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Credit reporting companies offer free or lower cost credit locks, which are not the same as a credit freeze. A credit lock is just a contractual agreement between you and a reporting bureau. While locks and freezes essentially do the same thing, credit freezes are guaranteed by state law, so you'll have absolutely no risk of financial liability. If you freeze your credit and someone opens a new line of credit in your name, you'll be legally protected from any financial liability. A credit lock doesn't offer this same legal protection. Furthermore, a lock contract with the reporting company could include undesirable terms. For example, a credit lock agreement could prohibit you from participating in a class action lawsuit if something goes wrong. Freezes do not involve a contractual agreement, and the reporting bureau would be liable for any losses. Note that credit freezes and locks do not affect your credit score. In order to freeze your credit, you have to contact all 3 nationwide credit reporting companies. Inform the customer service agent that you want a credit freeze. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal information. Call Equifax at 1-800-349-9960 or visit https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp. Call Experian at 18883973742 or visit https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html. Call TransUnion at 1-888-909-8872 or visit http://www.transunion.com/freeze. Fees depend on your location and are typically between $5 and $10. In some states, credit freezes are free if you're 65 or older. When you're on the phone with the reporting companies, ask each for a mailing address. If you filed online, check their website for the mailing address that processes freeze requests. Include your name, address, date of birth, and the date that you requested the freeze. If you're the victim of identity theft, include a police report with the letter you send to the reporting companies. A written letter will provide proof that you requested a freeze on a certain date. If something goes wrong, such as someone opening a line of credit in your name, it's helpful to have documentation that you exercised due diligence. You'll be able to prove that you shouldn't be liable for fraudulent charges because the reporting bureau failed to execute your freeze request. Each reporting company will send a written confirmation. It will include instructions about lifting the freeze and a PIN you'll need in order to lift it. Store these documents in a secure place, such as a safe. A credit freeze will prevent anyone from running an inquiry into your credit history. While freezes expire after 7 years in some states, they remain in place indefinitely in the vast majority of states. If you apply for a new line of credit, job, or apartment lease, you'll need to lift the freeze so the company can run an inquiry. If you'll frequently be applying for lines of credit, leases, and jobs, you might want to lift your security freezes permanently instead of paying fees to temporarily thaw them every few months. Ask a new creditor, leasing company, or potential employer which reporting company they'll use to check your credit. That way, you can lift the freeze with that company alone instead of having to pay fees to have all 3 lift your freeze. Follow the instructions in the confirmation letters to lift the freeze. You'll call the reporting company or go online, provide your personal information and PIN, and specify the dates you want the freeze thawed.
Opt for a freeze instead of a lock. Call each of the credit reporting companies. Pay each reporting company a fee. Send written freeze requests to each reporting agency. Keep your confirmation letters and PINs safe. Lift the freeze if you're applying for new credit, a lease, or a job.