CREDIT

Protect Your Credit Before You Use It

Credit protection is often treated like something to worry about later, after you have a credit card, car loan, or mortgage. In reality, freezing your credit can be most effective before your credit history is established.

What a Credit Freeze Does

A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. Without a preapproval, lenders must review your credit before approving new accounts or loans, and a freeze makes it nearly impossible for someone else to open credit using your information.

A credit freeze:

• Does not affect your credit score
• Does not prevent you from using existing accounts
• Can be lifted temporarily when you apply for credit or a new account

Why Early Credit Protection Matters

Even without established credit, your personal information still has value. Identity thieves are often looking for clean credit profiles, not high scores. When fraud occurs early, it can go unnoticed for years. Many people do not discover identity theft until they apply for their first apartment, credit card, or loan and are unexpectedly denied. If someone else opens accounts using your identity, they create the first version of your credit history, and it is rarely a good one.

Prevention is Easier Than Repair

Fixing identity theft can be time-consuming and stressful. It may involve filing police reports, disputing fraudulent accounts, and repeatedly contacting creditors and credit bureaus. Freezing your credit ahead of time helps prevent this situation entirely. It is a proactive step that protects your financial future before problems arise.

Credit Freezes are Free and Flexible

Federal Law allows consumers to place and remove credit freezes at no cost through the three major credit bureaus:

• Experian
• TransUnion
• Equifax

You stay in control. When you are ready to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze online, then refreeze it once your application is complete.

A Smart First Step Toward Financial Independence

Freezing your credit early encourages thoughtful financial decisions and adds a strong layer of security to your identity. It allows you to build credit intentionally, on your timeline, without unnecessary risk.

Sources:

https://www.experian.com/help/credit-freeze/

https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/

https://www.transunion.com/blog/credit-advice/how-to-place-a-credit-freeze-on-your-credit-report