Experian Credit Freeze: What It Is and How It Works

What a Credit Freeze Does

A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, restricts access to a consumer's credit report at a specific credit reporting company. When a freeze is active at Experian, most lenders and other entities cannot access the Experian credit file to evaluate a new credit application. This restriction applies to new applications for credit, loans, or services that require a credit check.

A freeze differs from a fraud alert. A fraud alert requires lenders to take reasonable steps to verify identity before extending credit, but it does not block access to the credit report. A freeze blocks access entirely except for certain exceptions, such as existing creditors, collection agencies, and government agencies acting under legal authority.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes the right to place a security freeze. Under the FCRA, credit reporting companies must allow consumers to place, lift, or remove a freeze free of charge.

How an Experian Freeze Works

Experian maintains a credit file on millions of consumers. A freeze on that file means Experian will not release the credit report or credit score to most third parties for credit-granting purposes. The freeze remains active until the consumer lifts or removes it.

Certain entities can still access a frozen file. These include the consumer's existing creditors for account review, collection agencies, and government agencies with a court order or subpoena. Also, the consumer can access their own report.

Experian provides a PIN or password when a freeze is placed. This credential is required to lift or remove the freeze later. Losing the PIN may require additional identity verification steps.

Placing a Freeze with Experian

Experian accepts freeze requests online, by phone, or by mail. The online method is typically the fastest. The request requires providing personal identifying information such as name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Experian may also ask for additional documentation to verify identity.

There is no fee to place a freeze at Experian. The FCRA prohibits credit reporting companies from charging for freeze placement, lifting, or removal. This applies to all three national credit reporting companies.

After the freeze is placed, Experian sends a confirmation letter with the PIN or password. The freeze becomes effective within one business day if requested by phone or online, and within three business days if requested by mail.

Information Needed for an Experian Freeze

To place a freeze at Experian, a consumer must provide sufficient information to verify identity. This generally includes full name, current and previous addresses, Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of identity such as a copy of a driver's license or utility bill.

Experian may ask for additional information if the identity cannot be verified. The company may also require a police report or identity theft report in cases involving identity theft. The FCRA allows credit reporting companies to request documentation to prevent fraud.

The information required is similar across Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, but each company has its own process. A freeze must be placed separately at each company to cover all three national credit files.

Lifting or Removing an Experian Freeze

A consumer can lift an Experian freeze temporarily or remove it permanently. A temporary lift allows access for a specified period, such as a few days or weeks. A permanent removal deletes the freeze entirely.

To lift or remove a freeze, the consumer must provide the PIN or password issued by Experian. Requests can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Experian must lift the freeze within one hour if requested by phone or online, and within three business days if requested by mail.

There is no fee to lift or remove a freeze. The FCRA mandates that these actions be free. If a consumer loses the PIN, Experian may require additional identity verification before lifting the freeze.

Experian Freeze and Other Credit Reporting Companies

A freeze at Experian only affects the Experian credit file. It does not automatically freeze files at Equifax or TransUnion. To restrict access to all three national credit reports, a consumer must place a freeze separately with each company.

Each company has its own freeze process and issues its own PIN or password. The freeze at one company does not notify the others. A consumer may choose to freeze one, two, or all three files.

Lenders may request a credit report from only one or from multiple credit reporting companies. If a freeze is only at Experian, a lender that uses Equifax or TransUnion may still access the other files. Therefore, the effectiveness of a freeze depends on which company the lender uses.

Legal Rights and the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs credit reporting companies and provides consumers the right to place a security freeze. The FCRA was amended by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act to require free freezes nationwide.

Under the FCRA, credit reporting companies must comply with freeze requests within specific timeframes. They must also provide a means to lift or remove a freeze. The law applies to the three national credit reporting companies and to many smaller specialty consumer reporting agencies.

Consumers have the right to file complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission if a credit reporting company fails to comply with freeze requirements. The FCRA also allows consumers to seek damages in some cases.