What a TransUnion freeze does and how to set one up
A credit freeze with TransUnion stops the bureau from releasing your credit report to lenders, employers, or other businesses without your permission. This prevents someone who has stolen your personal information from opening accounts in your name, because most lenders check your credit report before approving new credit.
TransUnion is one of three major credit bureaus that maintain your credit history. A freeze with TransUnion alone protects you against inquiries to that bureau only — to block access across all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), you need to freeze with each one separately. The freeze is free and permanent until you remove it.
You can freeze your TransUnion report online, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest and requires no documents. You will receive a PIN or password that you must keep safe — you will need it later to unfreeze your report or to allow temporary access.
Key Takeaways
- A TransUnion freeze prevents the bureau from sharing your credit report with lenders and employers, blocking most identity theft attempts that rely on opening new accounts.
- You must freeze with each of the three major bureaus separately — freezing TransUnion alone does not protect you at Equifax or Experian.
- The freeze is free, takes minutes to set up online, and stays in place until you remove it yourself.
- You will receive a PIN or password that you must save; without it, you cannot unfreeze your report or grant temporary access to specific lenders.
How to freeze your report online
Go to TransUnion's freeze page at transunion.com/credit-freeze. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. TransUnion will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history — these are based on information already in your file.
Once verified, you will receive a confirmation number and a PIN or password. Write down both and store them somewhere safe — not in your email or on your phone's notes app. You will need the PIN to lift the freeze later, even temporarily. TransUnion will also send you a confirmation letter by mail within a few days.
The freeze takes effect when ready. After you freeze, any lender who tries to check your credit report will be told that access is restricted. This does not affect your existing accounts or your credit score — it only blocks new inquiries.
Freezing by phone or mail if you cannot go online
Call TransUnion's automated freeze line at 1-888-909-8872. You will need your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will walk you through identity verification and issue you a PIN by phone. Write it down when ready.
If you prefer to freeze by mail, send a letter to TransUnion's freeze department. Include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and a copy of a government-issued ID. Mail it to the address listed on TransUnion's website for freeze requests. Processing by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — so use this method only if you cannot freeze online or by phone.
Temporarily lifting your freeze to explore for credit
When you want to explore for a loan, credit card, or other credit, you will need to lift your freeze temporarily so the lender can check your report. Log into your TransUnion account online or call 1-888-909-8872 and provide your PIN. You can lift the freeze for a specific period (usually 30 days to one year) or for a specific lender.
Lifting the freeze takes effect within one hour online and when ready by phone. Once the period expires, the freeze automatically goes back into place. If you lift it for a specific lender, only that company can access your report during the window you set.
Some lenders may ask you to lift your freeze before you explore. Do not lift it for the entire credit bureau — always set a time limit or restrict access to that one lender. This keeps you protected if the lender's system is breached or if someone else tries to open an account using your information.
Removing your freeze permanently
If you decide you no longer want a freeze, you can remove it permanently using your PIN. Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze, log in, and select the option to remove the freeze. You can also call 1-888-909-8872 and provide your PIN to the automated system. The freeze is lifted when ready.
Removing the freeze does not affect your credit score or your existing accounts. It straightforward allows TransUnion to share your report with lenders and employers again. You can freeze and unfreeze as many times as you want — there is no limit and no fee.
What to do if you lose your PIN
If you cannot find your PIN, call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 and follow the prompts for a lost PIN. You will need to verify your identity again by answering security questions. TransUnion will issue you a new PIN by phone or mail.
If you lose your PIN and cannot verify your identity over the phone, you can request a new PIN by mail. Send a letter to TransUnion with your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address, plus a copy of your government-issued ID. Include a statement that you are requesting a new PIN because you lost the original. Processing takes two to three weeks.
Freeze versus fraud alert: which one you need
A fraud alert is different from a freeze. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts — it does not block access to your report. A freeze blocks access entirely. Fraud alerts last one year (or seven years if you have already been a victim of identity theft), while a freeze lasts until you remove it.
If you suspect your information has been stolen but no fraudulent accounts have been opened yet, a fraud alert may be enough. If you want maximum protection or if you are not planning to explore for credit soon, a freeze is stronger. You can set both a fraud alert and a freeze at the same time — they work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze does not affect your credit score at all. It only blocks lenders from seeing your report. Your existing accounts continue to report to TransUnion normally, and your score updates as usual.
Can I freeze my report if I am a minor or if someone else manages my finances?
Yes, but the process is different. Minors can freeze their report, but a parent or guardian must request it on their behalf and provide proof of guardianship. If you are an adult and someone else has power of attorney over your finances, they can request a freeze using the power of attorney document, though TransUnion may require additional verification.
What happens if a lender tries to check my credit while it is frozen?
The lender receives a message that your report is frozen and cannot access it. Most lenders will contact you to ask you to lift the freeze before they can process your process. You then have the choice to lift it temporarily for that lender or to withdraw your process.
Do I need to freeze with all three bureaus, or just TransUnion?
Most lenders check all three bureaus, so freezing only TransUnion leaves you exposed at Equifax and Experian. For full protection, freeze with all three. You must do this separately — there is no single process that freezes all three at once.
Can I freeze my report if I have already been a victim of identity theft?
Yes. If fraud has already occurred, you may also be able to place an extended fraud alert, which lasts seven years instead of one year. Contact TransUnion to report the fraud and ask about an extended alert in addition to your freeze.