In an age of increasing identity theft and data breaches, protecting your personal financial information is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your credit is by placing a credit freeze—a simple, free tool that can help prevent fraud and unauthorized access to your credit report.

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report. When your credit is frozen, lenders and other third parties cannot view your report to approve new credit applications. This means that even if someone has your personal information, they won’t be able to open new accounts in your name.

Importantly, a credit freeze does not affect your credit score, and you can still use your existing credit cards and loans as usual.

Why you should probably freeze your credit

Here are a few compelling reasons to consider freezing your credit:

• Help prevent identity theft: If your personal information has been exposed in a data breach—or you suspect it might be—freezing your credit can stop criminals from opening fraudulent accounts.
• Proactive protection: Even if you’re not actively applying for credit, a freeze adds an extra layer of protection.
• It's free and easy: Freezing your credit is free and reversible. You can temporarily lift the freeze when needed, such as when applying for a loan or renting an apartment.

How to freeze your credit

Freezing your credit is easier than you might think. You’ll need to contact each of the three major credit bureaus:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

Each bureau allows you to freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail. You’ll be asked to verify your identity using information like your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Once the freeze is in place, you’ll receive a PIN or password to manage it.

When to temporarily lift a freeze

If you’re applying for a mortgage, loan, or new credit card, you’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze. You can do this online or by contacting the bureau directly. You can choose to lift the freeze for a specific time period or for a specific creditor.

Helpful tips

If you’re concerned about identity theft or planning a financial milestone like buying a home, schedule an appointment with one of our bankers or visit a branch. We can help you understand how a credit freeze fits into your broader financial strategy and offer tools to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

You can also keep an eye on your credit score by using Credit Score Powered by Savvy Money, which is free for our clients.

Final thoughts

Protecting your credit is protecting your future. Freezing your credit is a smart, proactive step that gives you control over who can access your financial information—and perhaps more importantly, who cannot.