Another day, another data breach. It seems that they are coming more frequently. Now is the time to ask, it is time to free your credit?
Freezing your credit is step that many people do not totally understand. It is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent others from accessing your credit and doing things to your identity that you would not appreciate.
No, it does not stop you from borrowing and it does not affect your credit score. If freezing your credit was a way to slow down you borrowing, I may push it even more but it does not.
What it does do is allow you to have a block placed on your credit and prevents anyone from getting through.
Once you freeze your credit, you will be sent a code that needs to be safely and securely retained for when you do need access to your credit.
The process takes very little time and is very inexpensive. In my state of Georgia, and costs vary across states, it costs $3, per person, per credit bureau. Yes, you must do it at all three bureaus.
You can freeze your credit by going to these bureaus (click on each for direct access):
Remember to save your “thaw” code safely and securely. You can find more information on freezing at each bureau’s website.