How do I freeze my credit, and does it hurt my score?

Concerns & risks

You've heard a credit freeze protects you from identity theft, but you worry it'll lower your score or make life hard.

Leaving credit unfrozen after a breach makes new-account fraud easier.

Causes & evidence

A freeze blocks most lenders from pulling your report, so thieves can't open new credit. More: identity theft recovery.

What to do

1. Go to each bureau's site: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
2. Create an account and place the freeze (it's free by federal law).
3. Save the PIN or login so you can unfreeze later.
4. Temporarily lift it when you apply for a loan or card.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: forgetting to freeze at all three bureaus, or losing the PIN or login you need to lift it. Save those details safely. Remember to temporarily lift the freeze before applying for new credit.

Speed Man tip: Freeze all three. Lenders pick different bureaus.

Wrap-up: A credit freeze is free and doesn't affect your score. Freeze at all three bureaus. Lift it temporarily when you apply for credit.