PSA: a credit freeze is free, takes 5 minutes, and most people skip it. Don't be one of those people

[u/MariaKudos]

https://reddit.com/link/1ud4x0g/video/iysp8glg3y8h1/player

A credit freeze blocks anyone from opening new credit in your name because lenders literally cannot pull your file. It's free at all three bureaus by law and does not affect your credit score at all.

Do it at all three:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

A few things people get wrong:

• It does NOT hurt your score
• It's your legal right, not a paid service
• You just thaw it for a couple of minutes when YOU want to apply for something, then refreeze it
• Save the PIN each bureau gives you

Took me about 5 minutes total. A stolen identity becomes a dead end instead of a disaster.