Glossary term
Credit Freeze
Short answer
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, is a free tool that restricts access to your credit report. While the freeze is in place, most lenders cannot pull your file, which makes it harder for someone to open new credit in your name.
Why it matters
A freeze is one of the strongest defenses against new-account identity theft, and federal law makes placing and lifting one free at each of the three nationwide bureaus. A freeze does not lower your credit scores, close existing accounts, or stop your current creditors from seeing your file. It also does not block soft inquiries or prescreened offers on its own. Because a freeze blocks new applications, people usually lift it temporarily — a "thaw" — when they apply for credit, then let it refreeze. Setting a freeze at all three bureaus generally requires three separate requests.
Example
After her wallet is stolen, Elena places a security freeze at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A thief who tries to open a store card in her name is blocked because the lender cannot access her frozen file. When Elena later shops for a car loan, she temporarily lifts the freeze at the bureau the dealer uses, then the freeze goes back in place. The freeze costs her nothing and does not affect her existing accounts.
Terms used on this page
Guides that use this term
- Identity Theft on Your Credit Report: The Recovery PlaybookA step-by-step identity theft recovery plan: the FTC report, fraud alerts vs. security freezes, FCRA blocking, and disputes with bureaus and furnishers.
- How to Get Your Free Credit Reports (Without Getting Upsold)Free weekly credit reports from all three bureaus come only from AnnualCreditReport.com. How to request them online, by phone, or by mail, upsell-free.
- Experian vs. Equifax vs. TransUnion: Why Your Three Reports DifferWhy your Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion reports rarely match, why scores differ by bureau and model, and what that means for checking and disputing.
Sources
This page is based on the following official and authoritative sources. Always check the source itself for the most current rules.
Educational information — not advice
This page provides general educational information about credit, debt, and consumer protections. It is not legal advice, financial advice, or credit repair services, and reading it does not create any professional relationship. Laws, procedures, deadlines, and dollar amounts vary by state and change over time.
For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or qualified financial professional. See our full disclaimer.