Equifax
Start on Equifax's Security Freeze page (equifax.com)
Unfreeze
Sign in to myEquifax and choose a temporary lift (with an end date) or a permanent removal.
Manage a freezeBy phone: (888) 298-0045
Experian
Start on Experian's Freeze your credit file for free page (experian.com)
Unfreeze
Sign in and choose a temporary lift (with a start and end date) or a permanent removal.
Sign inBy phone: (888) 397-3742
TransUnion
Start on TransUnion's Credit Freeze page (transunion.com)
Unfreeze
Sign in to the TransUnion Service Center and choose a temporary lift (with an end date) or a permanent removal.
UnfreezeBy phone: (888) 909-8872
Before you apply for credit
Don't forget to unfreeze your credit first. A lender can't check a frozen credit report, so an application can be held up or declined until you lift the freeze. Ask the lender which bureau it uses and lift only that one, or lift all three if you aren't sure. If you're applying online, the application often names the bureau. A temporary lift turns the freeze back on by itself when it ends.
Children under 16
A parent or guardian can freeze a child's credit. Each bureau has its own process: