How to Freeze Credit on Experian

A security freeze, also called a credit freeze, is a restriction placed on a credit file at a nationwide credit reporting company. When a freeze is active on an Experian credit file, Experian generally may not release the report to a lender or other third party for most credit-related purposes. This restriction can prevent a new lender from viewing the Experian file during a credit application, which can help block new accounts from being opened in the consumer's name. The freeze does not change credit scores and does not prevent the consumer from obtaining their own report. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, placing, lifting, or removing a freeze is free. A freeze is distinct from a fraud alert.

Experian accepts security freeze requests through three channels: online, by phone, and by mail. The request process requires identifying information, such as full legal name, current and prior addresses, date of birth, Social Security number, and other details used to verify identity. For mail requests, Experian may require copies of documents such as a government-issued identification and a utility bill or bank statement. After identity verification, federal law requires Experian to place the freeze generally within one business day if the request is made online or by phone, and within three business days if the request is made by mail. Experian then sends a confirmation and a personal identification number or password used to lift or remove the freeze later. A freeze at Experian does not affect Equifax or TransUnion; each company must be contacted separately.

A security freeze is a legal right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. A credit lock is a feature some credit reporting companies offer through a contract or product; it may be faster to toggle but is not the same legal protection as a freeze. A fraud alert is different: an initial fraud alert lasts one year and requires lenders to take reasonable steps to verify identity before extending credit. An extended fraud alert lasts seven years and requires a police report or identity theft report. A freeze stays in place until lifted or removed. It can be lifted temporarily to allow a specific lender to access the report, or removed permanently. There is no fee to lift or remove a freeze under federal law.

While a freeze is active at Experian, most lenders and other users cannot access the Experian credit report for credit decisions. If a consumer applies for credit during a freeze, the lender may not be able to pull the Experian report and may deny the application or ask the consumer to lift the freeze. Existing creditors and certain other users may still have access for account review, collection, or other permissible purposes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Government agencies may access the report in response to a court order or subpoena. A freeze does not prevent a consumer from obtaining their own credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or from receiving a credit score from a service they use.

To lift or remove an Experian freeze, the consumer generally uses the PIN or password Experian provided, or submits a request by phone or mail. A temporary lift can be requested for a specific period or a specific lender, or a permanent removal can be requested. Experian must act within the same timeframes as for placing a freeze. If the PIN is lost, Experian has a process to verify identity and issue a new one. If identity has been misused, a freeze can also be placed with Equifax and TransUnion, and identity theft can be reported at IdentityTheft.gov. Freezes are free, and they can remain in place indefinitely.