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Freeze Your Credit — All 8 Bureaus, Free

A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name. It's free by law. Most people only freeze the big 3 — here are all 8 you should lock down.

The Big 3 (start here)

Equifax

One of the big 3. Free and instant online.

  1. 1Go to the Equifax freeze page.
  2. 2Create an account or sign in.
  3. 3Verify your identity with security questions.
  4. 4Click 'Place a Security Freeze.'
  5. 5Save your PIN — you'll need it to unfreeze.
Freeze now

Experian

One of the big 3. Free and instant online.

  1. 1Go to the Experian Freeze Center.
  2. 2Create an account or sign in.
  3. 3Verify your identity.
  4. 4Select 'Add a Security Freeze.'
  5. 5Experian uses a PIN or your login to manage the freeze.
Freeze now

TransUnion

One of the big 3. Free and instant online.

  1. 1Go to the TransUnion freeze page.
  2. 2Create an account or sign in.
  3. 3Verify your identity.
  4. 4Click 'Freeze My Credit.'
  5. 5Save your confirmation — you'll need your account to unfreeze.
Freeze now

The Hidden 5 (most people miss these)

Identity thieves know most people only freeze the big 3. These lesser-known bureaus cover bank accounts, insurance, utilities, and more.

Innovis

The 4th credit bureau most people have never heard of.

  1. 1Go to the Innovis Security Freeze page.
  2. 2Fill out the online form or call 1-800-540-2505.
  3. 3Verify your identity.
  4. 4Confirm the freeze placement.
Freeze now

NCTUE (National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange)

Prevents utility/telecom fraud — identity thieves open accounts in your name.

  1. 1Go to nctue.com/consumers.
  2. 2Call 1-866-349-5185 to request a freeze.
  3. 3Verify your identity over the phone.
  4. 4Confirm the freeze is in place.
Freeze now

ChexSystems

Prevents fraudulent bank account openings in your name.

  1. 1Go to the ChexSystems freeze page.
  2. 2Fill out the online freeze request form.
  3. 3Verify your identity.
  4. 4Confirm placement — prevents new bank accounts under your name.
Freeze now

LexisNexis

Used for insurance, employment, and identity verification.

  1. 1Go to the LexisNexis consumer freeze page.
  2. 2Fill out the online form or call 1-888-512-3042.
  3. 3Verify your identity.
  4. 4Confirm freeze placement.
Freeze now

SageStream

Alternative credit data used by some lenders.

  1. 1Go to the SageStream freeze page.
  2. 2Submit a freeze request online or call 1-888-395-0277.
  3. 3Verify your identity.
  4. 4Save your confirmation details.
Freeze now

Freeze vs. Lock vs. Fraud Alert

Credit Freeze

Free by law. Blocks all new credit. Must be lifted temporarily when you want to apply for credit. Strongest protection.

Credit Lock

Bureau-offered service (sometimes paid). Same effect as freeze but easier to toggle. Not regulated by law.

Fraud Alert

Tells lenders to verify identity. Weaker — they can still approve without checking. Place at one bureau, it propagates to all 3.

Frequently asked questions