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Security freeze

Learn how to place a security freeze on your credit report to help safeguard against credit fraud.

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*Credit score calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more.

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The latest from our experts

How to Unfreeze Your Credit Report at All 3 Credit Bureaus

If you’re applying for credit and have frozen credit reports, here are some steps you can ...

Ben Luthi profile imageBy Ben Luthi
Aug 23, 2024

How to Freeze Your Credit at All 3 Credit Bureaus

Learn how to freeze and unfreeze your credit reports at Experian, TransUnion and Equifax f...

Louis DeNicola profile imageBy Louis DeNicola
Aug 16, 2024

How Long Does It Take to Thaw Frozen Credit?

Depending on how you remove a credit freeze from your credit report, thawing it can take a...

Jennifer White profile imageBy Jennifer White
Jan 8, 2021

Are There Any Downsides to Freezing Your Credit?

Credit freezes can help limit fraudsters from applying for credit in your name, but it's n...

Jennifer White profile imageBy Jennifer White
Oct 31, 2020

Who Is Notified When Your Credit File Is Frozen?

If your credit file is frozen, a lender will be alerted to that when trying to access your...

Jennifer White profile imageBy Jennifer White
Oct 20, 2020

Does a Credit Freeze Hurt Your Credit Score?

Credit freezes do not affect your ability to qualify for loans or credit, but they can com...

Jim Akin profile imageBy Jim Akin
Jan 24, 2020

How to Temporarily Lift a Security Freeze

Dear Experian, I need to lift the security freeze for 24 hours to buy a car. How do I do t...

Jennifer White profile imageBy Jennifer White
Mar 1, 2019

What Should You Do When Your Identity Is Stolen: Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert?

Discover your best options after finding suspicious activity on your credit report.

Oct 18, 2016

How to Lift a Security Freeze

Dear Experian, How do I lift my freeze in your company? – GSN

Experian Team profile imageBy Experian Team
Jul 25, 2015

Replacing a Lost Security Freeze PIN Number

Dear Experian, I placed a security freeze on my account and have misplaced the PIN needed ...

Experian Team profile imageBy Experian Team
May 22, 2013

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