For those of you new to my blog, let me introduce myself. I am Michelle Brown, founder of Advocate Money Management, a daily money management service that helps individuals—especially busy professionals and retirees—stay on top of their financial lives.
Recently, I had the honor of being invited to speak on a panel at a women’s financial empowerment event hosted by the Peoria Women’s Club, and one topic that kept coming up again and again was credit freezes.
It was clear that many people had heard of freezing their credit but weren’t sure what it actually meant, how to do it, or whether it was even necessary.
So I decided to write this blog post to answer the most common questions I heard at the event—and the ones people are searching for online.
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Credit Freeze?
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a free tool that restricts access to your credit report. When your credit is frozen, lenders and other companies can’t pull your credit report to approve new credit applications.
This means no one—including identity thieves—can open new accounts in your name.
It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent new account fraud, which is when someone uses stolen personal information to open credit cards, loans, or other financial accounts.
Important note: Freezing your credit does not affect your credit score, and it doesn’t stop you from using your existing credit cards or loans.
Why Should I Freeze My Credit?
This was the number one question at the panel—and it’s a great one.
Here’s why I recommend freezing your credit:
- Protection from identity theft: If your Social Security number or other personal information is exposed in a data breach (and let’s be honest, it probably has been), a credit freeze can stop thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your credit file is locked down gives you one less thing to worry about.
- It’s free and reversible: You can freeze and unfreeze your credit at any time, for free.
Freezing your credit is like locking your front door. It doesn’t stop someone from trying to break in, but it makes it a whole lot harder.
Does Freezing My Credit Affect My Credit Score?
Nope! This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear.
A credit freeze does not impact your credit score. It simply prevents new creditors from accessing your credit report.
Your score is based on factors like payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history—not whether your credit is frozen.
So go ahead and freeze your credit without worrying about your score.
Can I Still Use My Credit Cards If My Credit Is Frozen?
Yes! Another common myth is that freezing your credit means you can’t use your existing credit cards or loans. That’s not true.
You can still:
- Use your credit cards
- Make payments
- Pay off balances
- Use auto loans or mortgages
The freeze only blocks new credit inquiries. So if you’re not planning to apply for a new credit card, car loan, or mortgage anytime soon, freezing your credit won’t affect your day-to-day financial life.
How Do I Freeze My Credit With Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion?
To freeze your credit, you’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus individually. Here’s how:
Equifax
- Online: Equifax Credit Freeze
- Phone: 888-298-0045
- Mail: Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian
- Online: Experian Credit Freeze
- Phone: 888-397-3742
- Mail: Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion
- Online: TransUnion Credit Freeze
- Phone: 800-916-8800
- Mail: TransUnion, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Current and past addresses
- Government-issued ID
Once you’ve submitted your request, the bureaus will confirm the freeze and give you a PIN or password to manage it.
Store the password in a secure location – I recommend using a vault software or password manager. You will need it to access your credit account and unfreeze your credit in the future.
How Do I Unfreeze My Credit?
Unfreezing your credit is just as easy—and just as free.
You can temporarily lift the freeze if you’re applying for a loan, credit card, or even a job that requires a credit check. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail using the PIN or password you received when you froze your credit.
Most online or phone requests are processed within minutes, while mail requests may take a few days.
Should I Keep My Credit Frozen All the Time?
This was a hot topic at the panel discussion. Some people wondered if it’s worth keeping their credit frozen indefinitely.
Here’s my take: yes, especially if you’re not actively applying for new credit. In fact, every member of the panel agreed and even had taken these steps to secure their own credit.
Keeping your credit frozen:
- Adds a layer of security
- Prevents impulsive credit applications
- Forces you to pause and think before opening new accounts
It’s like a built-in financial discipline tool. And since it’s free and easy to lift when needed, there’s really no downside.
What’s the Difference Between a Credit Freeze and a Fraud Alert?
Great question—and one that confuses a lot of people.
- A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report entirely.
- A fraud alert lets creditors know they should take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing credit.
Fraud alerts are useful if you suspect identity theft but still want to allow access to your credit report. They’re also free and last for one year (or seven years for extended alerts).
But for maximum protection, I recommend a credit freeze.
Can I Freeze My Child’s or Parent’s Credit?
Yes! If you’re a parent or guardian, you can place a Protected Consumer Freeze on your child’s or dependent adult’s credit report.
This is especially important because children and seniors are prime targets for identity theft. Thieves can use children’s clean credit history to open fraudulent accounts, and seniors may have strong credit history and many do not keep an eye on their credit to know if fraud is occurring.
To do this, you’ll need to mail documentation to each bureau proving your authority to act on your child’s behalf.
If you are not a guardian but you are part of the sandwich generation that is providing care for your aging parents, you can help them set up an online account and freeze their credit with their permission. This is one of the first steps I recommend taking when stepping into the role of financial caregiver for an aging loved one.
What Are the Downsides of Freezing My Credit?
Honestly? There aren’t many.
The only real inconvenience is that you’ll need to unfreeze your credit before applying for new credit. But that’s a small price to pay for the protection it offers.
And remember: you can lift the freeze temporarily or permanently, depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend Freezing Your Credit
As a Daily Money Manager, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating identity theft can be. It’s not just about the financial loss—it’s the time, stress, and emotional toll it takes to clean up the mess.
Freezing your credit is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect yourself. It’s free, easy, and gives you control over who can access your financial information.
If you’re not planning to apply for new credit soon, I strongly encourage you to freeze your credit today. And if you need help navigating the process, Advocate Money Management is here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s Talk!
Have questions about freezing your credit or managing your financial life? Reach out to me at Advocate Money Management. I’d love to help you feel more confident and secure in your financial journey.
And if you attended the women’s panel event—thank you for the amazing questions and energy! You inspired this post, and I hope it helps you take the next step toward financial empowerment.
Check Out These Related Resources
- How Credit Scores Work: Understanding and Improving Your Credit
- How To Create A Balanced Budget: Childhood Lessons
- What Is A Daily Money Manager?
- How to Avoid Scams: Protecting Yourself and Those You Love
Don’t forget to bookmark our Money Morsels blog and check back regularly for more information to help you be successful!
