Learn what your options are for protecting yourself. Find out the difference between a freeze and fraud alert and choose the one that’s best for you.
Is there a fee for a freeze? Or is credit freeze free?
What is identity theft? And, how can I protect myself from identity theft?
What is a data breach? How does a data breach affect me?
Why would I need a credit freeze or fraud alert?
Does a credit freeze or fraud alert affect my credit score?
What is the difference between a fraud alert and credit freeze?
What is the difference between a credit freeze, TrueIdentity and TrueIdentity Premium?
Can I still apply for credit if I have a freeze?
Do credit freezes freeze my credit card so I can't buy things with it?
Where can I learn about my consumer rights related to credit reporting?
Why is the myTransUnion Credit Freeze app no longer available?
We make it easy to add a freeze to your credit report. Learn how to add one and what happens to your credit report after you do.
How do I place a freeze on my credit?
Wait… I’m pretty sure I paid for a freeze before, can I have a refund?
Can I place a freeze by phone or mail?
Can a company I already have a relationship with view my credit report if I have a freeze placed?
Can you put a freeze on existing credit cards?
If I freeze with TransUnion do I need to freeze with the other bureaus?
Could someone access my credit report even though I placed a freeze on it?
You won’t need a PIN to make changes to your freeze online. You’ll only need a PIN to make changes to your freeze via phone or mail. If that applies to you, and you lost your PIN or want to change it, follow the instructions to get a new one.
If you are a parent or guardian of a minor, and you are concerned about the safety of their information, learn about the steps to take.
How do I freeze for my minor child?
How does a credit file get created for a minor?
How do I know if my child's identity has been stolen?
How do I check if a credit file exists for my child?
What if TransUnion does locate a file on my child?
I received a credit card application in the mail for my child; how did this happen?
Can I add a fraud alert on my minor’s Social Security Number?
Can I add a Protected Consumer Freeze on my minor’s Social Security Number?
If TransUnion does not locate a credit file for my child, can I still place a freeze?
Is a Protected Consumer Freeze a permanent option?
Where can I find more information on Child ID Theft?
If you plan to be shopping around and applying for credit, you will need to remove the freeze on your credit report. Learn about the different options and choose the one that fits your lifestyle.
How do I temporarily lift a freeze?
What if I need to apply for credit while my freeze is active?
If you want to freeze a credit report on someone’s behalf, learn the requirements.
TransUnion is pleased to offer freezes for free. Freeze removals are also free. So freeze or remove your freeze as often as you want.
Identity theft is a serious crime where your personal information—anything from your name, your driver’s license, or Social Security Number—has been hijacked by an imposter in order to commit fraud in your name. You’re the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your identity. Check your credit reports and financial accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. You can get your credit report here for free, once a year, from all three bureaus. Set up transaction alerts if your bank offers them to notify you of all account activity. Finally, consider adding some extra armor like a fraud alert or credit freeze. For more information, check out our Identity Theft web page.
Your credit report is a record of your credit activity and credit history. It’s a journal of your financial past and is a part of your story. It includes the names of companies that have extended you credit and/or loans, as well as the credit limits and loan amounts. Your payment history is also part of this record. If you have delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, foreclosures or lawsuits, these can also be found in your credit report.
A data breach occurs when someone’s personal information is stolen or exposed without their permission. If you are a victim of a data breach consider the following steps:
The choice is yours. If you are concerned about data breaches or just want to be proactive in protecting yourself, a credit freeze could be the right option.
A credit freeze prevents lenders from checking your credit in order to open a new account. Think of it as having a padlock on your credit report. Remember, if you have a freeze you must remove it to apply for credit. We make it easy for you though, so don’t worry.
A fraud alert (valid for one year) notifies lenders to call you to verify your identity before extending new credit. This extra step ensures that you are undoubtedly you, and not an imposter trying to open a new credit account to buy a new car in your name. Even better, you only need to add the alert with one bureau and they’ll notify the other two. The best part? It won’t cost you a dime.
These powerful tools can help you steer clear of identity theft or prevent history from repeating itself if you’ve already fallen victim. They offer added protection, making it more difficult for anyone, including fraudsters, to apply for credit using your info.
Think of a freeze or fraud alert like a fortress for your personal data. They strengthen your defense but aren’t impenetrable, so it’s still important to regularly monitor your credit.
A freeze or fraud alert will not affect your credit score, so go ahead and apply for that loan (just be sure to remove the freeze before you do). Get your dream apartment with the marble countertops.
A fraud alert notifies lenders to call you to verify your identity before extending new credit, but it does not block access to your credit report. A credit freeze blocks access to your credit report if anyone tries to open a new account.
For the most part, freezes or freeze removals occur in real time. To be on the safe side, allow up to one hour, especially if you will be shopping for credit.
A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening a new account in your name. It is a great way to control who can access your credit. TrueIdentity and TrueIdentity Premium are subscription products offered by TransUnion. They also prevent anyone from accessing your credit report, but they come with extra perks such as instant alerts and identity theft insurance. Read more here.
Not while your credit report is frozen. When you put a freeze on your file, you put a padlock on it (not literally) and new creditors won’t be able to access it. You will need to remove your freeze to apply for new credit.
No. A credit freeze doesn’t affect your credit card. You credit report won’t be accessible, but that won’t affect your credit card. They are two different things.
Our Summary of Rights page details your rights as a consumer under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
As always, we care about providing you excellent service, so we’ve focused on building an improved mobile experience on our website. With our enhanced web service, you can still freeze and unfreeze your credit, plus access our dispute center. Easily log in on the web using the same information you used on the app.
Online: Add Freeze
It’s quickest to place your freeze online. Simply log in or create an account and to easily add your credit freeze.>/p>
It’s true, there used to be a fee for a credit freeze under state law. They are free now which is great news, but no, we won’t be offering refunds. Silver lining, you won’t have to pay for a freeze ever again.
Absolutely. If you don’t want to complete your freeze online, see the options below:
Phone: 888-909-8872
Mail:
Send a written request that includes your name, address, and Social Security number to:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 160
Woodlyn, PA 19094
When you place a freeze by phone or mail, you’ll need to choose a 6-digit PIN to associate with your credit freeze. Choose something you'll remember but others might not easily guess. Your PIN needs to be something you didn’t previously use, it can’t start with a zero or be all zeroes.
Yes. Any company you already have an account with will still be able to access your credit report regarding the existing account, but they will not be able to use your credit report to open a new account in your name.
It may sound like a credit freeze would impact your credit cards, but it has absolutely no effect on credit cards you already own. A freeze prevents your credit report from being accessed when you (and anyone else) tries to open new accounts, but you can still use the credit cards you have.
Note: If you’re looking to temporarily prevent charges on the plastic you currently carry, consult with your credit card issuer.
Yes. You can freeze your TransUnion credit report with us, but to freeze your other credit reports you must contact each of the other bureaus, specifically Equifax and Experian. We included their contact info below to make it easy for you. You’re welcome.
Equifax: P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA, 30374
1-800-685-1111
https://www.freeze.equifax.com
Experian Security Freeze: P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742
https://www.experian.com/freeze
Yes, but only in certain situations that are allowed by federal law. A freeze won’t stop someone from checking your credit in order to:
You can find a detailed list of exceptions here.
Note: You have the right to limit "prescreened" offers of credit or insurance you get based on information in your credit report. If you want to remove your name and address from prescreen mailing lists obtained from the major credit reporting agencies — TransUnion, Equifax, Experian and Innovis — click here.
Permissible purpose is a reason specified in the law that allows someone to check your credit report. A credit freeze stops a creditor from accessing your credit report to open a new account, even though they have permissible purpose. But if the permissible purpose is to review your credit report to make changes to an account you already have, a freeze won’t stop that.
Requesting a new PIN is quick and easy online. Log in and follow the prompts to have your new PIN in a flash.
Your PIN is a 6-digit number that will be associated with your credit freeze. Choose something you'll remember but others might not easily guess. Your PIN needs to be something you didn’t previously use, and it can’t start with a zero or be all zeroes.
PINs are there to add security and make sure it’s really you making changes to your freeze via phone or mail. You won’t need it to make changes to your freeze online.
To temporarily lift your freeze, log in to your account online and select "Temporarily Lift Freeze.” Then enter the dates you want the lift to happen.
To make things easy, you can plan and schedule your freeze removal up to 15 days in advance of when you want it to happen. If you wish to unfreeze more than 15 days from today, please log in closer to the date when you want your credit report unfrozen.
To remove your freeze, log in to your account online and select “Remove Freeze.” When you are ready, you can come back and freeze again.
*By removing your Transunion credit freeze, your credit report will be accessible to lenders.
Not a problem. With a freeze, you’re in control of who gets the scoop on your finances. Remove or temporarily lift your freeze and start your application.
You’re in control of how long a freeze stays on your credit report. Your report will be frozen until you request its removal.
Yes. Spouses can request freezes for each other by phone at (888) 909-8872, as long as they pass authentication. You can also request a freeze for someone if you have a valid Power of Attorney by calling (888) 909-8872.
If you are a parent/guardian/representative you can freeze for a minor 15 and younger.
We’re sorry you have to go through this tough time. While you can’t freeze the credit report of a deceased family member, you can update your family member’s credit report to show as deceased. This will notify any creditor who attempts to pull the report that the consumer is deceased. Follow the steps below and we will help you update your loved one’s credit report and give you peace of mind:
Step One:
Contact all creditors that the deceased person(s) did business with and request that they mark their files accordingly. Be sure to forward a copy of the death certificate to them, once you receive it.
Step Two:
Check with the Social Security Administration to ensure that they have updated their files and notified the credit reporting companies. Refer to the internet to find the address and phone number of the nearest Social Security office.
Step Three:
Forward a copy of the death certificate to one of the three credit reporting companies; the receiving bureau will notify the other two companies. This will allow the credit reporting agencies to add a notation to the credit report that the consumer is deceased. Along with the death certificate, please include the person’s legal name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death. The letter should also include the name and mailing address for the spouse, plus a copy of their identification. If the request is from an executor for the deceased, or someone other than a spouse, we need a copy of identification for the requestor, plus a copy of the will/executor agreement or Power of Attorney documentation.
You can mail your information to TransUnion at:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016
If you are a parent or guardian of a minor and would like to freeze their credit report, we can help. Here's what you'll need to provide.
Please only send copies of documents, not original documents.
Send everything here:
TransUnion
P.O. Box 380
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Please note: Consumers are not able to place a protected consumer freeze via phone or online at this time due to the documentation requirements. We accept either standard or certified mail.
Typically, minors do not have credit files. An application for credit, a credit account, or a public record starts the compilation of a consumer credit file. Adding the minor as an authorized user to someone’s existing line of credit can also create a file. Usually all that is needed is a Social Security number.
Warning signs that might indicate your child’s identity has been stolen can include, but are not limited to:
How do I check if a credit file exists for my child?
http://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/child-identity-theft-inquiry-form
Sending a request to TransUnion to check for a credit file will NOT create a credit file.
Typically, a minor has no established credit or credit history and therefore a credit file will not exist. TransUnion only maintains credit reports for individuals that have an existing credit history.
This means TransUnion has no existing credit history for your child. However, we recommend contacting the other Consumer Reporting Agencies as information can vary.
We would recommend that you do. Information varies between Consumer Reporting Agencies.
If a file is located, we can add a Protected Consumer Freeze on the minor’s credit report. For more information on adding a freeze to your minor child’s credit report, please visit www.transunion.com/credit-freeze. You should also consider visiting https://identitytheft.gov/ to report the fraud and review other recommended steps.
TransUnion can assist you by checking our records for a credit file under the child’s name. Please complete the secure online form using the following link:
https://www.transunion.com/credit-disputes/child-identity-theft-inquiry-form
You should also consider filing an FTC Identity Theft Report at https://identitytheft.gov/, and contacting the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration offices.
Internal Revenue Service
Identity Protection Specialized Unit
(800) 908-4490
www.irs.gov
Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213
www.ssa.gov
Please provide TransUnion with a copy of the child’s birth certificate and Social Security card (if available), along with your dispute listing the inaccurate items. Once we receive the dispute, we will conduct an investigation. You may also want to contact the companies listed directly and inform them that the Social Security number associated with the accounts belongs to a minor.
In addition, you may want to file an FTC Identity Theft Report with https://identitytheft.gov/. You should provide each company that you contact with a copy of the report to inform them of identity theft.
Your child may be on a promotional mailing list. Companies purchase mailing lists from many sources. If you or your child have subscribed to any services in the child’s name (for example, magazines or airline frequent flyer accounts) that are not specifically designed for children, their name may have been shared as part of a mailing list.
TransUnion currently does not offer fraud alert protection for minors. However, we can offer to place a Protected Consumer Freeze on your minor’s file. For more information on adding a freeze to your minor child’s credit report, please visit www.transunion.com/credit-freeze.
Yes, the Protected Consumer Freeze is applicable to minors 15 or younger in all 50 US States and Puerto Rico. For more information on adding a freeze to your minor child’s credit report, please visit www.transunion.com/credit-freeze.
Yes, you can. For more information on adding a freeze to your minor child’s credit report, please visit www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
A Protected Consumer Freeze will remain on the minor’s file until the guardian submits a written request for its removal, or the minor turns 16 at which point they can request the removal themselves.
The FTC has helpful information on their website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0040-child-identity-theft
If you are concerned about your personal information and want to take steps to protect yourself, you can freeze or lock your credit report. More information can be found here:www.transunion.com/credithelp
You should also consider visiting https://identitytheft.gov/ to report the fraud and review other recommended steps.
In you are over the age of 16, but not yet 18, you will need to mail in your freeze request. Please send us a letter requesting a freeze and include the following information:
Our mailing address can be found here.
There are various types of credit scores, and lenders use a variety of different types of credit scores to make lending decisions. The credit score you receive is based on the VantageScore 3.0 model and may not be the credit score model used by your lender.
Subscription price is $29.95 per month (plus tax where applicable).