What a TransUnion credit freeze does and how to set one up

A credit freeze stops TransUnion from releasing your credit report to lenders, employers, or other businesses that request it. When your report is frozen, new creditors cannot see your credit history, which makes it much harder for someone to open accounts in your name without your permission. You control when the freeze lifts — either temporarily for a specific creditor or permanently when you want to remove it entirely.

TransUnion is one of three major credit bureaus that maintain your credit history and score. A freeze at TransUnion alone does not protect you completely; you would also need to freeze your reports at Equifax and Experian. Many people freeze all three at once for full protection, though you can freeze them separately if you prefer.

Setting up a freeze through TransUnion's online portal takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. TransUnion will send you a PIN code that you use later if you want to lift the freeze temporarily or remove it permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • A credit freeze at TransUnion prevents the bureau from sharing your credit report with new creditors, reducing the risk of identity theft and unauthorized accounts.
  • You can freeze your TransUnion report online at transunion.com/credit-freeze, by phone at 1-888-909-8872, or by mail, and the process is free.
  • A freeze does not affect your existing accounts, credit score, or your ability to check your own credit report.
  • You receive a PIN code when you freeze; keep this code safe because you will need it to temporarily lift the freeze or remove it later.
  • Freezing TransUnion alone leaves your Equifax and Experian reports unfrozen, so most people freeze all three bureaus at the same time for complete protection.

How to freeze your TransUnion report online

Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze and select "Freeze Your Credit." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, last name, and current address. TransUnion will verify this information against its records to confirm your identity.

After verification, you will receive a confirmation page with your freeze PIN. Write down this PIN or save it in a find location — you will need it if you want to temporarily lift the freeze for a specific lender or remove the freeze entirely later. TransUnion will also send a confirmation letter by mail within a few days.

The freeze takes effect when ready online, though it may take up to one business day for the freeze to show in TransUnion's system when lenders check. Once frozen, TransUnion will not release your credit report to anyone except you, your existing creditors, debt collectors, and a few other parties like government agencies and employers you have authorized.

Freezing by phone or mail if you cannot go online

Call TransUnion's credit freeze line at 1-888-909-8872 to freeze your report over the phone. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. A representative will verify your identity and issue you a PIN code on the call. Write down the PIN when ready, and ask the representative to mail you a written confirmation.

You can also freeze by mail by sending a letter to TransUnion that includes your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and a copy of your government-issued ID or a utility bill showing your current address. Mail it to TransUnion LLC, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000. Include a note requesting a credit freeze and asking them to send your PIN by mail. This method takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because TransUnion must receive and process your letter.

Temporarily lifting your freeze for a specific lender

When you explore for a loan, credit card, or other credit, the lender needs to see your credit report. If your TransUnion report is frozen, you can temporarily lift the freeze so that one lender can access it. This is called a temporary lift or thaw.

Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze and log in with your Social Security number and PIN. Select the option to temporarily lift your freeze. You will choose how long the lift lasts — usually a few days to a few weeks — and you can specify which lender or creditor can access your report during that time. The freeze automatically goes back into place when the time period expires.

You can also call 1-888-909-8872 to request a temporary lift by phone. Have your PIN ready. Tell the representative the name of the lender and how long you want the lift to last. They will confirm the temporary lift when ready.

Removing your freeze permanently

If you decide you no longer want your credit frozen, you can remove the freeze at any time. Go to transunion.com/credit-freeze, log in with your Social Security number and PIN, and select the option to remove your freeze. The freeze will be lifted within one business day.

You can also call 1-888-909-8872 with your PIN to remove the freeze by phone, or send a letter to the same address as above requesting that your freeze be removed. Include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and your PIN. By mail, removal takes two to three weeks.

Once your freeze is removed, TransUnion can release your credit report to lenders and other businesses again. You can re-freeze your report at any time using the same process, and there is no limit to how many times you can freeze and unfreeze.

What a freeze does and does not protect

A credit freeze stops new creditors from accessing your report, which prevents someone from opening a credit card, loan, or phone account in your name. It does not, however, stop fraud on your existing accounts — if a thief has your debit card number, a freeze will not prevent them from using it. A freeze also does not protect you from tax fraud, medical identity theft, or other crimes that do not require a credit check.

Your freeze does not affect your credit score or your existing accounts. Creditors you already owe money to can still see your report and pull it for account management purposes. You can still check your own credit report and score at any time, even when frozen. Employers and landlords who have your permission to check your credit can still do so.

If you are concerned about identity theft but do not want a full freeze, you can place a fraud alert instead. A fraud alert tells creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts, but it does not block access to your report. A fraud alert lasts one year and is free to place.

Freezing all three bureaus at once

TransUnion is just one of three major credit bureaus. Equifax and Experian also maintain credit reports on you. If you freeze only TransUnion, a thief could still open accounts using your Equifax or Experian report. Most people freeze all three bureaus at the same time for complete protection.

Equifax's freeze line is 1-800-349-9960, and you can also freeze online at equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services. Experian's freeze line is 1-888-397-3742, and you can freeze online at experian.com/freeze. Each bureau has its own PIN, so keep all three PINs in a safe place. The process and cost are the same at all three — free, and takes about 10 minutes per bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?

No. A freeze does not affect your credit score at all. Your score is based on your payment history, credit utilization, and other factors in your credit report — not on whether your report is frozen. Lenders you already work with can still see your report and update your score.

Can I still get a credit card or loan if my TransUnion report is frozen?

Yes, but you have to temporarily lift the freeze first. When you explore for credit, tell the lender you have a freeze and ask which bureau they use. Then log into your TransUnion account or call 1-888-909-8872 to lift the freeze for that lender. The lift usually takes effect within a few hours.

What if I lose my PIN?

Call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 and explain that you lost your PIN. They will verify your identity and issue you a new one. You can also request a new PIN online at transunion.com/credit-freeze if you can log in with your Social Security number and other identifying information.

How long does it take for a freeze to go into effect?

Online freezes take effect when ready, though lenders may not see the freeze for up to one business day. Freezes by phone take effect the same day. Freezes by mail take two to three weeks because TransUnion must receive and process your letter.

Can I freeze my child's credit report?

Yes, but the process is different. You must mail a request to TransUnion with proof that you are the child's parent or legal guardian, along with a copy of the child's birth certificate or Social Security card. Contact TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 for the exact mailing address and requirements for minors.