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Credit & Debt

Freeze My Credit

A credit freeze makes it harder for someone to open new credit accounts in your name. This Guide shows how to place a free freeze with each of the three credit bureaus, for yourself or a child under 16.

Is this Guide for you?

You want to stop new credit accounts from being opened in your name or your child's, whether to protect yourself ahead of time or because someone may have your personal information.

This Guide helps you

  • Place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
  • Request a freeze for a child under 16
  • Lift a freeze when you need a lender to check your credit

You'll answer up to 2 short questions. Then you'll get a plan with the steps in order. Your answers stay in this browser tab. They aren't saved, and they aren't sent to Defend.

Based on guidance from Equifax, USA.gov, Experian, Federal Trade Commission and TransUnion. Sources last checked October 5, 2026.