Credit Freezes
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, restricts access to a consumer's credit report at each nationwide credit reporting company. This pillar explains the mechanics of security freezes, how they differ from fraud alerts and credit locks, and what federal law requires.
Definition and legal basis of a credit freeze
A credit freeze, legally known as a security freeze, is a restriction that a consumer can place on their credit report at each of the nationwide credit reporting companies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act provide the federal framework. Under this framework, the three nationwide credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—must allow consumers to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze. The freeze prevents most creditors and other third parties from accessing the credit report for the purpose of opening new accounts or extending credit.
The freeze is not a statement about the accuracy of the report; it is an access control mechanism. It does not prevent the consumer from accessing their own credit report. It also does not prevent existing creditors from accessing the report for account review, collection, or other permissible purposes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Certain government agencies may also access the report for specific purposes, such as child support enforcement or tax collection.
How a credit freeze works in practice
When a freeze is active, a credit reporting company will not release the credit report to a party that requests it for a credit transaction, unless the consumer has temporarily lifted the freeze or provided a personal identification number or password to authorize access. This means that if a lender attempts to pull the report to evaluate a new credit application, the lender will typically receive a message that the file is frozen. The lender may then ask the consumer to lift the freeze before proceeding.
A freeze does not stop all access. Entities that can access a frozen report without a lift include the consumer, the credit reporting company itself, and certain federal, state, and local government agencies. Also, companies that already have a business relationship with the consumer may access the report for account review, as permitted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The freeze is designed to block new credit inquiries, not to block the ongoing management of existing accounts.
The freeze remains in place until the consumer requests a temporary lift or permanent removal. There is no automatic expiration for a standard security freeze placed by an adult consumer. However, a freeze placed on behalf of a protected consumer, such as a minor, may be subject to different state rules. Consumers must contact each credit reporting company individually because a freeze is not shared across companies.
Placing a credit freeze
To place a security freeze, a consumer must contact each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies separately. Each company provides an online, telephone, and mail process. The consumer typically must provide identifying information, such as full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and other information that the company may use to verify identity. The company may also require copies of documents, such as a government-issued identification card, a utility bill, or a bank statement.
Federal law requires that placing, temporarily lifting, and permanently removing a security freeze be free for consumers. A credit reporting company cannot charge a fee for these actions. The company must place the freeze within one business day of receiving a request made online or by telephone, and within three business days of receiving a request by mail. Once placed, the company must send a confirmation and provide a personal identification number or password that the consumer will use to lift or remove the freeze.
For protected consumers, such as children under sixteen or individuals for whom a guardian has been appointed, a representative may place a freeze. The process may require additional documentation proving the representative's authority. State laws may provide additional protections, but federal law sets a baseline for free freezes.
Temporarily lifting or removing a credit freeze
A consumer can temporarily lift a freeze for a specific period or for a specific creditor. A temporary lift is often used when applying for a new loan, credit card, or rental housing. The consumer must contact the credit reporting company and provide the personal identification number or password, along with the duration of the lift or the name of the party that should be granted access. The company must honor the request within one hour if made online or by phone, or within three business days if made by mail.
A permanent removal, also called a thaw, eliminates the freeze entirely. The consumer must make a request to each credit reporting company. The company must remove the freeze within one hour for online or phone requests, and within three business days for mail requests. There is no fee for a permanent removal. A consumer may also request a temporary lift with a specific end date, after which the freeze automatically reactivates.
If the consumer loses the personal identification number or password, they can request a new one from the credit reporting company. The company may require identity verification before issuing a replacement. It is important to keep the personal identification number secure, as anyone with it can lift or remove the freeze.
Credit freeze vs. fraud alert vs. credit lock
A fraud alert is a different tool. An initial fraud alert lasts one year and requires creditors to take reasonable steps to verify identity before extending credit. An extended fraud alert lasts seven years and is available to identity theft victims who provide an identity theft report. A fraud alert is free and only needs to be placed with one nationwide credit reporting company, which must then notify the other two. In contrast, a security freeze blocks access to the credit report entirely unless the consumer lifts it.
A credit lock is a product offered by some credit reporting companies. It is not a legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and its terms are set by the company. A credit lock may be marketed as a more convenient alternative to a freeze, but it may be subject to fees, arbitration clauses, or other contractual limitations. A security freeze is a statutory right, is free, and is governed by federal law. Consumers should understand the differences before choosing a product.
Some states also allow a security freeze for protected consumers, which is similar to a standard freeze. The federal framework does not preempt state laws that provide greater protections, but the federal free freeze requirement applies nationwide.
Effects on credit reports and credit scores
A security freeze does not change any information in a consumer's credit report. It does not add or remove accounts, inquiries, or public records. Because the underlying credit information is unchanged, a freeze does not directly affect a credit score. Credit scoring models calculate scores based on the information in the report, and a freeze does not alter that information. However, if a freeze prevents a lender from accessing the report, the lender may deny a credit application, which could indirectly lead to a credit inquiry if the consumer authorizes a lift and the lender then pulls the report.
A freeze does not prevent the consumer from obtaining their own credit report. Consumers can still request free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized source for free credit reports. A freeze also does not prevent access by entities with a permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as existing creditors, insurers, or government agencies. It is a targeted restriction rather than a complete block on all access.
Special situations: identity theft and protected consumers
Identity theft victims may place a security freeze at no cost. The freeze can help prevent new accounts from being opened in the victim's name, but it does not resolve existing fraudulent accounts or incorrect information. Victims can also use IdentityTheft.gov to create a personal recovery plan and obtain an identity theft report, which can support an extended fraud alert. A freeze is one part of a broader response to identity theft.
For children under sixteen, a parent or guardian can request a freeze on the child's credit report. The process requires proof of the representative's identity and authority, such as a birth certificate or court order. A freeze on a child's report can help prevent identity thieves from using the child's Social Security number to open accounts. Once the child turns sixteen, the freeze may remain in place, but the child can then manage it themselves.
Legal framework and enforcement
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is the primary federal law governing credit reporting and security freezes. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require free freezes and set timing standards. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforces these requirements for large credit reporting companies, while the Federal Trade Commission also has enforcement authority. State attorneys general may enforce certain provisions as well.
Consumers who believe a credit reporting company has violated the freeze provisions can submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a complaint process online. The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance on credit freezes and fraud alerts. These agencies do not resolve individual credit disputes but can take action against companies for patterns of noncompliance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a credit freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a restriction that prevents most creditors from accessing a consumer's credit report to open new accounts or extend credit. It is a legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How do I place a credit freeze?
To place a credit freeze, a consumer must contact each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies separately. Each company offers online, phone, and mail options, and federal law requires the freeze to be free.
Does a credit freeze affect my credit score?
A credit freeze does not directly affect a credit score because it does not change any information in the credit report. Credit scoring models use the underlying report data, which remains unchanged.
How long does a credit freeze last?
A security freeze placed by an adult consumer remains in place until the consumer requests a temporary lift or permanent removal. There is no automatic expiration.
Is a credit freeze the same as a fraud alert?
No, a fraud alert requires creditors to take reasonable steps to verify identity before extending credit, while a security freeze blocks access to the credit report unless the consumer lifts it. A fraud alert is also free and only needs to be placed with one credit reporting company.
Sources
Guides in this topic
Credit Freeze: What It Is and How It Works
A credit freeze is a restriction a consumer can ask a national credit reporting company to place on access to their credit report. Many laws and consumer materials also call it a security freeze.
Credit Freeze and Security Freeze: How They Work
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, restricts access to a consumer's credit report. Federal law gives consumers the right to place one at each nationwide credit reporting company.
Unfreeze Credit: How Lifting and Removing a Security Freeze Works
A security freeze can be lifted for a set period or removed entirely, and each request goes to the credit reporting company that holds the file. This guide covers the mechanics, the timing rules in federal law, and the records worth keeping.
Experian Credit Freeze: What It Is and How It Works
A credit freeze with Experian restricts access to your Experian credit file. It is one of three separate freezes available from the national credit reporting companies.
Credit Freeze Equifax: Placement, Lifts, and Removal
A security freeze is a restriction a consumer places on their own credit file, and each nationwide credit reporting company records it separately. This guide explains what an Equifax freeze covers, how it is placed and lifted, and how it differs from fraud alerts and company-branded locks.
Unfreeze Credit at Experian: What the Process Involves
A freeze at Experian stays in place until the consumer asks the company to lift or remove it. The request itself is free, but the method used, the details supplied, and the timing rules all shape how quickly the file becomes available again.
Related terms
- Credit Freeze A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) is a restriction placed on a consumer's credit file at each national credit reporting company that prevents most lenders and other entities from accessing the file without the consumer's express authorization.
- Credit Freeze Equifax A credit freeze placed with Equifax, a nationwide consumer reporting company, restricts access to the Equifax consumer report unless the consumer lifts or removes the freeze or an exception under the Fair Credit Reporting Act applies.
- Freeze Credit Experian The act of placing a security freeze on a consumer's credit file maintained by Experian, one of the national credit reporting companies, which restricts most third-party access to that file for credit, insurance, or employment purposes.
- Unfreeze Credit The process of removing or temporarily lifting a security freeze placed on a consumer's credit file at a nationwide credit reporting company, so that third parties with a permissible purpose may access the file again.
- Unfreeze Credit Experian The process of lifting or removing a security freeze placed on a consumer's Experian credit file, either temporarily or permanently.