Why Freezing Your Child’s Credit Is a Must for Every Parent

You protect your kid from bumps, bruises, and other dangers, but what about identity theft?

It might not be on your parenting checklist (yet), but freezing your child’s credit is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their future.

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⚠️ Want to skip the guesswork?

👉 Download the Free Child Credit Freeze Checklist to get step-by-step instructions in one place.

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Why This Matters (Especially for Parents)

I spent years working in the banking and mortgage industries, and let me tell you—nothing derails your financial plans faster than a surprise on your credit report.

Imagine applying for your dream home, only to find out you’ve got thousands in delinquent debt you didn’t even know existed. Now imagine that happening to your kid before they even get a chance to build credit.

That’s where a credit freeze comes in—and yes, you can freeze your child’s credit.

Child Identity Theft by the Numbers

According to Javelin Strategy & Research’s 2021 Child Identity Fraud Study, the stats are staggering:

• 1.25 million children were victims of identity fraud in 2020

• $918 million in total losses

• Nearly 1 in 50 children affected

• $372 average out-of-pocket cost per family to resolve fraud

Children are prime targets for identity theft because of their clean credit history—and because we’re often not checking their credit at all. That means fraud can go unnoticed for years.

What Is a Child Credit Freeze?

It’s called a Protected Consumer Freeze, and here’s what it does:

It prevents lenders and third parties from accessing your child’s credit report to open new accounts in their name.

This simple step protects your child from identity theft and locks down their credit until they’re old enough to use it responsibly.

Why You Should Do It

• Prevent Identity Theft: A freeze stops criminals from using your child’s name, Social Security number, or address to open credit cards, loans, or other accounts.

• Preserve Their Financial Future: It ensures your child’s credit remains untouched until they are ready to build it on their own terms.

How to Freeze Your Child’s Credit

Freezing your child’s credit involves contacting the three major credit bureaus individually. While the process is similar, each bureau has its own requirements.

You’ll need to provide documentation proving:

• Your identity

• Your child’s identity

• Your relationship to the child (if you're a legal guardian, include court documentation)

Once placed, the freeze stays in place until you lift it—or your child turns 16 and chooses to manage it themselves (they will need to mail in a request and identifying documents to each bureau).

Here’s What You Need for Each Bureau

🔹 Experian

Include:

• Your government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued ID card, etc.)

• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, insurance statement, etc.)

• Child’s birth certificate

• Child’s Social Security card

• Court docs (if you’re a legal guardian) naming you as the guardian or other appropriate court-appointed documents (if applicable)

• Completed request form (downloadable on Experian’s website)

Mail to:

Experian

PO Box 9554

Allen, TX 75013

🔹 Equifax

Include:

• Your government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued ID card, etc.) or Social Security card or birth certificate

• Child’s birth certificate

• Child’s Social Security card

• Court docs (if you’re a legal guardian) naming you as the guardian or other appropriate court-appointed documents (if applicable)

• Completed request form (found on Equifax’s website)

Mail to:

Equifax Information Services LLC

PO Box 105788

Atlanta, GA 30348

🔹 TransUnion

Include:

• Your government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued ID card, etc.) or Social Security card or birth certificate

• Child’s birth certificate

• Child’s Social Security card

• Court docs (if you’re a legal guardian) naming you as the guardian or other appropriate court-appointed documents (if applicable)

• Written request to place a “Protected Consumer Freeze” on your child’s credit file (I have included the template I used)

Mail to:

TransUnion

PO Box 380

Woodlyn, PA 19094

Final Thoughts

Freezing your child’s credit might not be the most talked-about part of parenting—but it’s one of those quiet responsibilities that can make a huge difference in their future.

And honestly? That’s kind of the theme of fatherhood in general.

There’s so much no one warns you about until you’re deep in the trenches—doing your best to protect, guide, and prepare your child for what’s ahead.

If you're tackling these lesser-known parenting tasks and want to hear more about the surprises that come with dad life, check out my video: Things No One Tells You About Being a Dad. 

In the meantime, drop a 🔒 in the comments if you’re freezing your kid’s credit—let’s protect our kids together.