Planning a Trip? Don’t Forget to Lock Your Credit

See How to Freeze Your Credit to Travel with Peace of Mind

What’s on your travel checklist? Plane ticket, hotel, insurance, itinerary, and budget. However, one crucial financial aspect is still often overlooked by travelers: protecting your own credit history.

Identity theft is a real concern, especially during times when consumers are more exposed — like on vacation.

When your focus shifts away from finances, it becomes easier to fall into fraud traps. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is through a temporary credit freeze.

What Does “Freezing Your Credit” Mean?

Freezing your credit means temporarily preventing new accounts or loans from being opened in your name.

It doesn’t affect your current credit, active cards, or your ability to use them — but it does prevent lenders from accessing your credit report without your permission.

You can freeze your credit for free with the three major credit bureaus in the U.S.: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and the process is quick and easy.

Why Is This Important?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), millions of Americans report identity theft attempts or confirmed cases every year.

In 2024, fraud involving credit opened in someone else’s name rose by over 12%, with individual losses averaging more than $1,500.

These crimes typically occur when criminals gain access to personal data — often through public Wi-Fi networks, malicious emails, or data leaks.

And all of these risks increase during vacations, especially in hotels, airports, and public networks — the most common targets for these attacks.

By freezing your credit, you prevent anyone — including fraudsters — from opening credit in your name.

Even if a criminal has your information, they’ll face a roadblock that could prevent serious financial damage.

The Financial Impact of Identity Theft

Beyond emotional stress, the financial impact of compromised credit can be significant.

Resolving a fraud case can take months, involving bureaucracies with banks, credit bureaus, and legal systems.

How to Freeze Your Credit

In the U.S., freezing your credit can be done online or by phone. It’s recommended to freeze it with all three bureaus, as each operates independently.

Visit each agency’s official website, where you’ll be asked to provide details like your full name, Social Security number, address, and date of birth.

Once the freeze is in place, you’ll receive a PIN (security number) that you’ll use if you ever want to temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit.

Common Myths About Credit Freezing

• “Freezing my credit will interfere with using my credit cards.”
  False. A freeze only blocks new credit inquiries. You can continue using your current credit cards as usual.
• “It’s hard to unfreeze later.”
  False. Unfreezing is simple, done online or through an app, and can be temporary (e.g., for 24 hours).
• “It’s not worth it if I don’t have much credit.”
  False. Those with limited credit may actually be more affected by fraud, since the proportional impact is greater.

Other Financial Safety Tips While Traveling

In addition to freezing your credit, it’s worth following other economic safety practices while traveling:

• Enable alerts on your banking app: real-time notifications help identify suspicious activity quickly and allow immediate dispute actions.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing banking apps: use mobile data whenever you’re on the move or in large commercial spaces.
• Use virtual or prepaid cards for online purchases or reservations.
• Notify your bank about your trip, to avoid automatic blocks due to unusual activity patterns.

Who Should Consider Freezing Their Credit?

• Frequent travelers, especially those going abroad;
• People who’ve previously dealt with data breaches;
• Retirees or young adults not planning to apply for new credit soon;
• Anyone who sees prevention as part of a sound financial strategy.

A Small Step, A Big Result

From an economic standpoint, freezing your credit is one of the most cost-effective security measures available.

It’s free, easy to implement, and can protect you from financial losses that could take years to recover.

In a time of hyperconnectivity and constant exposure to digital risks, protecting your financial information is a critical part of smart planning — not just for travel, but for life.

Before boarding your next trip, remember: travel with a clear mind and protected credit.

Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves