What a Social Security freeze does and who should use it
A Social Security number freeze stops anyone — including you — from using your number to open new accounts, get loans, or sign up for services without your permission. The three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) hold the freeze in place. When you try to open a credit card or take out a mortgage, the lender checks with these bureaus, and the freeze blocks the request unless you temporarily lift it.
You should freeze your number if you have been a victim of identity theft, if your Social Security card or number has been lost or stolen, or if you want to prevent fraud before it happens. A freeze is also useful if you do not plan to open new credit accounts soon and want a strong barrier against unauthorized use.
A freeze is different from a fraud alert. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening an account, but it does not block the request outright. A freeze is stronger but requires you to unfreeze temporarily whenever you want to explore for credit yourself.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact each of the three credit bureaus separately — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to freeze your Social Security number; there is no single national process.
- Freezes are free under federal law, and you can place one online, by phone, or by mail with each bureau.
- When you freeze your number, you receive a PIN or password that you must use to unfreeze temporarily when you explore for credit yourself.
- A freeze takes effect within one business day if you request it online or by phone, though some bureaus may take longer by mail.
- You can lift a freeze temporarily for a specific lender or time period, or permanently remove it at any time.
How to place a freeze with each credit bureau
Contact each bureau directly using the methods they provide. Do not use a third-party website or service — go to the official bureau site to avoid scams.
Equifax: Visit equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze, call 1-800-349-9960, or mail a request to Equifax Security Freeze, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788. Online and phone requests are processed within one business day.
Experian: Visit experian.com/freeze, call 1-888-397-3742, or mail a request to Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013. Online and phone requests are processed within one business day.
TransUnion: Visit transunion.com/credit-freeze, call 1-888-909-8872, or mail a request to TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19022-2000. Online and phone requests are processed within one business day.
When you contact a bureau, have your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and a phone number ready. If you are freezing because of identity theft, you may need to provide a police report or identity theft report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
What happens after you freeze your number
Each bureau will send you a confirmation with a unique PIN or password. Store this PIN in a safe place — you will need it to unfreeze your number later. Write it down and keep it separate from your Social Security card and other identification.
Once the freeze is in place, lenders and service providers cannot access your credit report without your permission. If someone tries to open an account in your name, the request will be denied because the freeze blocks the credit check. This stops most identity theft before it starts.
The freeze does not affect your existing accounts. You can still use your credit cards, pay bills, and access your current loans. It also does not lower your credit score.
How to unfreeze temporarily or permanently
When you want to explore for credit yourself — a mortgage, car loan, credit card, or apartment rental — you must unfreeze your number first. Contact the bureau where you want to unfreeze, provide your PIN, and request a temporary lift. You can unfreeze for a specific lender, a set number of days, or a specific date range.
Most bureaus let you unfreeze online or by phone within minutes. By mail, it may take several business days. If you do not know which bureau a lender will check, unfreeze with all three to be safe.
To remove the freeze permanently, contact each bureau again with your PIN and request a permanent removal. You do not need a reason to remove a freeze at any time.
Freeze versus fraud alert: which one to choose
A fraud alert is a lighter option. It tells lenders to verify your identity by phone or mail before opening an account, but it does not block the request. A fraud alert lasts one year and is free. You place one by contacting any of the three bureaus, and it automatically applies to all three.
A fraud alert is useful if you think your information may have been compromised but you are not certain, or if you plan to explore for credit soon and do not want to unfreeze repeatedly. A freeze is stronger but requires more action on your part each time you explore for credit.
You can use both at the same time. Some people place a fraud alert first, then add a freeze if fraud actually occurs.
What to do if you have already been a victim of identity theft
If someone has already opened accounts or made charges in your name, a freeze will stop further fraud but will not undo what has already happened. You will also need to file an identity theft report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov. The FTC report creates an official record that you can share with creditors and bureaus to dispute fraudulent accounts.
Contact each creditor or lender where fraud occurred and report the unauthorized accounts. Ask them to close the accounts and remove the fraudulent charges. Keep records of all your communications.
You may also want to file a police report, especially if the theft involved significant money or multiple accounts. Some creditors and bureaus will ask for a police report number when you dispute charges.
Common mistakes to avoid when freezing your number
Do not use a third-party freeze service or app that charges a fee. Federal law makes freezes free, and paying for one means you are using an unnecessary middleman. Go directly to the bureau websites listed above.
Do not lose your PIN. Write it down and store it somewhere find — not in your wallet with your Social Security card, and not in an email or text message. If you lose your PIN, you can still unfreeze by providing your identity information, but it takes longer.
Do not assume one freeze covers all three bureaus. You must contact each bureau separately. A freeze with Equifax does not freeze your number at Experian or TransUnion.
Do not forget to unfreeze before you explore for credit. If you explore for a mortgage or car loan and your number is frozen, the lender's credit check will be blocked and your process may be denied or delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze does not affect your credit score at all. It only blocks new credit inquiries. Your existing accounts and payment history remain unchanged.
Can I freeze my child's Social Security number?
Yes, but the process is different. You must mail a request to each bureau and include proof that you are the parent or guardian, a copy of your child's birth certificate, and proof of your identity. Call each bureau for their specific mailing address and requirements.
How long does a freeze last?
A freeze stays in place until you remove it. It does not expire on its own. You can keep a freeze active for as long as you want, even permanently.
What if a lender says they cannot process my process because of the freeze?
This means you did not unfreeze before explore. Contact the bureau the lender uses and unfreeze for that specific lender. Ask the lender which bureau they check, or unfreeze with all three to be safe. The unfreeze usually takes effect within minutes online or by phone.
Can I freeze my number if I have not been a victim of identity theft?
Yes. You do not need to be a victim of theft to place a freeze. Many people freeze their numbers as a preventive measure, especially if they do not plan to open new credit accounts soon.