How to freeze and unfreeze your Experian® credit file
Credit freezes, also known as security freezes, can limit access to your credit reports and help protect you from different types of credit fraud. Freezing and unfreezing your credit is always free. You can freeze your Experian credit file online, by phone or by mail.
What you’ll learn:
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Freezing your credit reports could be smart if you’re worried about someone opening new credit cards or loans in your name.
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Managing your Experian credit file online might be easier than using the phone or mail.
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Credit freezes and fraud alerts are different things.
- There are separate processes for freezing and unfreezing your Equifax and TransUnion credit reports.
What is an Experian credit freeze?
Your credit reports are the basis for your credit scores. A credit freeze limits access to your credit reports. This can help keep criminals from opening unauthorized accounts in your name. But it’s important to know that freezing your credit doesn’t protect you from all scams. For example, a criminal could still steal and use your credit card if your credit reports are frozen.
But freezes also limit authorized reviews of your credit reports. That means when you apply for credit, your applications could be denied or placed on hold because your credit reports are inaccessible to issuers.
To freeze all your credit reports, you must work with each credit bureau separately
Is a freeze the same as a fraud alert?
If you’ve been the victim of identity theft or think your personal information might be compromised, fraud alerts are another option. Adding fraud alerts is a little easier because you only need to contact one credit bureau and it will pass on your request to the other two.
But fraud alerts only require creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity or contact you when reviewing a credit application. So credit freezes might offer more protection because they can keep creditors from checking your credit entirely.
How does an Experian credit freeze work?
When you freeze your Experian credit report, the bureau won’t create and release your credit report to creditors. But it will release your credit report for other reasons, such as when you want to check your own credit or if your current lender or card issuers want to check your credit to help it manage your account.
How does unfreezing your credit with Experian work?
Unfreezing, or thawing, your credit report removes the limitations imposed by the freeze. Unfreezing reports can be helpful if you’re legitimately applying for credit or other loans. And it can be done on a permanent or temporary basis.
Experian allows people to schedule temporary thaws and will automatically refreeze. Consider a case like car shopping over a weekend with plans to finance the purchase. If you’re visiting multiple car dealerships, you could schedule the thaw to begin on Saturday and end on Monday.
How to freeze and unfreeze your credit with Experian
You can freeze and unfreeze your Experian credit report online, by phone or by mail.
How to freeze or unfreeze your Experian credit file online
You can create or sign in to a free Experian account to freeze or unfreeze your credit or to schedule a thaw. Experian has a dedicated page to help people freeze their Experian reports.
How to freeze or unfreeze your Experian credit file by phone
You can call Experian to request a freeze or thaw at 888-397-3742. Be ready to share personal information, such as your Social Security number and recent address history, to help verify your identity.
How to freeze or unfreeze your Experian credit by mail
You can mail a letter to Experian asking it to freeze or unfreeze your report. Be sure to include the following information and copies of documents—not originals—with your request:
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Full name
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Social Security number (SSN)
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Date of birth
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Addresses for the past two years
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Government-issued identification card
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Utility bill or bank statement with your current address
You can mail the letter to the following address:
Experian Security Freeze
P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013
Mailing can be the slowest option because Experian has up to three days to freeze or unfreeze your report after receiving your letter. It may process your request immediately, but you still need to wait for your letter to arrive.
Freezing your Experian credit file FAQ
What is the downside of freezing your credit?
Freezing your credit might lead to delays if you forget to thaw your credit before applying for a new credit card or loan. It could also be a nuisance if you can’t remember your sign-in information and have trouble getting into your account.
What’s the difference between a credit lock and a credit freeze?
Credit locks and credit freezes similarly limit access to your credit report. The main difference is that federal law gives you the right to freeze and thaw your credit reports for free. Credit locks are generally a feature the credit bureaus offer members or subscribers. Credit locks might cost extra but offer other features.
How long does an Experian security freeze last?
Security freezes last indefinitely. Once you freeze your credit reports, you’ll need to request a thaw if you want your report to be unfrozen. To keep yourself protected, you can schedule a temporary thaw and Experian will automatically refreeze your credit report on the date you choose.
Key takeaways: Experian credit freeze
Freezing your Experian credit report can help protect you from fraudsters who try to open credit cards or loans in your name. Freezing and unfreezing your reports is always free, and you can make the requests online, by phone or by mail. But you’ll need to manage your three credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian separately.
You can also monitor your credit reports and scores while your credit reports are frozen. CreditWise from Capital One is one option. It’s free. And using it won’t hurt your credit. You can also check AnnualCreditReport.com.
