How To Freeze Credit With TransUnion

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• A TransUnion freeze blocks any new account request that would add a tradeline to your credit file.
• It stops lenders, landlords, and creditors from pulling a hard inquiry to open a new account.
• It prevents debt collectors from creating fresh collection accounts without your consent.
• It leaves existing accounts, recurring billing, and pre‑approved offers untouched.
• It does not affect soft pulls, credit monitoring services, or your ability to view your own credit file.

A TransUnion freeze costs nothing, is backed by federal law, and stops any new account from being opened against your credit file; as we explained earlier, it blocks only new credit, leaving existing accounts untouched (see the 'what a TransUnion freeze actually blocks' section). Because the freeze is permanent until you lift it, you can trust that every lender must verify the freeze before approving a request, which gives you the strongest protection against fraud.

A credit lock, by contrast, is a paid subscription that works only inside TransUnion's own app and can be toggled on or off by the provider without your explicit request; it does not carry the same legal authority, and some lenders still bypass the lock by checking the underlying file directly. This weaker barrier means thieves may still slip through, which is why many users prefer the more robust TransUnion freeze before moving on to 'typical timeline and costs for a TransUnion freeze.' TransUnion credit freeze details

A TransUnion freeze activates within minutes online and carries no charge for consumers. If you freeze by phone, the lock usually appears within one business day; mailed requests need three to five business days. All fees are waived under federal law, though a handful of states may allow a nominal $5‑$10 charge for a lift if you lack the PIN you'll receive during the freeze process (the same PIN is needed later when you temporarily lift the freeze).

• Online request: instant (seconds to minutes); $0
• Phone request: up to 1 business day; $0
• Mail request: 3‑5 business days; $0
• Temporary lift without PIN (rare state fee): $5‑$10; otherwise $0

• You need your full legal name, Social Security Number, date of birth, current address, a government‑issued ID, and a personal PIN/password to place a TransUnion freeze on your credit file.
• Full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
• Nine‑digit Social Security Number - the primary identifier for your credit file.
• Date of birth - matches you to the correct TransUnion record.
• Current residential address (and recent previous address if asked) - confirms where the credit file lives.
• Government‑issued ID number (driver's license or state ID) and the issuing state - speeds verification.
• A personal PIN or password you'll create now - required to lift or remove the TransUnion freeze later.

You can lock your TransUnion credit file online in under five minutes. This quick method follows the basics covered in 'what a TransUnion freeze actually blocks' and sets you up for the temporary lift steps later.

1. Open the TransUnion credit freeze portal on any browser.
2. Click 'Create Account' (or sign in if you already have one) and enter your Social Security number, birth date, and current address.
3. Verify your identity by answering the two‑factor prompts - usually a text code or email link.
4. Select 'Freeze My Credit' and confirm; the system instantly generates a PIN and password for future lifts.
5. Note the confirmation screen; your TransUnion freeze is active immediately, and you can use the PIN to lift or remove the freeze whenever needed.

Proceed to 'how a TransUnion freeze affects job, rental, and background checks' to learn what landlords and employers will still see.

TransUnion freeze blocks only new credit accounts, not the soft pulls that most job, rental, and background checks use. Employers and landlords can still access your credit file to verify payment history, but they cannot open fresh lines of credit while the freeze is active. If a verification step requires a hard inquiry - such as a security‑clearance review - the request will be halted until you temporarily lift the freeze.

For typical hiring or leasing processes, the freeze merely adds a brief administrative step; the screening company may ask you to 'unfreeze' for a day or two, which you'll handle in the next section on lifting a TransUnion freeze. Only specialized checks that need to confirm that no new accounts exist are truly impacted. (See how employers use soft credit inquiries for more detail.)

You can lift a TransUnion freeze for a specific application in minutes by using your PIN or password and selecting a temporary 'unfreeze' period.

1. Log in to your TransUnion account - Visit the official TransUnion freeze portal and enter your username, password, and the PIN you received when you placed the freeze.
2. Navigate to 'Freeze & Fraud Alerts.' - Click the 'Temporarily lift freeze' option.
3. Choose the lift type - Select either a date range (e.g., June 1‑June 7) or a specific creditor by name. This ensures only the intended inquiry can access your credit file.
4. Enter the required PIN - Provide the eight‑digit PIN (or password) to confirm the lift.
5. Review and confirm - Verify the dates or creditor, then submit. TransUnion updates your status instantly; the selected lender can now pull your credit file while the freeze remains active for everyone else.

Phone alternative - Call 1‑800‑680‑7289, provide your name, Social Security number, and PIN, then state the exact dates or creditor. The representative will apply the temporary lift and read back the confirmation code.

Mail alternative - Write a signed request including your full name, address, Social Security number, PIN, and the desired lift period or creditor. Send it to TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. Processing takes up to three business days.

Remember: The temporary lift only affects new account inquiries; existing accounts and existing debts remain visible regardless of the freeze. After the specified period or once the creditor completes the request, your TransUnion freeze automatically reinstates, protecting your credit file until you initiate another lift. For a permanent removal, see the next section on how to permanently remove a TransUnion freeze from your file.

You permanently remove a TransUnion freeze by requesting a full removal and confirming that the freeze no longer appears on your credit file.

First, locate the PIN or password you received when you placed the freeze. If you can't find it, request a new one through TransUnion's verification portal. With the PIN in hand, choose one of three removal methods:

• Online: Log into your TransUnion account, navigate to the 'Freeze/Unfreeze' section, and select 'Remove Freeze.' The system updates your credit file instantly.
• Phone: Call 1‑800‑680‑7289, provide your name, Social Security number, and the freeze PIN. Ask the representative to 'remove the freeze' rather than just 'temporarily lift' it. Confirmation is sent by email or text.
• Mail: Write a signed letter that includes your full name, address, Social Security number, and the freeze PIN. State clearly that you want the freeze permanently removed. Mail it to TransUnion Security Freeze, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. Processing usually takes 5‑7 business days.

After the request is processed, check your credit file through a free credit report or the online portal to verify the freeze is gone. If the freeze still appears, repeat the verification step or contact TransUnion support with your case number.

Now you can move on to the next section, '5 freezing mistakes you must avoid,' to keep your credit file safe while you enjoy an unfrozen status.

The five most common mistakes that derail a TransUnion freeze and leave your credit file vulnerable are easy to avoid. Skipping any of them can turn a solid protection into an open door.

• Confusing a credit lock with a TransUnion freeze. A lock is a service, not a legal freeze; it does not block new‑account requests the way a freeze does.
• Assuming the freeze blocks all activity. The freeze stops only new credit inquiries and accounts; existing balances, collections and fraud alerts still appear on your credit file.
• Neglecting to update personal information. Name or address changes without notifying TransUnion cause PIN mismatches and can prevent you from lifting the freeze when needed.
• Forgetting the PIN or password. Trying to temporarily lift the freeze without the correct code leads to processing delays and may force you to request a new PIN.
• Leaving the freeze on for legitimate checks. Employers, landlords and lenders cannot see your credit history while the freeze is active; you must plan a temporary lift in advance. See TransUnion's official freeze FAQ for timing guidelines.

You freeze a minor's credit with TransUnion by submitting a request that includes the child's name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, your proof of legal guardianship, and a valid ID. Call 1‑800‑680‑7289, tell the representative you want a TransUnion freeze for a minor, provide the required details, and receive a PIN and password that protect the child's credit file; the service is free.

You can also mail a signed letter with copies of your ID, the child's birth certificate, and a utility bill to TransUnion's freeze department; include the same personal data and request a freeze, then wait for the confirmation PIN.

For example, a father whose 13‑year‑old son's SSN appeared on a stolen laptop called the number, supplied the son's birth certificate and his driver's license, and received a PIN within minutes, preventing any new account from opening under the boy's name. A mother whose daughter's Social Security card was mailed to the wrong address completed the online form at the TransUnion minor freeze information page, uploaded scanned copies of her guardianship papers, and locked the daughter's credit file instantly.

A foster care agency uses the same process for each child, attaching court‑ordered guardianship documents to a mail‑in request, ensuring all minors in their care stay protected from fraudulent accounts.

Place an emergency TransUnion freeze on your credit file within minutes after identity theft is discovered.

1. Collect your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and a government‑issued ID. Having these details ready prevents delays when you speak with a representative.
2. Call TransUnion's fraud‑theft hotline at 1‑800‑888‑4211. The line is staffed 24/7 for emergencies, so you can start the freeze instantly without waiting for mail or online verification.
3. Confirm your identity by answering the security questions the agent asks. The agent will use the information you gathered in step 1 to verify you are the rightful account holder.
4. Tell the agent you need an emergency freeze. The representative will place the freeze on your credit file immediately and will generate a unique PIN and password for future lifts or removals.
5. Write down the PIN, password, and the freeze confirmation number. TransUnion will also email a copy of the freeze notice; keep it with any other fraud‑theft documentation.
6. If you have not already done so, ask the agent to add a fraud alert to your credit file. A fraud alert notifies lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts, adding an extra layer of protection while the freeze remains active.
7. Verify the freeze status by logging into the TransUnion credit freeze portal or by calling the hotline again. A 'freeze in effect' message means new credit inquiries are blocked until you lift the freeze with your PIN or password.
8. Monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. Even with a freeze, existing accounts can still be used, so regular review helps catch suspicious behavior early.