What Experian's credit freeze does and how to request one
A credit freeze stops Experian from sharing your credit report with lenders, employers, and other businesses that request it. This blocks most identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name, because they cannot see your credit history to convince a lender you are creditworthy.
You request a freeze directly through Experian's website or by phone. Experian will give you a PIN that you keep private — you need this PIN to lift the freeze later if you want to explore for a loan, credit card, or job that requires a credit check. The freeze itself is free and takes effect within one business day.
A freeze does not affect your existing accounts, your credit score, or your ability to check your own credit report. It only stops new creditors from seeing your file.
Key Takeaways
- You request a freeze through Experian's website, by phone at 1-888-397-3742, or by mail, and it takes effect within one business day.
- Experian will issue you a PIN that you must save — you need it to temporarily lift the freeze or remove it permanently later.
- A freeze stops lenders and employers from viewing your credit report but does not change your credit score or affect accounts you already have open.
- You can lift a freeze temporarily for a specific creditor (called a thaw) without removing it entirely, and the thaw expires on a date you choose.
- If you forget your PIN, Experian can verify your identity and issue a new one, though the process takes longer than using your existing PIN.
How to request a freeze through Experian's website
Go to experian.com/freeze and select "Freeze Your Credit." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Experian will verify this information against its records.
Once verified, you will create a username and password for your Experian account. Experian will then generate a Personal Identification Number (PIN) — a long string of numbers and letters. Write this PIN down and store it somewhere safe, separate from your computer. You cannot request a freeze, lift it, or remove it without this PIN.
The freeze takes effect within one business day. Experian will send you a confirmation letter by mail that includes your PIN again, so you will have a paper copy as backup.
Requesting a freeze by phone or mail
If you prefer not to use the website, call Experian at 1-888-397-3742. A representative will verify your identity using your Social Security number, date of birth, and address, then place the freeze and mail you a PIN.
You can also mail a written request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Include your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and a copy of a government-issued ID or utility bill. Mail takes longer — expect two to three weeks for processing.
Temporarily lifting a freeze to explore for credit
When you want to explore for a credit card, mortgage, car loan, or job that requires a credit check, you need to lift your freeze temporarily. This is called a thaw. You can thaw your credit for a specific creditor, a specific time period, or both.
Go to experian.com and log into your account with your username and password. Select "Manage Your Freeze" and choose "Temporarily Lift Freeze." You will enter your PIN, then select whether you want to thaw for a specific company (like "Chase Bank") or for all creditors. You can also set an expiration date — for example, "thaw for 30 days" or "thaw until December 31."
The thaw takes effect within one hour. Once the thaw expires, your freeze automatically goes back into place. You do not need to do anything else.
Removing your freeze permanently
If you decide you no longer want a freeze, you can remove it entirely. Log into your Experian account, go to "Manage Your Freeze," and select "Remove Freeze." You will need to enter your PIN.
Experian will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the freeze. Once you confirm, the freeze is lifted when ready and stays lifted. If you change your mind later, you can request a new freeze, but you will receive a new PIN.
What to do if you lose your PIN
If you cannot find your PIN, you can request a new one through your Experian account. Log in with your username and password, go to "Manage Your Freeze," and select "Forgot PIN." Experian will verify your identity using information from your credit file — questions about your credit history, previous addresses, or accounts you have held.
Once verified, Experian will mail a new PIN to the address on file. This process takes five to ten business days. During this time, your freeze remains in place and active.
If you cannot access your account or do not remember your username and password, call Experian at 1-888-397-3742. A representative can verify your identity over the phone and mail you a new PIN.
Freezing credit at the other two bureaus
Experian is one of three major credit bureaus. To fully protect yourself, you should also freeze your credit at Equifax and TransUnion. Each bureau maintains a separate credit file, and lenders may check any or all three.
Equifax freeze requests go through equifax.com/personal/credit-lock-services or by phone at 1-800-349-9960. TransUnion freeze requests go through transunion.com/credit-freeze or by phone at 1-888-909-8872. Both bureaus follow the same process: you verify your identity, receive a PIN, and manage your freeze through your account.
You do not have to freeze all three bureaus at once, but doing so closes the most common path for identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze does not change your credit score or appear on your credit report. It only prevents new creditors from viewing your report. Your existing accounts, payment history, and credit utilization remain unchanged.
Can I still check my own credit report if I have a freeze?
Yes. A freeze only blocks third parties like lenders and employers. You can view your own credit report through Experian's website or through annualcreditreport.com at any time, even with a freeze in place.
What happens if a creditor tries to check my credit while it is frozen?
The creditor will not be able to see your credit report. Most will deny your process or ask you to lift the freeze. Some may contact you to ask why your credit is frozen. You can then decide whether to thaw your credit for that specific company.
How long does a temporary thaw last?
You choose the expiration date when you request the thaw. You can set it for a specific number of days (like 30 days), a specific date (like December 31), or until you manually lift it again. Once the thaw expires, your freeze automatically goes back into place.
Can someone else remove my freeze if they have my PIN?
Yes, which is why you should treat your PIN like a password. Store it separately from your computer, do not share it, and do not write it in an email or text message. If you believe someone has your PIN, call Experian at 1-888-397-3742 to report it and request a new one.