Money & Finance
Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze blocks anyone, including you, from opening new credit until you lift it. It is free, does not affect your score, and is the single most effective anti-fraud step there is.
Last updated June 6, 2026 · By Harbor Privacy
What a Freeze Does
- Blocks new lenders from pulling your credit, so thieves cannot open accounts in your name.
- It is free to set, lift, and remove.
- It does not affect your credit score or your existing cards and loans.
Freeze at All Three Bureaus
1
Equifaxequifax.com/personal/credit-report-services, or 1-800-685-1111.
2
Experianexperian.com/freeze, or 1-888-397-3742.
3
TransUniontransunion.com/credit-freeze, or 1-800-916-8800.
4
Save your logins and PINsYou will need them to lift the freeze later. Store them in your password manager.
Don't Forget the Other Bureaus
- Innovis and NCTUE are smaller bureaus worth freezing too.
- ChexSystems covers new bank accounts, freeze it to stop fraudulent checking accounts.
Lift It When You Need Credit
Applying for a card, loan, or apartment? Temporarily lift (thaw) the freeze at the relevant bureau, then it re-freezes automatically or you re-freeze when done. It takes minutes online.
Related guides: Bank transaction alerts.
Related guides: What to do after a data breach.
Common Questions
Is a freeze the same as a lock?
Close, but a freeze is governed by federal law and always free. Some paid "lock" products do the same thing for a fee, you do not need them.
Will a freeze stop me using my credit cards?
No. It only blocks new credit applications. Your existing cards, loans, and scores are unaffected.
What about my kids' credit?
You can freeze a minor's credit too, which is smart since child identity theft often goes unnoticed for years.
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