![]() The credit check helps the business determine if they want to lend or rent to you, and it can help set your rates and lending terms for loans and credit cards. Typically, businesses inquire about your credit when you (or someone posing as you) are trying to, for instance, open a new credit card, buy a car or rent an apartment. What is a credit freeze? When you freeze your credit, the credit reporting bureaus can’t give any information to anyone who makes an inquiry about you. However, after the massive Equifax data breach in 2017, consumer advocates called on Congress to provide free access to credit freezes. Then, you often had to pay again to unfreeze or thaw your credit if you wanted to do something that required a credit check, like applying for a new loan. Prior to the new law, each of the three credit bureaus could charge you if you wanted to put a freeze in place (usually around $10 at each bureau). In 2018, a new law made it free to freeze your credit. You may want to consider it as doing so will mean that even if a criminal gets your information, it will be difficult or impossible for that person to open a fraudulent account in your name. ![]() But freezing your credit can offer protection and give you peace of mind. There’s no sure-fire way to prevent someone from stealing your identity and damaging your credit in the process. Disability Insurance Calculator Money Parachute iconĪ credit freeze can go a long way toward preventing someone from using your identity.The same form can also be used to temporarily or permanently lift a credit freeze. We recommend sending the letter via certified mail. You'll need to mail it, along with copies of your Social Security card or pay stubs showing the number, plus copies of your driver's license, utility bills or other documents showing your address, to: Print and fill out the form on this page (opens in new tab). How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax by mail Once your freeze is set up, you'll be given a PIN that will unfreeze your credit. You'll be asked for your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number to verify your identity. Eastern time during the week, and between 9 a.m. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax by telephoneĬall Equifax at (888) 298-0045 between 9 a.m. You won't need to set up a PIN to unfreeze it if you have an Equifax account - your username and password will be enough. ![]() Then you'll be able to freeze your credit. Make sure the password is unique and strong. Equifax will retrieve your information and prompt you to set up an Equifax account. ![]() Then you'll have to fill out personal information, including your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number. Go to the dedicated page on the Equifax website at (opens in new tab) and click "Get started with a freeze." This is the easiest way to freeze your credit with Equifax. How to set up a credit freeze with Equifax online We also have guides on how to freeze your credit with Experian and how to freeze your credit with TransUnion. Equifax doesn't let you have a credit lock and a credit freeze at the same time.īelow is how to set up an Equifax credit freeze. The difference is that Lock & Report isn't regulated by the federal government, and Equifax makes more money if it's easier to unlock your files. To do this with a credit freeze, you have to log into your account on the Equifax website. Equifax also offers a free service called "Lock & Report" that is basically the same as a credit freeze, except that there are mobile apps for iOS and Android that let you "unlock" your Equifax credit file with a swipe of a finger.
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