conversation: User (tinkrman): "EDIT 4:\nI'm re-arranging and cleaning up the post to show info in a clean format, so as to answer many of the questions than has been asked, because I can't answer questions timely any more, because this post blew up. But I want everybody to understand and use this opportunity. \n\n**What is a credit freeze?**\n\nA credit freeze is when you put a hold on your credit record, so that nobody can get access to it without your permission. It protects you against identity theft. Even if a hacker knows all your info, including your SSN, he won't be able to use your account to get a new credit card, because you will have to unfreeze your info before they can be released. Now by law, the credit reporting agencies have to respect your wishes, as to who has access to your personal credit record. Once you freeze your record, it can only be accessed after if you unfreeze/thaw it.\n\nOther replies:\n\nhttps://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/9hlps3/credit_freezes_are_now_free_starting_today/e6dk0sx/\n\n**Why is this news important now?**\n\nMany experts agree that freezing your credit report is the strongest way to protect against identity theft. Starting Friday, you'll be able to do it free of charge. In the wake of a massive data breach last year at Equifax that exposed personal information for about 148 million Americans, Congress amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act to require reporting agencies to freeze reports for no charge. Equifax is one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States. [The bill was passed in May](https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/22/pf/free-credit-freeze/index.html). [It is effective as of today.](https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/20/us/free-credit-freezes/index.html)\n\n**How can I do it?**\n\nTo set up your own credit freezes, go to the freeze page at each credit agency's website individually: \n\n[Experian](https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html)\n\n[Equifax](https://www.freeze.equifax.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp)\n\n[TransUnion](https://freeze.transunion.com/sf/securityFreeze/landingPage.jsp). \n\n[ChexSystems](https://www.chexsystems.com/web/chexsystems/consumerdebit/page/securityfreeze/placefreeze/)\n\n[Innovis] (https://www.innovis.com/personal/securityFreeze)\n\n[NCTUE] (https://exchangeservicecenter.com/Freeze/jsp/SFF_PersonalIDInfo.jsp)\n\nYou will be given a PIN that you'll need to lift or remove the freeze in the future. \n\n**Do I have to do this with all credit agencies? I only have one credit card**\n\nYes you do. Your credit card reports to multiple credit reporting companies. \n\n**Does this mean that I can freeze my credit score at 810? Does freezing affect my score?**\n\nNo. A credit freeze only freezes who can *see* your credit record. Your credit score will still be based on how you pay off your lenders. Freezing does not affect your score.\n\n\n**Is credit unfreeze/thaw also free?**\n\n[Yes.](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/9hlps3/credit_freezes_are_now_free_starting_today/e6d4v8e/)\n\n**How long does the “thaw” process takes before credit is available to be pulled?**\n\nIf you do the thaw request online, the law requires it to be done within 3 hrs. 24 hrs, if you do it by mail.\n\n**What if I lose my PIN? How do I recover it**\n\nFrom several posts I saw, there are methods to recover your pin/ and access your account that involves snail mail. You get letters in regular mail, which I assume is for confirming your physical address.\n\n**How accurate is this info?**\n\nTo the best of my knowledge. I will update as I find better info.\n\n**Where can I find more info?**\n\nhttps://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/09/credit-freezes-are-free-let-the-ice-age-begin/\n\nhttp://clark.com/personal-finance-credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/\n\nhttps://youtu.be/vsMydMDi3rI\n\n\n**Original Post**\n\nEDITS:\n\nThanks to /u/tjtwmfl , /u/graphitezor ,  /u/shawn_sarmin , /u/Indushydi , /u/pingpong , /u/Volim_Da_Mislish /u/DangitImtired /u/bobsmithhome /u/honorious for their contributions.\n\n\nThanks for the gold!!! \n"
  Self: "Stupid question - but do I have to unfreeze / thaw them at all 3 companies before I can apply for a new account, or just one? "
  fooferall (fooferall): "AFAIK, most of the time they (eg: phone service) are only pinging one bureau so if you know which one then just unfreeze that one.  They should tell you."
  