Security Freeze Guide
Security freezes lock your records at consumer reporting agencies so identity thieves can't open accounts in your name. This guide covers credit bureaus, bank account screening agencies, and background check services — each is free and takes just a few minutes.
Why your reports aren't frozen by default
Credit bureaus and data brokers make money by selling access to your information — to lenders, landlords, employers, insurers, and anyone else who pays. Open reports are their business model. The law gives you the right to lock them. It just doesn't make it easy to find out, or to actually do it.
What a freeze does
A security freeze locks your file at that agency. When someone tries to pull your report — to open a credit card, approve a loan, screen you for an apartment — they hit a wall. The agency won't release your data without your explicit permission. No new accounts can be opened in your name without you letting them in first.
This is the difference between a freeze and credit monitoring. Monitoring tells you after someone accessed your report. A freeze stops the access from happening.
Unfreezing when you need to
A freeze doesn't lock you out of your own financial life. When you want to apply for something — a mortgage, a new credit card, an apartment — you log into each relevant agency's portal and lift the freeze temporarily. You can set a date range (lift for 3 days while your application processes, for example) or lift it immediately and re-freeze when you're done. Takes about 5 minutes. The freeze reinstates automatically.
All security freezes are free by law. Federal law requires every consumer reporting agency to freeze and unfreeze your records at no charge. Any agency that asks you to pay is trying to sell you an optional add-on — not the freeze itself.
Open each agency's freeze page, complete the freeze there, then come back and mark it done. Your progress is saved in this browser.
Credit bureaus
0/4 frozenUsed by lenders when you apply for credit cards, loans, mortgages, and other forms of credit.
Equifax
One of the three major credit bureaus.
Equifax may show banners for their paid identity-protection products during the process. These are optional — you can continue past them to complete the free freeze.
TransUnion
One of the three major credit bureaus.
TransUnion may prompt you to sign up for their paid credit-monitoring service. Skip past it — the freeze itself requires no subscription.
Experian
One of the three major credit bureaus.
Experian is the most aggressive about upselling. They will prominently push account creation and paid membership. Look for a "Continue without an account" or "Free security freeze" option — it's there, just not the big button.
Innovis
A smaller, often-overlooked fourth bureau. Some lenders check it — worth freezing.
Bank account screening
0/2 frozenUsed by banks and credit unions to screen applicants before opening a new checking or savings account.
ChexSystems
Used by the majority of U.S. banks and credit unions. A freeze here prevents someone from opening a bank account in your name.
Early Warning Services (EWS)
Used by many large banks including Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, US Bank, and Wells Fargo. Separate from ChexSystems — both are worth freezing.
Background checks & other
0/2 frozenUsed for insurance applications, rental screening, employment background checks, and fraud detection.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Widely used by insurers, landlords, and employers. One of the most impactful freezes most people don't know about.
NCTUE
National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange. Used by phone carriers and utility companies when you apply for new service. Operated by Equifax but requires a separate freeze.
Information last verified for accuracy: March 2026 · Agency websites and procedures can change. If a link is broken or the process looks different, go directly to the agency's official website and search for "security freeze". If you spot something outdated, let me know and I'll get it updated.