Credit Freeze Guide: How to Lock Your Credit At All Three Bureaus

Equifax

Website:

https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze

Phone:

1-800-685-1111

Online (Recommended

Step 1: Go to https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze

Step 2: Click "Place a Security Freeze."

Step 3: Create a myEquifax account or log in if you already have one.

Step 4: Verify your identity using your SSN, date of birth, and address.

Step 5: Submit the freeze request. You will receive a confirmation immediately.

By Phone

Call 1-800-685-1111. Have your SSN, date of birth, and current address ready. Follow the automated prompts to place a freeze.

By Mail

Send a written request to: Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788

Include: full name, SSN, date of birth, current and previous addresses, and a copy of a government-issued ID.

Experian

Online (Recommended

Step 1: Go to https://www.experian.com/help/credit-freeze/

Step 2: Click "Add a Security Freeze."

Step 3: Create an Experian account or log in.

Step 4: Verify your identity — Experian may ask security questions based on your credit history.

Step 5: Submit the freeze. You’ll receive a PIN to use when you want to lift the freeze.

By Phone

Call 1-888-397-3742 and follow the prompts. Have your SSN, date of birth, and address available.

By Mail

Send a written request to: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013

Include: full name, SSN, date of birth, two proofs of address, and a copy of a government-issued ID.

Transunion

Online (Recommended

Step 1: Go to https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze

Step 2: Click "Add a Freeze."

Step 3: Create a TransUnion account or log in.

Step 4: Verify your identity using your SSN, date of birth, and address.

Step 5: Submit the freeze. TransUnion will confirm and provide a PIN.

By Phone

Call 1-888-909-8872. Have your SSN, date of birth, and address ready.

By Mail

Send a written request to: TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Include: full name, SSN, date of birth, two proofs of address, and a copy of a government-issued ID.

Tips & reminders

• Save your PINs — Experian and TransUnion issue PINs when you freeze. Store them somewhere secure.
• Freeze for minors too — Children’s SSNs are a prime target for identity theft. You can freeze their credit even if they have no credit history.
• Consider ChexSystems — This is the bureau banks use when opening checking/savings accounts. Freeze at chexsystems.com if desired.
• A freeze does not affect your existing accounts, credit score, or ability to use current cards.
• It is completely free to place, lift, or remove a freeze at all three bureaus.