Most parents assume credit protection is something to think about much later in life. College. First job. First credit card. The reality is much harsher.Identity thieves do not wait.A child’s identity is often more valuable to fraudsters than an adult’s because it can go unnoticed for years. By the time the child applies for a student loan or their first credit card, the damage may already be done.I recently checked my daughter’s credit report and discovered that she already had a credit file, even though she is a minor. That was the moment I realized how important it is to act early and deliberately.This post walks through exactly how parents can check and freeze a minor’s credit in the United States.
Step 1. Gather Required Documents
Before contacting the credit bureaus, collect the following documents. You will need copies, not originals.Parent or legal guardian government issued photo ID Proof of parent or guardian address such as a utility bill or bank statementChild’s birth certificateChild’s Social Security card.
Having these ready will save time and avoid delays.
Step 2. Request a Credit Freeze With Each Credit A
credit freeze must be placed separately with all three major credit bureaus. A freeze with one does not apply to the others.
TransUnion:
You can request a Protected Consumer Freeze for a minor by mail.
TransUnion LLCP.O. Box 380 Woodlyn, PA 19094
Include a written request stating that you are asking for a Protected Consumer credit freeze for your minor child. If TransUnion has already created a file, reference any case or confirmation number they provided. If no file exists, clearly state that you still want a freeze placed to prevent one from being created fraudulently.
Equifax
Equifax requires a minor freeze request to be submitted by mail or through their dedicated process.
Equifax Security Freeze P.O Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348.
They will ask for the same documentation and proof of guardianship. This freeze is free and remains in place until you choose to remove it. Experian Experian offers a specific child identity protection and freeze process.
Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013
Experian may require you to complete their minor freeze form and mail it along with the required documents.
Step 3. Confirm the Freeze in WritingOnce
processed, each bureau should send written confirmation that your child’s credit file is frozen or that a protected consumer record has been created and locked.Keep these confirmations in a secure place. You may need them years later when your child is ready to use credit legitimately.
Step 4. Monitor and Revisit A
credit freeze does not require ongoing maintenance, but it is a good practice to revisit this every few years or after major life events such as a move or name change.If your child ever needs to apply for credit in the future, you can temporarily lift or remove the freeze using the credentials provided by each bureau.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your child’s credit is not about fear. It is about responsibility.Your child may never need credit for many years, and that is exactly why now is the right time to act.A
frozen credit file today can prevent years of stress, confusion, and cleanup later.I strongly recommend that every parent take the time to check their child’s credit and place freezes where appropriate.
Stay vigilant. Stay proactive. Stay safe.