Know what a credit freeze does
The FTC explains that a credit freeze is free, does not affect your credit score, and restricts access to your credit report, which can make it harder for an identity thief to open a new account. A freeze does not stop misuse of an account you already have; contact that institution immediately if an existing account is compromised.
A request must be managed separately with each nationwide credit reporting company. Use the official Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion freeze pages.
The DueSmart 3 × 4 freeze board
This original organizer tracks four non-sensitive facts for each bureau. Print it or recreate it in a private workspace; never place freeze credentials in the notes column.
| Bureau | Status | Action checked on | Next verification | Safe note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equifax | Not recorded / Frozen / Lifted / Not frozen | ____ | ____ | No credentials |
| Experian | Not recorded / Frozen / Lifted / Not frozen | ____ | ____ | No credentials |
| TransUnion | Not recorded / Frozen / Lifted / Not frozen | ____ | ____ | No credentials |
Use the five-step freeze checklist
- Verify the official destination. Type the bureau address or use a trusted government source; avoid unsolicited links.
- Complete one bureau at a time. Finish Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately.
- Store credentials securely. Keep recovery details and identity documents outside DueSmart and outside this printable organizer.
- Record only status and dates. A safe note can say “frozen and checked” without exposing a credential.
- Recheck after any temporary lift. Confirm the expected status rather than assuming it returned automatically.
Plan a temporary lift before an application
Before lifting a freeze, verify the lender, landlord, employer, or other authorized company. Ask which reporting company it expects to access and when. The CFPB distinguishes a freeze from a fraud alert and explains how freezes restrict report access.
When the bureau offers the choice, use the narrowest practical window. Save the planned end date in the organizer and verify the status after that date. If you removed a freeze instead of scheduling a temporary lift, you may need to place a new freeze.
What DueSmart does—and does not do
DueSmart Credit Command Center is $29/month recurring educational software for recording each bureau’s freeze status, the date checked, and a non-sensitive note beside your broader report and application workflow. It does not place or lift freezes, store freeze credentials or identity documents, monitor existing accounts, provide identity-theft recovery services, or guarantee protection or a credit outcome. Cancel future renewals through the billing portal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to freeze my credit with all three bureaus?
A freeze request must be managed separately with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Freezing one report does not automatically freeze the other two.
Does freezing my credit affect my credit score?
No. The FTC states that placing a credit freeze is free and does not affect your credit score.
What should stay out of the organizer?
Do not store Social Security numbers, passwords, PINs, identity documents, or full confirmation numbers in a general organizer.
Primary sources
DueSmart provides general consumer education and organization tools—not legal, tax, financial, credit-repair, identity-theft recovery, real-estate, or investment advice. Laws, provider criteria, and bureau processes can change. Confirm current instructions with each reporting company and qualified professionals.