Gather your personal information: full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and proof of identity if needed
Contact each of the three major credit bureaus separately
Request a credit freeze online, by phone, or by mail
Create or save your PIN, password, or account credentials for each bureau
Confirm the freeze is active with each bureau
Freeze your credit with Equifax
Freeze your credit with Experian
Freeze your credit with TransUnion
Freeze your credit with any other specialty bureaus you use
Keep your freeze credentials in a secure place
Temporarily lift or remove the freeze when you need to apply for credit
Re-freeze your credit after the application is complete
Monitor your credit reports regularly