Credit Scores:
5 Easy Steps to Freeze Your Credit Score
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
Before you begin the credit freeze process, ensure you have all the necessary information readily available. This includes your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and other personal details. You might also need to provide copies of documents such as your driver’s license, utility bills, or bank statements to verify your identity. Having this information on hand will make the process smoother and faster when you contact the credit bureaus.
Step 2: Contact the Major Credit Bureaus
You need to request a credit freeze from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this online, by phone, or via mail. Each bureau has its own procedures and requirements, so it’s important to follow their specific instructions. Online and phone requests are typically faster, but mail requests may be preferred if you need to provide supporting documents. Here are the contact details for each bureau:
Equifax: Visit Equifax's website, call 1-800-349-9960, or send mail to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348.
Experian: Visit Experian's website, call 1-888-397-3742, or send mail to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013.
TransUnion: Visit TransUnion's website, call 1-888-909-8872, or send mail to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016.
Step 3: Request the Credit Freeze
Follow the instructions provided by each credit bureau to request a credit freeze. You’ll need to verify your identity, which may involve answering security questions, entering a PIN, or providing copies of identification documents. Once your identity is verified, the credit bureau will process your request. Online and phone requests are usually completed immediately, while mail requests may take a few days to process. After your request is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation letter or email from each bureau with details about your credit freeze, including a unique PIN or password.
Step 4: Keep Your PIN or Password Secure
Each credit bureau will provide you with a unique PIN or password to manage your credit freeze. It’s crucial to keep this information secure, as you’ll need it to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze in the future. Store your PIN or password in a safe place, such as a secure password manager or a locked physical location. Losing this information can make it difficult to access your credit file, which can be problematic if you need to apply for credit or provide access to your credit report for any reason.
Step 5: Monitor Your Credit and Update as Needed
Even with a credit freeze in place, it’s important to regularly monitor your credit reports for any unusual activity. You can still access your own credit report and scores, and companies you already do business with will still have access to your credit file for account maintenance purposes. If you need to apply for new credit, you’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze. This can be done online, by phone, or by mail using your PIN or password. Be aware that temporarily lifting a freeze may take a few minutes to a few days, depending on the bureau and the method used.