What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze — also called a security freeze — restricts access to your credit file at a credit reporting agency. When a freeze is in place, lenders and creditors cannot pull your credit report to open new accounts in your name. This is one of the most effective tools available to prevent identity theft and fraudulent credit applications. A credit freeze does not affect your credit score, prevent you from getting your free annual credit report, or stop existing creditors from accessing your account. It only blocks new inquiries from lenders who do not already have a relationship with you. Under federal law (the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018), placing, lifting, and removing a credit freeze is free at all three major bureaus.
How to Place a Credit Freeze
You must contact each bureau separately. A freeze at one bureau does not automatically apply to the others. Equifax Online: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze Phone: 1-800-685-1111 Experian Online: experian.com/freeze/center.html Phone: 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion Online: transunion.com/credit-freeze Phone: 1-888-909-8872 Each bureau will provide a PIN or password you will need to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze. Store this information securely. You should also consider placing a freeze with Innovis (innovis.com) and the National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE), which are used by some lenders and utility companies.
Lifting a Freeze Temporarily or Permanently
If you are applying for credit, a loan, an apartment, or a job that requires a credit check, you will need to temporarily lift or permanently remove the freeze. Temporary lift: You can specify a date range or a specific creditor. The freeze automatically reinstates at the end of the period. Permanent removal: Removes the freeze entirely. You can reinstate it at any time. Allow at least one business day for a lift to take effect, though online requests are often processed within minutes. Plan ahead before applying for credit.
Freezing a Minor Child's Credit
Children are frequent targets of identity theft because their Social Security numbers are clean and the fraud often goes undetected for years. Washington State law (RCW 19.182.170) allows a parent or guardian to place a security freeze on a minor child's credit file.
Because minors typically do not have an existing credit file, the bureau will create one solely for the purpose of freezing it. You will need to provide documentation including the child's birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of your identity and authority as parent or guardian.
Washington State Law
RCW 19.182.170 governs security freezes in Washington State. Washington law requires consumer reporting agencies to place a freeze within one business day of receiving a request by phone or online, and within three business days of receiving a written request. The freeze must be lifted within one business day of a request made by phone or online.
Washington law also allows protected consumers — including minors and incapacitated individuals — to have a freeze placed on their behalf by a representative.