How long do credit reporting agencies have to comply with a security freeze request?

Credit reporting agencies are required to comply with a request for a security freeze within five business days. A security freeze restricts access to an individual's credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in someone else's name. This requirement is in place to provide consumers with a timely means of protecting their credit in situations such as identity theft or fraud.

The five-business-day timeframe ensures that consumers can quickly take action to safeguard their credit information while still allowing the agencies reasonable time to process the request. This balance is crucial for both consumer protection and the operational capabilities of the agencies.