Best Credit Freeze Services in 2025

Credit freezes are the single most effective tool for preventing identity theft, blocking criminals from opening new accounts in your name. Since the 2018 federal law made freezes free and permanent, there’s no reason not to freeze all major credit bureaus and specialty reporting agencies.

Our team researched all major consumer reporting agencies, evaluating freeze processes, accessibility, and effectiveness. Here’s your complete guide to freezing your credit everywhere in 2025.

Quick Comparison

Our Top Picks in Detail

How We Evaluate Credit Freeze Services

Our comprehensive evaluation examines all aspects of credit freezes:

Freeze and Unfreeze Speed

We tested processing times for each bureau:

• Online requests: Should process within 1 business day for freeze, 1 hour for unfreeze
• Phone requests: Similar timeframes but with wait times
• Mail requests: 3 business days by law, but varies by agency
• Temporary unfreezes for specific creditors or date ranges

Accessibility and User Experience

We evaluate how easy it is to manage freezes:

• Website clarity and navigation
• Mobile app availability and functionality
• Account creation requirements
• PIN/password management
• Status verification methods

Coverage and Necessity

We assess which agencies are critical to freeze:

• Essential: Big three bureaus (99% of creditors check these)
• Important: Innovis, ChexSystems, NCTUE (significant coverage)
• Recommended: LexisNexis, specialty agencies (comprehensive protection)
• Industry-specific agencies based on your situation

Additional Features

We compare supplemental tools:

• Credit locks for easier temporary access
• Fraud alerts as alternatives or supplements
• Free credit monitoring integration
• Mobile notifications and alerts

Credit Freeze vs Credit Lock: What’s the Difference?

Credit Freeze (Security Freeze)

Characteristics:

• Free by federal law since 2018
• Requires unfreeze before legitimate credit applications
• Backed by legal protections
• Must manage separately at each bureau
• PIN or password required to lift

Best for:

• Maximum legal protection
• Long-term identity theft prevention
• Users who rarely apply for credit
• Complete peace of mind

Credit Lock

Characteristics:

• May be free or paid depending on bureau
• Instant lock/unlock via app or website
• Less legal protection than freezes
• Often includes extra features like alerts
• Easier for frequent credit applicants

Best for:

• Convenience and frequent toggling
• Users who regularly apply for credit
• Those wanting one-touch control
• Integration with monitoring services

Step-by-Step: How to Freeze Your Credit Everywhere

Priority 1: The Big Three (Essential)

Equifax:

1. Visit equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/
2. Create account with personal information
3. Click “Add a Security Freeze”
4. Save your PIN in a secure location

Experian:

1. Visit experian.com/freeze/center.html
2. Create Experian account
3. Navigate to “Credit Freeze” section
4. Follow prompts to freeze
5. Save credentials securely

TransUnion:

1. Visit transunion.com/credit-freeze
2. Create or log into account
3. Select “Freeze Your Credit”
4. Complete verification
5. Store PIN safely

Priority 2: Specialty Agencies (Highly Recommended)

Innovis:

• Online: innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze
• Phone: 800-540-2505
• Mail: Innovis Security Freeze, P.O. Box 495, Pittsburgh, PA 15230

ChexSystems:

• Mail only: Chex Systems, Inc., Security Freeze, P.O. Box 162, Woodbury, MN 55125
• Include: Full name, address, SSN, DOB, copy of ID
• Lasts 5 years unless you request removal

NCTUE:

• Phone only: 866-349-5185
• Create PIN during call
• Indefinite freeze duration

LexisNexis:

• Online: consumer.risk.lexisnexis.com/freeze
• Phone: 888-497-0011
• Covers both LexisNexis and SageStream

Priority 3: Additional Coverage (Optional)

ARS, Clarity Services, Teletrack: Most consumers can skip these unless specifically needed for your industry or lending situation. Clarity and Teletrack are covered through Experian and Equifax freezes respectively.

What Information You’ll Need

When requesting security freezes, have ready:

• Personal information: Full legal name, current address, previous addresses (past 2 years)
• Social Security number: Full 9-digit SSN
• Date of birth: Complete DOB
• Identification: Driver’s license or state ID number
• Contact: Email address and phone number

For mail requests, include:

• Copy of government-issued ID
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Written request with all information above

Managing Your Frozen Credit

When You Need to Apply for Credit

Temporary Unfreeze:

1. Log into the bureau’s website or app
2. Select “Lift Freeze” or “Unfreeze”
3. Choose timeframe (specific creditor, date range, or permanent)
4. Enter PIN/password
5. Confirm unfreeze (processes within 1 hour)

Which Bureau to Unfreeze:

• Ask the lender which bureau(s) they check
• If unknown, unfreeze all three to be safe
• Can unfreeze just for specific creditor by name

Permanent Unfreeze

If you want to permanently remove a freeze:

1. Access your account at the bureau
2. Select “Remove Security Freeze”
3. Verify your identity with PIN
4. Confirm removal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze (security freeze) restricts access to your credit report, preventing identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. Lenders cannot view your frozen credit report unless you temporarily lift the freeze, blocking fraudulent credit applications while allowing you to grant access when needed.

How much does a credit freeze cost?

Credit freezes are completely free by federal law at all major credit bureaus and consumer reporting agencies. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 mandated free freezes, unfreezes, and PINs for all consumers, with no exceptions or hidden fees.

How do I freeze my credit?

To freeze your credit, contact each credit bureau separately (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) online, by phone, or by mail. Provide personal information including name, address, SSN, and date of birth. You’ll receive a PIN to manage your freeze. Repeat for specialty agencies like Innovis and ChexSystems for complete protection.

Does freezing credit hurt my credit score?

No, credit freezes do not affect your credit score in any way. Your credit reports and scores continue updating normally while frozen. Existing creditors can still access your reports for account management, and you can still use your existing credit cards, loans, and accounts without any impact.

How long does a credit freeze last?

Credit freezes last indefinitely until you choose to lift them. They remain in place permanently at no cost, requiring no renewal or maintenance. You control when to temporarily unfreeze for specific applications or permanently remove the freeze if desired, with no time limits or expiration.

What’s the difference between a credit freeze and fraud alert?

A credit freeze completely blocks access to your credit report until you lift it, while a fraud alert requires creditors to verify your identity before extending credit but doesn’t prevent access. Freezes are stronger protection but require unfreezing for applications; alerts are easier but offer less security.

Can I still use my credit cards with a freeze?

Yes, credit freezes don’t affect existing accounts. You can continue using all current credit cards, loans, bank accounts, and lines of credit normally. Existing creditors can still access your report for account management. Freezes only prevent new account openings by blocking credit report access for new applications.

Should I freeze all three credit bureaus?

Yes, freeze all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) for complete protection. Lenders may check any bureau, so leaving even one unfrozen creates a vulnerability. Also freeze Innovis (fourth largest), ChexSystems (banking), and NCTUE (utilities) for comprehensive coverage against all types of identity fraud.