How Do You Freeze Your Credit?
Learn how to freeze your credit, why you need all three nationwide bureaus, how long a freeze lasts, and what a freeze does not stop.
To freeze your credit, place a security freeze with each of the three nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The FTC says credit freezes are free, do not hurt your credit score, and last until you lift them. A freeze makes it harder for someone to open new credit in your name, but it does not stop fraud on existing accounts.
Credit freeze basics
Cost
Free
Do not pay a third party just to place a freeze
Bureaus
Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
Each bureau must be frozen separately
Credit score effect
No score penalty
The freeze limits access, not scoring
Duration
Until you lift it
You can keep it in place between credit applications
Existing-account fraud
Not stopped by a freeze
Monitor bank and card accounts separately
A freeze is not a lock or fraud alert
Credit freezes, credit locks, and fraud alerts are different tools. A freeze is a free legal right that restricts new-credit access to your credit report. A fraud alert asks creditors to verify identity, and a credit lock is usually a bureau product.
Freeze your credit
- 1Go directly to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- 2Place a security freeze at each bureau using its official site or phone path.
- 3Save confirmation details and any freeze-management information.
- 4Keep the freezes in place until you need to apply for new credit.
- 5Monitor existing accounts separately because freezes do not block existing-card fraud.
FAQ
Does freezing credit hurt your credit score?
No. The FTC says a credit freeze does not affect your credit score. It limits access to your credit report for new credit checks, but it does not change your score by itself.
Do I need to freeze all three bureaus?
Yes if you want broad new-account protection. You need to place the freeze separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion because freezing one bureau does not automatically freeze the others.
Will a freeze stop fraud on my existing credit card?
No. A freeze helps block new credit accounts from being opened in your name, but it does not stop charges or fraud on accounts that already exist.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.
- Understanding Your CreditFederal Trade Commission · consumer.ftc.govSupports that credit freezes are free, do not affect credit scores, and must be placed separately with all three nationwide credit bureaus.
- Get a credit freeze to stop identity thievesFederal Trade Commission · consumer.ftc.govSupports the identity-theft protection framing, freeze duration, and reminder to lift a freeze before applying for new credit.