Freezing Your Credit in 2026

Between data breaches, phishing scams, and stolen personal information, millions of Americans are affected each year. Technology is evolving and making scammers more difficult to stop than ever.

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is also one of the most effective and it’s completely free.

A credit freeze helps prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name, making it one of the strongest defenses against identity theft.

What Is a Credit Freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report. Because lenders typically review your credit before approving loans, credit cards, or financing, a freeze makes it much harder for someone else to open new accounts using your identity.

A credit freeze does not:

• Affect your credit score
• Impact your existing credit cards or loans
• Prevent you from using your current accounts

It simply blocks new credit from being opened until you choose to lift the freeze.

When Should You Freeze Your Credit?

While anyone can benefit from freezing their credit, it’s especially important if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• Your Social Security number was exposed in a data breach.
• You lost your wallet, driver’s license, or important documents.
• Your credit card or financial information was stolen.
• You suspect someone has used your identity.
• You notice unfamiliar accounts or inquiries on your credit report.

Even if none of these situations apply, many cybersecurity experts recommend freezing your credit proactively. It’s a simple way to reduce your risk before fraud ever occurs.

How Does a Credit Freeze Work?

Think of a credit freeze as a lock on your credit file.

Freeze It

When you aren’t planning to apply for new credit, keep your credit frozen for maximum protection.

Temporarily Lift It

Need to buy a car, apply for a mortgage, open a new credit card, rent an apartment, or even apply for certain jobs? You can temporarily lift your freeze online in just a few minutes.

Freeze It Again

Once your application is complete, simply reactivate your freeze for continued protection.

How to Freeze Your Credit

A credit freeze is completely free and only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to place a freeze with all three major credit bureaus:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

Each bureau allows you to freeze, temporarily lift, or permanently remove your freeze through its website or mobile app.

Tip: Consider creating online accounts with each bureau before you need them. This makes temporarily lifting your freeze much quicker when you’re ready to apply for credit.

Don’t Forget to Freeze Your Child’s Credit

Children are increasingly becoming targets for identity theft because they usually don’t have established credit histories. A criminal can use a child’s Social Security number to open fraudulent accounts that may go unnoticed for years.

If your child is under 16, you can request a free credit freeze on their behalf through each of the three major credit bureaus. The process is slightly different than it is for adults, but it’s one of the best ways to protect your child’s financial future.

Credit Freeze vs. Fraud Alert

The Bottom Line

A credit freeze is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from identity theft. It doesn’t cost anything, doesn’t affect your credit score, and can be lifted whenever you need to apply for new credit.

In a world where data breaches and scams have become increasingly common, taking a few minutes to freeze your credit can provide long-term peace of mind.

Contact BNA Today

If you’re a business owner looking for reliable financial guidance, we’re just a call away. Reach out to us at (803) 366-8371 or email us at success@bnacpa.com to see how we can support your goals.

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