Should I freeze my credit?
Reviewed answer
Yes, in the US. It's free, doesn't affect your score, and stops most new accounts in your name.
- Freeze at all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each has a free freeze on its website or by phone.
- Save each login or PIN in your password manager. You'll need it to lift the freeze.
- When you apply for credit, lift the freeze online for a few days, then put it back.
- You can freeze a child's credit too. It keeps their clean record from being used for years without anyone noticing.
Get help if
If you see an account or credit check you don't recognize on your free reports at annualcreditreport.com, start at identitytheft.gov.
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