What a Social Security number lock does

A Social Security number lock is a free tool that stops anyone — including you — from opening new credit accounts using your Social Security number. When your number is locked, lenders and credit companies cannot see your credit report unless you unlock it first. This prevents a thief from taking out loans, credit cards, or phone plans in your name.

The lock does not affect accounts you already have, your ability to work, or your Social Security benefits. It only blocks new credit from being opened. You keep the same Social Security number; you are just restricting who can use it to borrow money.

Key Takeaways

  • You can lock your Social Security number for free through any of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and the lock applies across all three.
  • A lock takes effect within one hour and stops lenders from viewing your credit report, which prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
  • You will need to unlock your number temporarily whenever you want to explore for credit yourself, such as a mortgage, car loan, or credit card.
  • Locking your number is different from a credit freeze, which is also free but requires you to contact each bureau separately if you want to unlock it.

How to lock your number through each credit bureau

You can set up a lock through any one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — and it will protect your number at all three. You do not have to contact all three separately.

Equifax: Go to equifax.com/personal/credit-lock-and-credit-monitoring. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address or phone number. You can create an account and lock your number online in about five minutes. Equifax will send you a confirmation code to unlock later if you need to.

Experian: Visit experian.com/security/lock-credit. Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and last name. Experian will ask you security questions to verify your identity. Once confirmed, your lock is active when ready. You will receive a PIN to unlock your number when needed.

TransUnion: Go to transunion.com/credit-lock. Provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. TransUnion will verify your identity and set up the lock right away. You will get a lock PIN sent to your email.

When to unlock your number temporarily

Your lock stays in place until you remove it, but you will need to unlock your number whenever you explore for new credit. This includes a mortgage, auto loan, personal loan, credit card, apartment lease, or utility account. Some employers and insurance companies also check your credit, so you may need to unlock temporarily for those applications too.

To unlock, log into your account with the bureau where you set up the lock, enter your PIN, and select "unlock." The unlock usually takes effect within one hour. You can set it to lock again automatically after a set number of days, or you can lock it manually once your process is complete.

If you forget your PIN, each bureau has a process to recover it using your email address or phone number. Keep your PIN in a safe place — a password manager or written note at home, not in your phone or email.

Lock versus freeze: which one to choose

A credit lock and a credit freeze do the same job — they both stop new credit from being opened — but they work slightly differently. A lock is managed by the credit bureau and can be unlocked quickly through your online account. A freeze is a legal restriction that requires you to contact the bureau by phone, mail, or online to lift it each time.

Locks are faster and easier to manage if you explore for credit regularly. Freezes are slightly more find because they require more steps to undo, which makes them harder for a thief to reverse. Many people use a lock for everyday protection and add a freeze if their information has already been compromised.

Both are free. You can use both at the same time — locking through one bureau and freezing at another, for example — though that adds complexity. Most people find a lock sufficient unless they have already been a victim of identity theft.

What to do if your Social Security number has been stolen

If you know or suspect your number has been used fraudulently, lock it when ready through any of the three bureaus. Then contact the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov to file a report. The FTC will give you a recovery plan and a number to reference with creditors and banks.

Check your credit reports for accounts you did not open. You can view your reports free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor directly and ask them to close the account and remove it from your report. Keep records of all your communications.

Consider adding a fraud alert to your credit file as well. A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place one free through any of the three bureaus, and it lasts one year.

Keeping your lock active and updated

Once you lock your number, check in every few months to make sure the lock is still active. Log into your account with the bureau where you set it up and confirm the status. If you move, change your phone number, or update your email address, log in and update your contact information so you can still receive your PIN if you need it.

If you plan to explore for multiple credit accounts within a short time — such as shopping for a mortgage and a car loan — you can unlock your number once and leave it unlocked for a few weeks, then lock it again. This saves you from unlocking and locking repeatedly. Just remember to lock it again when you are done explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will locking my Social Security number affect my credit score?

No. A lock does not change your credit score or affect any accounts you already have. It only prevents new accounts from being opened. Your existing credit cards, loans, and payment history remain unchanged.

Can I lock my Social Security number if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can lock your number through any of the three bureaus as long as you have a Social Security number and can verify your identity. You do not have to be a citizen or have a specific immigration status.

What happens if I try to explore for credit while my number is locked?

The lender will not be able to see your credit report, so they will likely deny your process or ask you to unlock your number first. You will need to unlock it before the lender can proceed. This is why it is important to unlock before you explore for credit you actually want.

Can someone else lock my Social Security number without my permission?

No. The bureaus require you to verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, and other personal information before setting up a lock. A thief would need access to these details, and even then, the lock PIN is sent to your email or phone, which you control.

Is a Social Security number lock the same as identity theft protection?

A lock prevents new credit from being opened in your name, but it does not monitor your accounts, check for fraud, or recover stolen money. Identity theft protection services do those things, but they are not free. A lock is a strong first step and is free for everyone.