What a credit freeze does and why you'd use Equifax to manage it
A credit freeze stops Equifax from sharing your credit report with lenders, employers, and other businesses that request it. When your file is frozen, new creditors cannot see your credit history, which makes it much harder for someone to open accounts in your name if they steal your personal information.
You manage your freeze directly through Equifax's website or by phone. Equifax is one of three major credit reporting agencies — the others are Experian and TransUnion — and you can freeze your file with each one separately. A freeze with Equifax alone does not protect you from fraud at the other two bureaus, so most people freeze all three.
You can place a freeze for free, and it stays in place until you remove it. When you need to borrow money or explore for a job that requires a credit check, you temporarily thaw your freeze — either for a specific lender or for a set period of time — then refreeze it afterward.
Key Takeaways
- You can freeze your Equifax file for free through their website at freeze.equifax.com or by calling 1-800-349-9960.
- A freeze prevents new creditors from viewing your credit report, which stops most identity theft attempts that rely on opening fraudulent accounts.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to set up or manage a freeze online.
- Thawing a freeze takes 15 minutes to one hour depending on the method you use, so plan ahead if you are explore for credit soon.
- A freeze does not affect your existing accounts, credit score, or ability to check your own credit report.
How to place a freeze with Equifax online
Go to freeze.equifax.com and select "Freeze Your Credit." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, last name, and current address. Equifax will verify this information against their records.
After verification, you will receive a confirmation number and a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Write down both of these — you will need the PIN to thaw your freeze later. Equifax will also send you a confirmation letter by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
The freeze takes effect when ready online, though some lenders may not see it for 24 hours. If you are explore for credit within the next day, thaw your freeze before you submit the process.
How to place a freeze by phone or mail
Call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 to place a freeze over the phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. A representative will walk you through the process and give you a confirmation number and PIN verbally. Ask them to mail you a written confirmation.
You can also mail a written request to Equifax. Send a letter that includes your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and a statement that you want to freeze your credit. Mail it to:
Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Include a copy of your driver's license or other government-issued ID. Freezes placed by mail typically take 10 business days to go into effect. You will receive a confirmation letter with your PIN by mail.
How to thaw your freeze temporarily or permanently
Log into your Equifax freeze account at freeze.equifax.com using your Social Security number and PIN. Select "Manage Your Freeze" and choose whether you want to thaw it temporarily or permanently.
For a temporary thaw, you can set an end date (usually 1 to 30 days) or specify a particular company that you are giving permission to view your report. Equifax will thaw your file within 15 minutes for online requests. If you thaw for a specific lender, give them the thaw date or confirmation number so they can pull your report.
To thaw permanently, select "Remove Freeze" and confirm. Your freeze will be lifted when ready online. You can place a new freeze anytime at no cost.
If you lose your PIN, call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 and they will verify your identity and help you thaw your freeze or reset your PIN.
What happens to your credit when you freeze it
A freeze does not lower your credit score or affect your existing credit accounts. Your current credit cards, loans, and other open accounts continue to work normally. The freeze only prevents new inquiries from lenders you have not already done business with.
You can still check your own credit report and credit score at any time, even with a freeze in place. Checking your own report does not require you to thaw your freeze.
Some employers and insurance companies also check credit reports. If you are job hunting or shopping for insurance, you may need to thaw your freeze temporarily so these companies can complete their review.
Freeze vs. fraud alert: which one you need
A fraud alert is different from a freeze. An alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts — it does not block them from viewing your report. A freeze blocks access entirely.
If you have already been a victim of identity theft or fraud, place both a freeze and a fraud alert. The alert acts as a backup, and the freeze provides stronger protection. If you are straightforward concerned about future fraud, a freeze alone is usually enough.
You can place a fraud alert with Equifax at the same website (freeze.equifax.com) or by phone. Unlike a freeze, a fraud alert lasts only one year and you must renew it if you want ongoing protection. A freeze lasts until you remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to freeze my credit with all three bureaus?
Yes. Lenders may check any of the three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — so freezing only Equifax leaves you exposed. You can place a freeze with each bureau separately through their websites or by phone. Each one has its own PIN and thaw process.
What if I need to thaw my freeze but I lost my PIN?
Call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 and provide your Social Security number and date of birth. They will verify your identity and either reset your PIN or thaw your freeze directly. This usually takes a few minutes.
Can I thaw my freeze for just one lender?
Yes. When you thaw online, you can enter the name of a specific company and Equifax will allow only that lender to view your report. You can also set a thaw date instead, which keeps your file open for a set number of days. Both options let you refreeze afterward.
Does a freeze affect my credit score?
No. Your credit score is not affected by placing, thawing, or removing a freeze. Existing accounts continue to report to Equifax normally, and checking your own credit does not lower your score.
How long does it take for a freeze to take effect?
Online freezes take effect when ready, though some lenders may not see it for up to 24 hours. Phone freezes take effect the same day. Freezes placed by mail take about 10 business days. If you are explore for credit soon, use the online or phone method.