Credit Freeze FAQ’s
What is a credit freeze?
A credit freeze is a proactive way to protect your personal information. Lenders and others including (depending on your state’s law) landlords and employers will be blocked from accessing your TransUnion credit report in response to a new credit application. A credit freeze will stay on your credit report until you contact us to temporarily lift or remove it.
Is a credit freeze right for me?
That depends. Credit freezes are a great way to protect your information, but there are additional considerations when placing one. Placing or lifting a credit freeze sometimes involves a fee. If you decide to apply for new credit, you will need to plan ahead and either go online or contact us via phone to lift the freeze and you will need your PIN number to do so. There may be a waiting period for the lift to take effect. If you prefer to be more independent, and want real-time ability to lock and unlock your credit report instantly from your smart phone, then a credit lock may suit you better.
If I freeze with TransUnion do I need to freeze with the other bureaus?
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.
Freeze my report
What can I do besides a credit freeze to protect myself?
Protecting your identity is always a smart thing to do. You have the power to manage the accessibility and security of your own information. Start with the 5 steps below:
Step 1: Be on alert
- Pay attention to any unexpected calls or mail. Especially if you are asked for money or your credit card number.
Step 2: Monitor your credit reports
- View your credit report every year and check for errors.
Step 3: Monitor your financial accounts
- Set up alerts at each one of your banks to monitor for suspicious activity.
Step 4: Initiate a fraud alert
- If you are a victim of fraud, notify the credit bureaus.
Step 5: Lock your credit report with TrueIdentity
- Sign up for our free product and lock/unlock your credit report easily. For more information, click here.