Security Freeze Information (also know as a Credit Freeze)
In general, security freezes, also called credit freezes, allow consumers to notify the credit reporting agencies to block access to their credit report from potential creditors and insurance companies. Basically when you place a credit freeze on your credit report, you are telling the credit report agency not to release your credit report in situations where creditors are trying to open new credit accounts in your name.
Security freezes are especially useful for helping to prevent identity theft because lenders will not normally open a new credit account without first seeing your credit report. However, even a credit freeze cannot prevent all risk of identity theft, as some creditors will extend credit even without a credit report. Plus existing creditors may not be blocked from getting your credit report by a freeze. Also your credit file may not be fully blocked to “prescreen” marketing offers of credit (see Opt Out Information.)
To elaborate on who may see your report even if it is frozen, certain entities will still have access to your credit report. This includes your current creditors who have an existing business relationship with you who may want to pull your credit report to review your account, as well as collection agencies who work on their behalf. Other prospective creditors may have access to some of the information in your credit report unless you opt-out of receiving such pre-approved marketing offers. Here’s a link about how to opt-out.
To request a security freeze on your credit report, you must contact each of the three national credit bureaus individually – Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. See instructions for your state on the state list below.
Each of the 3 credit reporting agencies may or may not have charges to add or remove a credit freeze on your credit report or to administer other credit freeze actions. Fees will generally depend on State and Federal laws and/or the policies of the individual credit bureau for your state.
Once you have a credit freeze placed on your credit report, you may “lift” the credit freeze off your credit report for a temporary period, or you may permanently remove it from your credit report. Fees may be involved depending on your circumstances and your State’s law.
In some states you may even be able to lift your credit freeze for a specific lender, so that the particular lender may obtain your credit report. Check the availability of this feature under your state below.
To facilitate administration of your credit freeze, you may be assigned a Personal Identification Number or PIN number from the credit bureau. Your PIN number may be required to change or manage your credit freeze. If you lose your PIN number or need a new one, the credit bureau will have a procedure to obtain a new one. See your state in the list below.
Credit freezes are not the same as Fraud Alerts on your credit report.
Even if you have placed a credit freeze on your credit report, you will still have access to getting copies of your own credit report. It is the creditors who do not have an existing relationship with you who are will be prevented access.
A security freeze on your credit report does not affect your credit score. However, a creditor cannot normally get your credit score without getting your credit report, so if they cannot get your credit report, they cannot normally obtain your score either.
It may take as long as 5 days for a written request for a credit freeze to take effect after you complete the credit bureau’s requirements to place a credit freeze on your credit report.
Security Freeze FAQs
Can anyone freeze their credit file?
Yes.
How long does a freeze last?
The freeze generally lasts until you remove it. When you remove your credit freeze, it may be temporary or permanent, depending on your instructions.
Can you open a new credit account while you have a freeze on your credit report?
Probably not unless a lender is willing to extend credit to you without looking at your credit report.
What’s a temporary removal?
A temporary removal removes the freeze for a short period of time. For example, you might consider a temporary removal of your credit freeze for a period during which you want to apply for credit or a loan. That allows your prospective creditor time to obtain your credit report and evaluate your eligibility for credit.
Can I remove or “lift” the credit freeze for specific lenders?
In some states the credit reporting agencies allow you to lift your credit freeze for a specific party. In other states this feature is not available. Check your state for more information.
Do I have to freeze my credit at just one credit reporting agency or at all 3?
If you are going to freeze your credit report, it is recommended to freeze it at all three national credit reporting agencies because each operates separately from the other. A freeze at one agency is not necessarily shared at the other credit agencies unless you contact all three separately.
How much does it cost to freeze and unfreeze my credit reports?
It depends. Some freezes are free under State law, for example, for identity theft victims. Or for the elderly. Each state may have different qualifications, prices and procedures. Check the state in which you reside for specific requirements.
Can a credit freeze be placed on the report of a deceased person?
Yes.
Can a credit freeze be placed on the report of a child?
Yes.
State Credit Freeze Requirements and Fees
Arizona Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, and Yuma.
California Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of California, including the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Long Beach, Fresno, Sacramento, Oakland, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Bakersfield, Riverside, Stockton, Chula Vista, Fremont, Modesto, Irvine, Glendale, and San Bernardino.
Colorado Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Colorado, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Lakewood, Fort Collins, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Pueblo, and Centennial.
Idaho Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Idaho, including Boise, Nampa, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Coeur d'Alene, Twin Falls, Caldwell, Lewiston, and Rexburg.
Montana Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Montana, including Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, Anaconda, Havre, and Miles City.
Nevada Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Sparks, Carson City, Elko, Boulder City, Mesquite, and Fernley.
New Mexico Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of New Mexico, including Albuqueque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Roswell, Farmington, South Valley, Alamogordo, Clovis, and Hobbs.
Oregon Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Oregon, including the cities of Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Medford, Bend, Springfield and Corvallis.
Utah Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Utah, including Salt Lake City, Provo, West Valley City, West Jordan, Orem, Sandy, Ogden, St. George, Layton, and Taylorsville.
Washington Credit Freeze -Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Washington, including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Yakima, Kent, Federal Way, Bellingham.
Wyoming Credit Freeze - Information to place a security freeze on your credit report if you live in the State of Wyoming, including Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Green River, Evanston, Riverton, and Cody.
