Secondary Credit Bureaus: Complete Freeze Guide
Beyond Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, several secondary bureaus collect and sell your data. Learn how to freeze them all for comprehensive identity theft protection.
What Are Secondary Credit Bureaus?
Different from Big Three
While Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are the primary bureaus, secondary bureaus collect specialized data for specific industries.
Alternative Data Sources
They track banking history, insurance claims, utility payments, and other non-traditional credit data.
Who Uses Them
Insurance companies, employers, landlords, banks, payday lenders, and utility companies check these bureaus.
Why Freeze Secondary Bureaus?
Identity Theft Protection
Freezing secondary bureaus prevents identity thieves from opening accounts using lenders who check alternative data sources.
Preventing Bypass of Primary Freezes
Sophisticated thieves know they can bypass primary bureau freezes by targeting lenders who use secondary bureaus.
Comprehensive Coverage
For complete protection, freeze your reports at all bureaus—primary, secondary, and specialty. It's free under federal law.
The Secondary Credit Bureaus
Detailed information about each secondary bureau, what they track, and how to freeze your report.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis collects data from public records, including court records, property records, and previous addresses. Many insurance companies use their reports.
Used For
- Insurance applications
- Employment screening
- Tenant screening
- Background checks
How to Freeze
Submit a security freeze request online or by phone. You'll need to provide identification documents and verify your identity.
Innovis
Innovis is considered the 'fourth' credit bureau. Some lenders check Innovis in addition to the big three bureaus.
Used For
- Credit decisions
- Fraud detection
- Identity verification
- Marketing
How to Freeze
Request a freeze online at their consumer portal or by calling their toll-free number. Free under federal law.
SageStream
A LexisNexis company that focuses on alternative credit data. Often used by lenders for applicants with thin credit files.
Used For
- Alternative credit scoring
- Fraud prevention
- Subprime lending decisions
How to Freeze
Contact SageStream directly to place a security freeze. Provide required identity verification documents.
ChexSystems
ChexSystems tracks banking history including closed accounts, bounced checks, and suspected fraud. Most banks check ChexSystems before opening accounts.
Used For
- Bank account openings
- Check cashing
- Banking history verification
How to Freeze
Request a security freeze by phone or mail. Freezing ChexSystems won't affect your credit score.
Teletrack
Teletrack specializes in alternative financial services data. If you've used payday loans or rent-to-own services, you likely have a Teletrack file.
Used For
- Payday loans
- Rent-to-own transactions
- Check cashing services
- Subprime auto loans
How to Freeze
Contact Teletrack to request a security freeze. Provide government-issued ID and proof of address.
Specialty Consumer Reporting Agencies
Additional agencies that collect specific types of consumer data. Consider freezing these for maximum protection.
National Consumer Telecom & Utilities Exchange (NCTUE)
Tracks payment history for utilities and telecom services
(866) 343-2821
Milliman IntelliScript
Collects prescription drug history (used by life/health insurers)
(877) 211-4816
Medical Information Bureau (MIB)
Shares medical history between life/health insurance companies
(866) 692-6901
The Retail Equation
Tracks retail return behavior (used by stores to detect return fraud)
(800) 652-2331
Clarity Services
Alternative credit data for subprime lending decisions
(866) 390-3118
Quick Reference: Contact Information
All bureau contact information in one place. Bookmark this page for easy reference.
| Bureau | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| LexisNexis Risk Solutions | (866) 897-8126 | risk.lexisnexis.com/consumer |
| Innovis | (800) 540-2505 | innovis.com |
| SageStream | (888) 395-0277 | sagestream.com/consumer-solutions |
| ChexSystems | (800) 428-9623 | chexsystems.com |
| Teletrack | (866) 343-7868 | teletrack.com |
Cost & Legal Rights
Freezes Are Free
Under federal law (Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018), security freezes are free at all consumer reporting agencies.
Your Rights Under FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to freeze your credit reports, dispute inaccurate information, and receive free annual reports.
Freezes Do NOT Affect Your Credit Score
Security freezes have no impact on your credit score. They only prevent new accounts from being opened. Your existing accounts, payment history, and credit utilization continue to be reported normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: Bureau contact information is provided for convenience and is accurate as of December 2024. Always verify current contact details on official bureau websites before submitting requests. Security freezes are your legal right under federal law. This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Track All Your Freezes
Download our free Credit Freeze Tracking Sheet to keep track of all your bureau freezes and PINs in one place.