What a credit freeze does and why you might use one
A credit freeze is a lock you place on your credit file at Equifax (and the other two major bureaus, Experian and TransUnion) that stops lenders from seeing your credit report. When a lender cannot see your report, they typically will not approve new credit in your name — which means a thief cannot open accounts using your information, even if they have your Social Security number.
You do not need to prove you were a victim of identity theft to freeze your credit. Anyone can do it as a preventive step. The freeze does not affect your existing accounts, your credit score, or your ability to check your own report. It only blocks new creditors from pulling your file.
The freeze stays in place until you remove it. If you want to explore for a credit card, car loan, or mortgage, you will need to temporarily unfreeze your file — or freeze it again after the lender pulls your report.
Key Takeaways
- You can freeze your Equifax credit file online at freeze.equifax.com, by phone at 1-800-349-9960, or by mail, and the freeze takes effect within one business day.
- A freeze is free and does not affect your credit score or existing accounts, but it will block new creditors from seeing your report unless you unfreeze it.
- To unfreeze temporarily, you can use a PIN (if you froze online) or contact Equifax directly with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- A temporary unfreeze lasts a set number of days you choose — typically 1 to 30 days — and then your freeze automatically reactivates.
- If you lose your PIN, you can still unfreeze by phone or mail, but the process takes longer than using your PIN online.
How to freeze your credit with Equifax
The fastest way to freeze is online at freeze.equifax.com. You will need your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and a current mailing address. Equifax will ask you to create a username and password, and they will give you a PIN (personal identification number) — write this down and keep it somewhere safe, because you will need it to unfreeze later.
If you prefer not to go online, you can call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960. A representative will walk you through the same information and confirm your freeze over the phone. The freeze takes effect within one business day either way.
You can also freeze by mail. Send a letter to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788, with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and a copy of your ID. Mail takes longer — typically 5 to 10 business days — but it is an option if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail.
Unfreezing temporarily when you need credit
When you want to explore for a loan or credit card, you will need to unfreeze your file so the lender can pull your report. If you froze online and have your PIN, the fastest route is to go back to freeze.equifax.com, log in, and request a temporary unfreeze. You will choose how long the unfreeze lasts — usually 1, 7, 14, 30, or 60 days — and then your freeze automatically reactivates when that period ends.
If you do not have your PIN, call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can unfreeze your file over the phone, though the process takes longer than using your PIN online. You will still choose the length of the temporary unfreeze.
Some lenders will ask you to unfreeze before they pull your report; others will pull it while your file is frozen and then ask you to unfreeze if they want to move forward. Either way, a temporary unfreeze gives you control — your freeze comes back on automatically, so you do not have to remember to turn it back on.
Permanently removing a freeze
If you decide you no longer want a freeze, you can remove it permanently. Go to freeze.equifax.com and log in with your username and password, then select the option to remove your freeze. You can also call 1-800-349-9960 or send a letter to the same address as above, stating that you want your freeze removed.
Once you remove a freeze, it is gone — you will need to set up a new freeze if you change your mind later. There is no charge to remove it, and removal takes effect within one business day.
What to do if you lose your PIN
If you froze your credit online but cannot find your PIN, you can still unfreeze by calling Equifax at 1-800-349-9960. Have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. A representative will verify your identity and unfreeze your file over the phone.
You can also request a new PIN by mail. Send a letter to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788, with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Include a copy of your ID. Equifax will mail you a new PIN, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
Freezing at the other two bureaus
Equifax is one of three major credit bureaus. To fully protect yourself, you should also freeze your credit at Experian (freeze.experian.com or 1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (freeze.transunion.com or 1-888-909-8872). Each bureau operates its own freeze system, so you will need to set one up at each place separately.
The process is the same at each bureau: you provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address, and you receive a PIN. When you need to unfreeze, you do the same at each bureau. It takes a bit longer to manage three freezes, but it closes the door on all three places a lender might look for your credit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze does not affect your score at all. Your score is based on your payment history, credit use, and other factors in your existing accounts. A freeze only blocks new creditors from seeing your report — it does not change anything about your credit history.
Can I still use my existing credit cards and loans while my credit is frozen?
Yes. A freeze only blocks new credit. Your current accounts work normally. You can pay bills, make purchases, and manage your existing cards and loans without any interruption.
How long does it take to unfreeze my credit?
If you use your PIN online at freeze.equifax.com, the unfreeze is when ready. If you call or mail, it typically takes one business day. A temporary unfreeze lasts as long as you set it — usually 1 to 60 days — and then your freeze automatically turns back on.
What if a lender says they cannot pull my credit because of the freeze?
That is normal. Tell the lender you have a freeze in place and ask them when they plan to pull your report. Then unfreeze for the number of days you need. Some lenders will tell you the exact date they will pull; others will give you a window. A temporary unfreeze of 7 to 14 days usually covers most lending timelines.
Is there a fee to freeze or unfreeze my credit?
No. Federal law made credit freezes free for all consumers. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion cannot charge you to freeze, unfreeze, or remove a freeze, regardless of whether you have been a victim of identity theft.