditors will not issue credit without first pulling a consumer's credit profile. Any consumer may place a security freeze on his or her credit report by making a request in writing by certified mail to any credit reporting agency. A "security freeze" or "credit freeze" is a notice placed on a consumer's credit report at the request of the consumer that prohibits credit reporting agencies from releasing the consumer's credit information without the express consent of the consumer. The freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in the consumer's name without authorization. Once the freeze is in place, information from a consumer's credit report may not be released to a third party without prior, express authorization from the consumer.

How do I place a security freeze on my credit profiles?

1. Send a certified letter to each of the three major credit bureaus.

See sample letter to Experian.
See sample letter to Equifax.
See sample letter to TransUnion.

2. Provide your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.), address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
3. If you have moved over the past 5 years, provide your previous addresses in addition to your current address.
4. Provide proof of your current address (phone or utility bill).
5. Send a photocopy of your driver's license or government identification.
6. Your first freeze is free. If this is not your first freeze, enclose a check for $10.

How much does it cost?
The credit reporting agencies are not allowed to charge a fee for placing the initial freeze on a consumer's report. There is a $10 fee to temporarily lift the freeze for a period of time or to permanently remove the freeze. Subsequent freezes cost $10. There is a $12 fee to temporarily lift the freeze for a specific party.

What happens after the freeze is requested?
After your freeze request is submitted to the credit bureaus, the credit reporting agencies will respond within 10 business days with a confirmation letter. The confirmation letter will include a unique PIN (personal identification number) or password to be used when providing authorization for the release of the consumer report for a specific period of time or to a specific party.

Can I obtain credit if my credit profile is frozen?
Yes. But you will have to have the freeze lifted, and you will be charged a fee.

How do I have the freeze temporarily lifted?
Keep the confirmation letters that you receive from the credit reporting agencies. These letters will contain specific instructions regarding how to lift the freeze. To lift the freeze, you will need to provide: 1. Proper identification, 2. Your PIN or password, 3. Information regarding the specific party who is to receive the consumer report OR the time period that the freeze is to be lifted, and 4. You will need to submit a fee of $10 to lift the freeze for a period of time or $12 to temporarily lift the freeze for a specific party.

How long does it take for the freeze to take effect?
The credit reporting agencies are required to put the freeze in place within 5 business days of receiving the request.

How long does it take for a freeze to be lifted?
Credit reporting agencies must lift the freeze no later than 3 business days from receiving your request.

How long does the freeze remain in place?
Once placed, a security freeze will remain in place until the consumer requests that the freeze be removed.

What will a creditor see if my report is frozen?
A creditor will see a message indicating that the consumer credit profile is frozen.

Can a prospective employer view my credit profile once the freeze is in place?
No. You will need to have the freeze temporarily lifted.

Can I order my own credit report if my profile is frozen?
Yes.

Do I have to freeze my credit report with all three major credit bureaus?
Yes.

Can a creditor obtain my credit score if my report is frozen?
No. The freeze will need to be lifted in order for the creditor to review your credit score.

Will freezing my credit lower my score?
No.

Can anyone see my credit report once it is frozen?
Yes. There is a list of entities that are exempt, meaning they can still review your credit profile even if it is frozen. These include law enforcement, pension plans, existing creditors, government agencies for the purposes of collecting child support or taxes, etc.

Is there a downside?
Yes. Placing a freeze can result in a bit of a hassle when you go to apply for credit. You must contact the credit reporting agencies in writing ahead of time and pay a fee to have the freeze temporarily lifted. If you plan to obtain a mortgage, apply for a cell phone, start utility service, purchase an automobile, or apply for any other loans, credit or services, the process will be delayed unless you plan ahead of time to have the freeze lifted. Many companies pull credit even when you are not applying for a loan, such as for insurance or employment. A security freeze provides a lot of protection, but plan ahead to have the freeze lifted if you think that your credit may need to be accessed for legitimate purposes. The credit bureaus are required to lift the freeze within 3 days of receiving your request to temporarily remove the freeze.