Guides / Identity and accounts
Freeze your credit: free, fast, and powerful
Stop new accounts being opened in your name.
A credit freeze stops lenders from seeing your credit report, so a thief can't open new credit in your name. It's free at all three nationwide credit bureaus, doesn't affect your credit score, and you can lift it whenever you need to apply for credit.
How to freeze
- Freeze at each bureau separately: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
- Use each bureau's official website or phone number
- Save your logins or PINs somewhere safe
- Lift the freeze temporarily when you apply for credit
Freeze or fraud alert?
A fraud alert asks lenders to verify your identity; placing one with one bureau notifies the other two. A freeze is stronger. Parents can also freeze a child's credit.
General educational information, not legal advice. Dime Wisdom isn't paid by any bank, security company or government agency.