Freeze or Unfreeze Your Card (2024)

FAQs

How do I freeze or unfreeze my credit? ›

Using online banking

Within online banking, choose `Cards` and under Manage your debit card select `Freeze/Unfreeze card`.

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. If you suspect your personal information or identity was stolen, placing a credit freeze can help protect you from fraud.

Freezing and unfreezing your card doesn't affect your card's activation status in any way. In fact, you can repeatedly freeze and unfreeze a newly received card before even activating it.

You can either do so via phone banking, email, or a chatbot. Alternatively, you can visit the nearest bank branch and discuss the issue with the Bank Manager. Once you are aware of the reason for your account being frozen, you can address the issue.

It's free to freeze and unfreeze your credit report as often as you like. Ultimately, freezing your credit adds an extra layer of security to your identity and accounts.

No. Some payments will still be completed, for example: Payments that are processed by a retailer, such as on a plane or road toll.

Many debit card accounts also feature a lock. The idea is that if you misplace a card, you can lock it, or essentially turn it off. That would prevent a thief from making fraudulent charges with a stolen card number. If you find the card, you can unlock it, or turn it back on — all without a call to your card issuer.

Some common reasons for an account to be blocked or frozen include suspected fraudulent activities, suspicious transactions, non-payment of dues, or violation of bank policies. To unblock or unfreeze your bank account, you will need to contact your bank's customer support or visit your nearest branch.

A credit freeze prevents lenders from checking your credit file. Freezing your credit has no effect on your credit score. But this doesn't mean that a credit freeze blocks your score from regular changes. It's still important to monitor your credit use and make payments on time to keep your score from falling.

Can I still use my credit card if I freeze my credit? ›

It should not stop you from using your existing credit cards or other accounts. "A security freeze means that your credit file cannot be seen by potential creditors or employers doing background checks – unless you give your consent.

When the freeze is in place, you will still be able to do things like apply for a job, rent an apartment, or buy insurance without lifting or removing it. Duration: A credit freeze lasts until you remove it. How to place: Contact each of the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

In most cases, you can freeze a card directly on a credit card company's website or app. There is no penalty or charge for freezing your account, and you can unfreeze it anytime you want.

There are no restrictions on the number of times you can freeze your Card.

Locking a credit card prevents the card from being used to make most new purchases. Generally, your credit card company will continue to authorize any recurring charges you already approved, like subscription payments or automatic bill-pay.

You can't unfreeze at all three with a single action. You'll have to unfreeze your credit with each credit bureau individually. How do I unfreeze my credit? You can unfreeze and freeze your credit reports online or by mail, or by calling each credit bureau.

It's free to add, temporarily lift and remove a freeze.

Phone: You may also request to unfreeze your Equifax credit file by phone, at 888-298-0045. You will need to provide information to verify your identity, receive a one-time PIN by text or answer questions based on information in your Equifax credit report.

While credit lock vs. freeze might sound different, they function similarly: A credit freeze is a free service that stops new accounts from being opened, while a credit lock is a service from the credit bureaus that lets you lock and unlock your credit faster than a freeze.