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A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, helps stop identity thieves from taking out credit in your name by limiting new creditors from accessing your credit report. A freeze doesn't only secure your report against criminals, however: It limits all credit inquiries, even those that result from legitimate credit applications. This means that you'll need to lift the security freeze to apply for a new credit card or loan.
Luckily, it's straightforward to lift the freeze, and there are options for unfreezing or "thawing" your credit without leaving yourself open to identity theft. That way, you can apply for credit without losing sleep.
How a Credit Freeze Works
Freezing your credit can help protect you from fraud by limiting who can access your credit file. You might choose to freeze your credit file after learning your personal information has been compromised in a data breach or after being targeted by an identity thief.
It's free to freeze your credit file, and it won't impact your credit. Note that you'll need to request a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus to achieve the most protection.
To place a credit freeze on your Experian credit file online, simply log in to your existing Experian account or sign up for a free account.
Why You Need to Lift a Credit Freeze to Apply for Credit
Freezing your credit provides you with added security by limiting access to your credit report from new creditors. The downside here is that freezing your credit will also limit legitimate, authorized creditors from accessing your report in order to assess your creditworthiness when you apply for a credit card or loan.
Because you must allow a creditor to access your credit history when you apply for new credit, you'll need to lift the credit freeze before you apply for a credit card or loan. Luckily, it's free and easy to unfreeze your credit report.
Luckily, it's free and easy to unfreeze your credit report before you apply for a new credit card.
How to Unfreeze Your Credit Report
Unfreezing your Experian credit report online is a fast process: Your request will go into effect in near real time. Note that if you aren't sure which credit bureau your lender will use to pull your report, you'll need to thaw your credit through all three (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) individually.
There are two options for lifting a credit freeze.
Temporarily Lift the Freeze
If you still want the protection a freeze provides but need to give creditors short-term access to your file, a temporary thaw could be a smart move.
You can choose to lift the security freeze for a day, a week or however long you think is necessary to complete your credit application. The freeze will be restored automatically at the end of the timeframe you select.
To temporarily lift your credit freeze online, go to Experian's Credit Freeze Center to create an Experian account or sign in to your account to schedule a thaw, which temporarily removes the freeze on your report.
Permanently Unfreeze Your Report
Proceed cautiously when permanently unfreezing your credit report. A security freeze provides you with armor against identity theft and fraud. If you believe you're being targeted, you probably want to keep that protection. If, however, you froze your report as a precaution, permanently unfreezing your credit file may be a good option for you.
To permanently unfreeze your report, start in the Security Freeze Center to create an account or log in to your existing Experian account to remove your freeze.
Keep in mind, you can also guard against potential identity theft using a fraud alert. Like a security freeze, a fraud alert puts on the brakes when creditors check your credit due to an application—but instead, a fraud alert requires creditors to take extra measures to verify your identity. That way, you don't need to take any action: The creditor will reach out to you when necessary to verify your identity. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, go to Experian's Fraud Alert Center.
The Bottom Line
Freezing your credit can reduce your risk of exposure to identity theft and fraud by limiting new creditors from accessing your report. When you're ready to apply for a new credit card or loan, you'll need to provide access to your creditor by lifting the freeze.
Whatever you choose, continue monitoring your credit through Experian to keep an eye on all activity and detect potential fraud before damage occurs.
Learn More About Credit Freezes Before Applying for Credit
- What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze is a free service that can protect you from credit fraud by limiting most access to your credit report until you lift it and “thaw” your... - Do You Have to Freeze Your Credit Report With Each Credit Bureau?
When freezing your credit to prevent processing of new credit applications, you must make separate requests at each of the national credit bureaus. - How to Check if My Credit Report Is Frozen
A frozen credit report can make applying for new credit accounts difficult. Here’s how you can check and manage credit report freezes. - Does Freezing Your Credit File Affect Other Accounts
Freezing your credit file will not have an effect on your existing credit accounts. Find out how a security freeze works and when it’s a good idea. - Can I Apply for Credit if My Credit Report Is Frozen?
Credit freezes can stop thieves from taking out debt in your name, but they also block legitimate credit checks. Here’s what to know. - How to Unfreeze Your Credit Report
Looking for simple tools to unfreeze your credit report? Here’s how to unfreeze your credit file at all three bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. - What Is the Best Way to Get a Credit Freeze Removed?
Removing a credit freeze (like activating a freeze in the first place) is your right under the law, and new online tools make the process simpler than ever. - Do I Need to Lift a Credit Freeze to Apply for Credit?
Do you need to lift a security freeze to apply for a new credit card or loan? Yes. Here’s how to do it without opening yourself up to identity... - What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Credit Lock?
Credit freezes and locks block all limit credit-report access, but you can turn locks on and off instantly, while freezes can take a bit more effort. - Should I Add a Fraud Alert or a Credit Freeze to My Credit Report?
If there is an inquiry on your credit report and you do not recognize the merchant, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself. - Security Freeze Basics
What Is a Security Freeze? A security freeze, also sometimes known as a credit freeze, is a step you can take to limit the release of your credit report...