Security freeze

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

Editors' picks

A woman sitting in a sunny windowsill and drinking coffee while looking at her tablet.

Credit Freeze and Credit Lock: What’s The Difference?

By Jim Akin

Jul 23, 2024

Does Freezing Your Credit File Affect Other Accounts

By Jennifer White

Jan 31, 2022

Can I Apply for Credit if My Credit Report Is Frozen?

By Jim Akin

Nov 2, 2021

Take action with these tools

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection and fraud detection for you and your family.

Compare plans

Security freeze

Limit access to your Experian credit report.

Fraud alert

Add or remove a fraud alert on your Experian credit file.

Free dark web scan

Scan for your Social Security number, email and phone number.

Free personal privacy scan

Check your info and reduce your risk of hacking, spam and robocalls.

What others are reading

Young man showing his mobile phone to his friend on stairs outdoors.

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...

By Louis DeNicola

Aug 16, 2024

How to Unfreeze Your Credit Report at All 3 Credit Bureaus

By Ben Luthi

Aug 23, 2024

How to Temporarily Lift a Security Freeze

By Jennifer White

Mar 1, 2019

How Long Does It Take to Thaw Frozen Credit?

By Jennifer White

Jan 8, 2021

Are There Any Downsides to Freezing Your Credit?

By Jennifer White

Oct 31, 2020

How to Lift a Security Freeze

By Experian Team

Jul 25, 2015

Explore more topics

The latest from our experts

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...

By 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...

By Jim Akin

Jan 24, 2020

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

Replacing a Lost Security Freeze PIN Number

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

By Experian Team

May 22, 2013

Security freeze

Editors' picks

Credit Freeze and Credit Lock: What’s The Difference?

Does Freezing Your Credit File Affect Other Accounts

Can I Apply for Credit if My Credit Report Is Frozen?

Can You Freeze a Credit Score?

What Is a Credit Freeze?