What a Social Security freeze does and why you might want one

A Social Security number freeze (also called a credit freeze) tells the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — not to release your credit report to anyone without your permission. This stops a thief who has your Social Security number from opening new accounts in your name, because lenders cannot pull your credit file to approve the application.

A freeze does not prevent someone from using your existing accounts or your number for other purposes like tax fraud or medical identity theft. It only blocks new credit in your name. If you have already noticed fraudulent accounts or suspicious activity, a freeze is one layer of protection, but you will also need to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and contact your banks and creditors directly.

Freezes are free, permanent until you lift them, and do not affect your credit score. You can thaw a freeze temporarily when you actually need to apply for credit — a mortgage, car loan, or new credit card — and refreeze it afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • You can freeze your credit for free by contacting Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion directly online, by phone, or by mail — you must contact all three separately.
  • A freeze takes effect within one business day online or by phone, and up to three business days by mail.
  • When you need to open new credit, you thaw the freeze temporarily with a PIN or password you create during the freeze process.
  • If you suspect your Social Security number has already been misused, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov before or alongside freezing your credit.
  • A freeze is different from a fraud alert, which is faster to set up but lasts only one year and does not block credit as completely.

How to contact each credit bureau to freeze your credit

You must contact each of the three bureaus separately — freezing with one does not freeze with the others. Each bureau has its own website, phone number, and mailing address. The process is the same at all three: you provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address, and the bureau issues you a PIN or password to thaw the freeze later.

Equifax: Visit freeze.equifax.com, call 1-800-349-9960, or mail a request to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.

Experian: Visit experian.com/freeze, call 1-888-397-3742, or mail a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.

TransUnion: Visit freeze.transunion.com, call 1-888-909-8872, or mail a request to TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000.

Online and by phone are fastest — a freeze takes effect within one business day. By mail, allow up to three business days. Keep your PIN or password in a safe place; you will need it to thaw the freeze later.

Thawing your freeze temporarily when you need new credit

When you want to open a new credit account — apply for a mortgage, auto loan, credit card, or rental application — you will need to thaw your freeze at the relevant bureau. Contact the bureau where you froze your credit, provide your PIN or password, and request a temporary thaw. You can thaw for a specific creditor and a set number of days, or for all creditors for a longer period.

Temporary thaws usually take effect within one hour online or by phone. Once your application is approved and you no longer need the thaw, you can refreeze immediately — there is no cost and no limit on how many times you freeze and thaw.

If you lose your PIN, each bureau has a process to verify your identity and issue a new one. This takes longer than a routine thaw, so keep your original PIN in a secure place.

Difference between a freeze and a fraud alert

A fraud alert is faster to set up but less restrictive than a freeze. You place a fraud alert by contacting just one bureau, and it automatically notifies the other two. The alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts — they may call you or require extra documentation — but they can still pull your credit report.

A fraud alert lasts one year and is free. A freeze is permanent until you lift it and blocks credit reports entirely. If you have already discovered fraud or received a notice of data breach, a fraud alert is a quick first step. If you want stronger protection and do not plan to open new credit soon, a freeze is more effective.

You can use both at the same time. Many people set a fraud alert immediately after discovering fraud, then add a freeze for longer-term protection.

What to do if you suspect your Social Security number has been misused

If you notice accounts you did not open, charges you did not make, or a notice that your Social Security number was involved in a data breach, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC creates an identity theft report that you can use with creditors and banks to dispute fraudulent accounts and remove them from your credit file.

After filing with the FTC, contact your bank, credit card companies, and any creditors where you see fraud. Tell them about the fraudulent accounts and ask them to freeze or close the accounts. Request written confirmation that the accounts are closed and that the fraudulent charges have been removed.

Freezing your credit prevents new fraud going forward, but it does not undo fraud that has already happened. You will need to dispute fraudulent accounts separately with each creditor and the credit bureaus.

Freezing credit for a minor or someone else

If you are a parent or guardian, you can freeze your child's Social Security number to prevent someone from opening accounts in their name. Contact each bureau and provide proof of guardianship — a birth certificate, custody order, or other legal document. The process is the same, but you will receive the PIN instead of the child.

If you are managing finances for an elderly parent or someone with power of attorney, you can freeze their credit in the same way. Bring proof of your legal authority — a power of attorney document or guardianship order — when you contact the bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does freezing my Social Security number hurt my credit score?

No. A freeze does not affect your credit score at all. Your score is based on your payment history, credit utilization, and other factors — not on whether your credit file is frozen. You can freeze and thaw as many times as you need without any impact on your score.

Can I freeze my credit if I have not been a victim of fraud?

Yes. You do not need to wait for fraud to happen. Many people freeze their credit as a preventive measure, especially after a data breach affects a company they use. A freeze is free and permanent, so you can set it up now and thaw it only when you need to open new credit.

What if a lender says they cannot pull my credit because of my freeze?

That is normal. Tell the lender you have a freeze in place and ask which bureau they use. Contact that bureau, provide your PIN, and request a temporary thaw for that lender. Once the thaw is in place, the lender can pull your credit. Refreeze after your application is complete.

How long does it take to freeze my credit?

Online or by phone, a freeze takes effect within one business day. By mail, allow up to three business days. Once frozen, the freeze stays in place until you thaw it — there is no expiration date.

Is a freeze the same as a lock?

No. A freeze is a legal tool you set up with the credit bureaus. A lock is a service some bureaus offer through their own apps or websites that you can toggle on and off more easily, but it is not the same legal protection. A freeze is stronger and is what most security experts recommend.