Learning how to freeze your credit with Equifax is easy. You can request a credit freeze three ways: online, by phone or by mail. But the easiest way is to submit your request online through the Equifax website. All you need to do is complete the form, which requires your name, address, Social Security Number (SSN), a government-issued ID to verify your identity and even a bill to verify your address (e.g., a utility bill). With that, you will be able to open your myEquifax account. With that, you can easily freeze and unfreeze your credit online.
What Is an Equifax Credit Freeze?
An Equifax credit freeze is a powerful tool that enables you to put a hold on your credit report information. In doing so, no unauthorized person can access your credit report and therefore it can’t be used for fraudulent purposes. By freezing your credit with Equifax, you protect yourself from identity theft, job theft, and fraudulent loans.
What Does a Credit Freeze Do?
A credit freeze prevents creditors and lenders from accessing your credit report to grant new credit. This capability is crucial for people who are concerned about identity theft or have experienced it before in the past. Essentially, a credit freeze stops identity thieves from being able to open new accounts in your name while it is in effect.
Keep in mind that freezing your Equifax credit report does not guarantee against identity theft or fraud. However, it is a good way to help prevent ID theft and new accounts being opened in your name without your knowledge. Learn more about credit freezes.
Credit Freeze vs Credit Lock
A credit freeze and a credit lock both provide similar protection against identity theft and fraud. However, they are different. A credit freeze is officially a legal restriction that is placed on your credit report, which prevents anyone from accessing it without your consent. This includes both legitimate businesses and individuals, as well as identity thieves.
Meanwhile, a credit lock is a feature provided by credit bureaus like Equifax that allows you to instantly lock and unlock your credit report from your online account. Unlike a freeze, a lock does not have a legal basis or enforceable rights under the law. It is simply a voluntary service provided by the credit bureau.
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze Credit With Equifax?
The nice thing is that there is no fee to protect your credit with Equifax. It is free to freeze and unfreeze your credit with Equifax and you can quickly freeze your credit at no charge through your myEquifax account online.
How to Freeze Your Equifax Credit Report Online
The fastest and easiest way to freeze your Equifax credit is online. To do so, simply go to the Equifax website, click on the “Credit Report Assistance” option in the top menu and select “Credit Report Control.” From there, find and select the option to “Place a Credit Freeze.” Follow the prompts to complete all fields on the form, create a myEquix account (if you don’t already have one), and finally, agree to the terms to submit your credit freeze request.
To freeze your Equifax credit report online, follow these steps:
1. Go to the Equifax website and click on “Credit Report Assistance” in the top menu, then select “Credit Report Control.”
2. Scroll down and click on “Place a Credit Freeze” under “Credit Report Control.”
3. Follow the prompts to complete the form. You will be required to enter your full legal name, physical address, Social Security Number (SSN), and date of birth.
4. Next, you will need to provide a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport in order to verify your identity. You may also be required to provide proof of your address (i.e., a utility bill).
5. Finish setting up your myEquifax account by choosing a username and password. You will need to confirm your email address by clicking on a link sent to your email.
6. Review and agree to the terms of service and submit your request to freeze your credit report.
Once your credit report is frozen, no new creditors or lenders can access your credit report to grant new credit. You can still access your own credit report, and current creditors and lenders can still see your report. It’s important to note that if you want to apply for credit in the future, you will need to temporarily lift the credit freeze, which you can do online through your myEquifax account.
How to Freeze Your Equifax Credit Report By Phone
If you prefer to make your request by phone, you can call Equifax at 888-298-0045. Once you’re connected with a representative, tell them know that you’re looking to freeze your credit. To do so you will need to provide your name, SSN, physical address, and verify your identity.
How to Freeze Your Equifax Credit Report By Mail
You can also request a credit freeze with Equifax by mail. To do so, you will need to download and print the form from its website. Complete the form along with a copy of your government-issued ID and proof of address (e.g., a utility bill sent to your address).
Fill it out completely, include your signature, and send it via registered mail it to:
Equifax Security Freeze
PO Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788.
Once Equifax has received your request, they will mail a confirmation letter with instructions on how to access your account online or by phone.
How to Unfreeze Your Credit With Equifax
If you want to unfreeze your credit with Equifax, you can do so quickly and easily online through your myEquifax account. In order to access your myEquifax account, simply enter the username and password associated with it. Once logged in, you will be able to view all of the information related to your freeze request, as well as options to lift the freeze temporarily or permanently.
Alternatively, you can unfreeze your credit by phone. To do so, call Equifax at 888-298-0045. You will need to provide the same information used when freezing your credit and verify your identity. Once verified, they will be able to lift the freeze for you.
Bottom Line
Freezing your credit with Equifax is an effective way to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. It’s simple, easy, and free to do and can be done online, by phone or by mail. By freezing your credit with Equifax, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that no one can access your credit report without your permission.
Remember, a credit freeze is not foolproof and cannot guarantee 100% protection against identity theft. As such, it’s important to stay vigilant about your online security habits and regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity. By doing so, you can help further protect yourself from identity thieves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to freeze my credit with all three credit bureaus?
While it’s not a requirement, it is strongly recommended that you freeze your credit with all three of the major credit bureaus. That is if you want to ensure your credit can’t be pulled from any bureau.
What’s the difference between Experian, Equifax and TransUnion?
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are three different credit bureaus. Each collects personal information in order to generate credit reports, which creditors (i.e., banks and lenders) use to determine credit decisions (i.e., a loan application approval). Learn more about Experian vs Equifax vs TransUnion.
Will a credit freeze affect my ability to get new loans or lines of credit?
No, a credit freeze will not affect your ability to obtain new loans or lines of credit. When you put a freeze on your credit report, it simply prevents new creditors and lenders from accessing your credit report information. When you are ready to apply for credit in the future, you can temporarily lift the freeze online or by phone to allow access to your credit report.
How long does a credit freeze last?
A credit freeze will stay in effect until you remove it. The only exception is if you have placed a temporary freeze, which will end on the date indicated when you set up the freeze. You can easily remove a credit freeze online through your myEquifax account or by phone.
Do I need to do anything else to protect myself from identity theft?
In addition to freezing your credit, it is important to be mindful of your online security habits and to regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity. This means avoiding clicking on links or downloading attachments from emails you don’t recognize, using strong passwords that are unique to each account, and setting up two-factor authentication whenever possible. You should also set up alerts for any changes to your credit reports and regularly check for any unauthorized accounts, suspicious activity or inquiries.
Does a credit freeze affect my FICO score?
No, a credit freeze will not affect your FICO score. A credit freeze will only prevent new creditors and lenders from accessing your credit report, which is why it’s to keep in mind that if want to apply for new credit in the future, you will need to lift the freeze before doing so. Learn more about FICO.
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