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Place a credit freeze separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion: freezing one bureau’s file does not freeze the other two. It is free to place, lift, or remove a freeze. You can request one online, by phone, or by mail; federal processing deadlines are generally one business day for online or phone requests and three business days for mailed requests.
Place a freeze with each credit bureau
Use each bureau’s official website or phone route, or send a request by mail. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lists these contact routes:
| Bureau | Official route listed by the FTC | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Equifax | Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services 1-800-685-1111 |
The freeze applies to your Equifax report. Equifax says freezing, temporarily lifting, and removing it are free. Contact the other bureaus separately. |
| Experian | Experian.com/help 1-888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) |
Use Experian’s official site to find its current freeze option and identity-verification instructions. |
| TransUnion | TransUnion.com/credit-help 1-888-909-8872 |
TransUnion’s online Service Center can be used to add, temporarily lift, or remove a freeze. |
These are the FTC’s consolidated contact routes. Bureau websites and identity-verification steps can change, so navigate from the named bureau’s official site and confirm the current freeze page before entering sensitive information. Do not assume the three bureaus use the same screens or verification process.
Request the freeze three times
- Open the official Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion route above and choose the option to place a security freeze. Follow that bureau’s instructions to verify your identity and submit the request.
- Save the confirmation and any account or access details securely so you can manage the freeze later.
- Repeat the request with the other two bureaus. A freeze at one bureau does not cover reports held by the others.
The FTC describes a security freeze as making it harder for someone else to open new accounts in your name. It does not block every report access or prevent all identity theft.
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Choose online, phone, or mail
The FTC and USAGov list online, phone, and mail as request methods. Online or phone is generally faster. Mail can be an alternative if you cannot complete identity verification through the digital or phone route, but allow for postal processing.
| Request | Online or phone deadline | Mail deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Place a freeze | Within one business day | Within three business days |
| Lift a freeze | Within one hour | Within three business days |
These are federal processing deadlines described by the FTC and USAGov, not a promise that every request will take effect instantly. TransUnion says its online or phone additions typically take effect almost immediately, while mailed additions may take up to three business days after receipt; that is TransUnion-specific guidance, not a guarantee for all bureaus.
Lift the freeze when a lender needs your report
A freeze remains in place until you ask to lift or remove it. If you are applying for credit, ask the lender which bureau or bureaus it will check and when it expects to request the reports. Then arrange a temporary lift with the relevant bureau or bureaus before the application is processed. A temporary lift allows access for a set period; removing a freeze ends it until you place another one.
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Use that bureau’s official site or phone route to submit the lift, or mail a request if you can wait for postal processing. The federal deadlines are listed above. You do not need to unfreeze all three reports if the lender will check only one, but confirm its plans rather than assuming which bureau it uses.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Know what a freeze does—and does not do
A freeze restricts access to your credit report for certain credit-opening purposes. It is not a universal access block: exceptions exist under law, and some non-credit applications or verifications may require a lift. Ask the organization requesting your report whether it needs access and which bureau it will use.
- It does not stop charges on existing accounts. Continue monitoring bank, credit-card, and insurance statements for unfamiliar activity.
- It does not affect your credit score. The FTC says placing a freeze does not change your score.
- It is not the same as a credit lock or paid monitoring. A security freeze is a free consumer option. TransUnion describes credit locks separately, including as a possible feature of monitoring services; neither a lock nor a subscription is required to place a freeze.
If you find signs of identity theft, the FTC directs consumers to IdentityTheft.gov for recovery guidance.
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