For most people, a credit freeze offers the strongest protection. It’s free by law, blocks most new creditors from accessing your credit report, and can be lifted when you need to apply for credit. A fraud alert doesn’t block access; it tells lenders to verify your identity before opening credit, and placing it at one bureau notifies the other two. A credit lock works much like a freeze but is a product offered by the bureaus, often as part of a paid service, and its protections come from the contract rather than federal law. Many people use a freeze for long-term protection and add a fraud alert if they suspect identity theft.

This guide compares all three, explains how to use each, and answers common questions about how they affect your credit.

Three tools, different levels of protection.

Key takeaways

• A credit freeze is free and blocks most new credit applications.
• A fraud alert asks lenders to verify your identity; it lasts one year, or seven with an identity theft report.
• A credit lock is a bureau product with contractual terms, often part of a paid service.
• None of them affects your credit score.
• You must freeze at each bureau separately; a fraud alert at one bureau notifies the others.
• Parents can freeze a child’s credit for free.

Side by Side

How the three tools compare.

Credit Freeze

Freezes are free for everyone.

A credit freeze — also called a security freeze — restricts access to your credit report. Most creditors can’t see your report while it’s frozen, so they’re unlikely to approve new credit in your name.

Key facts:

• Free to place and lift at all three bureaus
• Must be placed at each bureau separately
• Doesn’t affect your credit score or existing accounts
• Lifts quickly — when requested online or by phone, bureaus must lift a freeze within one hour; mail requests take longer
• Can be lifted temporarily or for a specific lender

Best for: Anyone not planning to apply for credit soon, anyone whose information was exposed in a data breach, and identity theft victims.

How to Freeze Your Credit

How to freeze and unfreeze your credit.

• Contact each bureau — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — online, by phone, or by mail.
• Verify your identity.
• Save your PIN or login — you’ll need it to lift the freeze.
• Lift it when applying — temporarily or for a specific lender. Ask the lender which bureau it will check.
• Refreeze afterward if you lifted it temporarily.

Fraud Alert

A fraud alert tells lenders to take reasonable steps to verify your identity before opening new credit — for example, by calling you.

Types:

• Initial fraud alert: lasts one year; anyone who believes they may be a victim can place one
• Extended fraud alert: lasts seven years; available to identity theft victims with an identity theft report
• Active duty alert: for servicemembers on active duty; lasts one year

Key facts:

• Free
• Placing it at one bureau notifies the other two
• Doesn’t block access to your report
• Doesn’t affect your credit score

Best for: People who suspect identity theft and want an extra layer of verification, especially in addition to a freeze.

Credit Lock

A credit lock is similar to a freeze but is offered by each bureau as a product, often bundled with paid monitoring services. Locks can often be turned on and off quickly in an app.

Key facts:

• Terms are set by the bureau’s contract, not federal freeze law
• May come with fees or be part of a subscription
• Must be set up at each bureau
• Doesn’t affect your credit score

Best for: People who value app-based convenience and are comfortable with the product’s terms. For most people, a free freeze provides similar protection.

What a Freeze Doesn’t Affect

A freeze leaves these unchanged.

• Your credit score
• Your existing accounts
• Your ability to check your own credit
• Existing creditors reviewing your accounts
• Prescreened credit offers — opt out separately at optoutprescreen.com

Some government agencies, debt collectors, and certain others may still access a frozen report for limited purposes.

Freezing a Child’s Credit

Parents and guardians can request a free freeze for children under 16. Because children usually don’t have credit files, the bureau may create a file just to freeze it. This prevents identity thieves from using a child’s Social Security number to open accounts. You’ll need documentation of the child’s identity and your authority.

Which Should You Use?

• Not applying for credit soon? Freeze your credit at all three bureaus.
• Think you’re a victim of identity theft? Freeze your credit, place a fraud alert, and report at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Applying for credit soon? A fraud alert lets you apply while adding verification; or lift your freeze temporarily.
• Want app convenience? A lock may appeal, but compare its terms and cost with a free freeze.

For a full recovery plan, see our guide to what to do if your identity is stolen.

An Example

Here’s an illustrative example. After receiving a data breach notice, a borrower freezes her credit at all three bureaus in about 15 minutes online. Six months later, she’s ready to buy a car. She asks the dealer which bureau it will use, temporarily lifts her freeze at that bureau for a week, and refreezes after the purchase. Meanwhile, a thief who tried to open a card in her name was declined because her report was frozen at the bureau the card issuer checked.

When to Use Each Tool

Common Myths

• “Freezing costs money.” It’s free by law.
• “A freeze hurts my score.” It doesn’t.
• “A fraud alert blocks new accounts.” It only requires verification.
• “A lock and a freeze are identical.” Locks are products with contractual terms.
• “I only need to freeze one bureau.” You need all three.

Keeping Your Freeze Information Safe

Store your freeze PINs or login details in a secure place, such as a password manager. If you lose them, you can usually verify your identity with the bureau to regain access, but it’s easier to keep them organized.

Freezes and Specialty Reports

Besides the three major bureaus, specialty consumer reporting agencies track things like checking account history, insurance claims, and utility accounts. Some offer freezes too. If you’re concerned about fraud in those areas — for example, someone opening a bank account in your name — consider freezing with the relevant specialty agency.

Freezing After a Death in the Family

When a loved one passes away, identity thieves sometimes use their information. Family members or executors can notify the credit bureaus of the death, request a “deceased” notation, and, in some cases, request a freeze. Send copies of the death certificate and proof of your authority.

Lifting a Freeze for a Specific Lender

Many bureaus let you lift a freeze for a set period or for a specific creditor. Before applying for credit, ask the lender which bureau it will check, and lift the freeze at that bureau only. That keeps the rest of your credit protected.

Protecting Yourself Beyond a Freeze

A freeze protects against new-account fraud, but not every type of identity theft. Also:

• Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication
• Monitor bank and card statements for unfamiliar charges
• Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent tax fraud
• Review medical EOBs for services you didn’t receive
• Watch your mail for unexpected bills or cards
• Check your credit reports regularly

Quick Reference

Checklist: Protecting Your Credit Today

• Freeze at Equifax
• Freeze at Experian
• Freeze at TransUnion
• Save PINs or logins securely
• Consider a fraud alert if you suspect fraud
• Freeze your children’s credit if they’re under 16
• Opt out of prescreened offers if you want fewer mailings
• Set a reminder to check your reports regularly

An Honest Comparison

Credit locks and paid monitoring products are often marketed heavily, but the free tools cover most needs. A freeze stops most new-account fraud; a fraud alert adds verification; free weekly credit reports let you check for problems; and free credit scores from many banks help you watch for changes. Paid products can add convenience, such as app-based locking or instant alerts, but aren’t required for strong protection.

Freezes, Alerts, and Your Credit Applications

When you’re ready to apply for credit:

• Ask the lender which bureau or bureaus it will check
• Lift the freeze at those bureaus for a short window
• Apply during that window
• Let the temporary lift expire or refreeze manually

If you have a fraud alert, expect the lender to contact you to verify your identity. Make sure your phone number on file is current.

Frequently Overlooked Tip: Opt Out of Prescreened Offers

Prescreened credit offers use soft inquiries and don’t affect your score, but stolen offers can be used for fraud. You can opt out of most prescreened offers for five years or permanently at optoutprescreen.com, the official site run by the credit bureaus. Combined with a freeze, this reduces the chances of someone using your information for new credit.

Keep Perspective

Protecting your credit doesn’t require expensive products. A free freeze at each bureau, a fraud alert when you need one, strong passwords, and regular checks of your reports provide excellent protection for most people.

A Note on Scams

Scammers sometimes pose as credit bureaus or “freeze services” and ask for payment or personal information. Credit freezes are free, and you should place them only through each bureau’s official website or phone number. Never pay a third party to freeze your credit.

Freezes for Seniors and Vulnerable Adults

Older adults are frequent targets of financial fraud. A freeze is a simple, free way to protect a parent or relative who isn’t planning to apply for new credit. With proper authority, such as a power of attorney, a family member may be able to help manage freezes.

Understanding Your Rights

Federal law gives you:

• The right to place and lift a credit freeze for free
• The right to place fraud alerts, including extended alerts for identity theft victims
• The right to freeze a child’s credit for free
• The right to free credit reports
• The right to dispute inaccurate information

These rights apply at all three nationwide credit bureaus.

Freezes for Business Owners

If you’re self-employed or own a small business, your personal credit may be checked for business loans and cards. A freeze can still protect you — just lift it at the right bureau before applying for business credit that requires a personal credit check.

What If You Find Fraud Anyway?

A freeze prevents most new-account fraud, but if you discover fraudulent activity:

• Contact the company involved
• Report at IdentityTheft.gov
• Place an extended fraud alert
• Ask the bureaus to block fraudulent information
• Keep your freeze in place

See our guide to what to do if your identity is stolen for a full recovery plan.

Keep Perspective

Protecting your credit doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. A few minutes at each bureau’s website can put a free freeze in place that lasts until you choose to lift it. Pair it with good password habits and regular checks of your reports, and you’ll have strong protection against the most common kinds of credit fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does freezing my credit hurt my score?

No. Freezes, fraud alerts, and locks don’t affect your credit score.

Is a credit freeze free?

Yes. Federal law requires the bureaus to place and lift freezes for free.

How long does it take to lift a freeze?

When requested online or by phone, bureaus must lift a freeze within one hour. Mail requests take longer.

Do I need to freeze all three bureaus?

Yes, for full protection. Lenders may check any of the three.

What’s the difference between a freeze and a lock?

A freeze is governed by federal law and free; a lock is a bureau product governed by contract, often part of a paid service.

Can I apply for credit with a fraud alert?

Yes. The lender should verify your identity before approving.

Can I still use my credit cards with a freeze?

Yes. A freeze only affects new credit applications.

Does a freeze stop all identity theft?

No. It helps prevent new credit accounts, but not account takeovers, tax fraud, or medical identity theft. Use other protections too.

Can I freeze my credit if I’m not a victim?

Yes. Anyone can freeze their credit for free.

Do I need to renew a fraud alert?

Initial alerts last one year; you can place a new one afterward. Extended alerts last seven years.

Can someone else freeze my credit for me?

A guardian, conservator, or person with power of attorney may be able to request a freeze with proper documentation.

Does a freeze affect employment background checks?

Employers generally need your permission for a credit check, and you may need to lift the freeze temporarily.

Will a freeze stop a landlord’s credit check?

Yes, if the landlord checks a frozen bureau. Lift the freeze temporarily when you apply.

Should I use a lock instead of a freeze?

For most people, a free freeze offers similar protection with legal guarantees. A lock may appeal if you want app-based convenience.

Can I freeze my credit online?

Yes. Each bureau offers online freezes.

How often should I check my reports with a freeze?

A few times a year is a good habit. A freeze doesn’t prevent you from checking your own reports.

Can a freeze prevent new phone or utility accounts?

It can if those companies check a frozen bureau, but some use specialty agencies. Consider freezing with those too.

Will a freeze stop existing creditors from raising my rate?

No. Existing creditors can still review your account.

Do I need identity theft monitoring if I freeze my credit?

Not necessarily. A freeze prevents most new-account fraud. Monitoring alerts you to changes but doesn’t prevent them.

Can I freeze credit for a deceased family member?

Executors and family members can notify the bureaus of a death and, in many cases, request protections. Send a death certificate and proof of authority.

Can a freeze delay a loan approval?

It can if you forget to lift it. Plan ahead and lift the freeze before applying.

Can I freeze only one bureau?

You can, but thieves could apply with lenders that check the others. Freeze all three.

Does opting out of prescreened offers affect my score?

No. It simply reduces unsolicited offers.

How do I know if my freeze is working?

You’ll receive confirmation from each bureau. If a lender can’t access your report, that’s the freeze at work.

Can I freeze my credit if I live outside the U.S.?

If you have a U.S. credit file, you can usually request a freeze online or by mail.

Is it safe to freeze online?

Yes, when you use the bureaus’ official websites. Protect your login with a strong password.

Can a scammer lift my freeze?

Only with your login or PIN. Keep them secure, and use strong passwords.

Should retirees freeze their credit?

Many retirees benefit from freezes, especially if they rarely apply for new credit.

Can I use a freeze and a lock at the same time?

You can, but it’s usually unnecessary. A freeze alone provides strong protection.

What if a bureau won’t place a freeze?

Freezes are required by federal law. If you have trouble, contact the bureau again and file a complaint with the CFPB if needed.

Can I freeze my credit if I’m in the military?

Yes. Servicemembers can also place an active duty alert when deployed.

Do freezes expire?

No. A freeze stays in place until you lift it.

Can I check my own credit with a freeze?

Yes. Freezes don’t block you from checking your own reports or scores.

Does a freeze stop account takeovers?

No. A freeze prevents new credit accounts. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect existing accounts.

Can a freeze affect my insurance quotes?

Insurers may use soft inquiries or credit-based insurance scores. A freeze generally doesn’t prevent quotes, but check with the insurer if you have problems.

Can I schedule a freeze to lift automatically?

Many bureaus let you lift a freeze for a set period, after which it returns automatically.

What happens if I forget my freeze PIN?

Contact the bureau and verify your identity to regain access.

The Bottom Line

A credit freeze is the strongest free protection against new-account fraud, and it doesn’t affect your score. Add a fraud alert if you suspect identity theft, and consider a lock only if its convenience is worth the terms and cost. Freeze all three bureaus, keep your PINs or logins safe, and lift the freeze only when you need to apply.

For more on protecting and rebuilding your credit, see our step-by-step guide on how to fix your credit.

Worried About Identity Theft?

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Strong Credit Report is a credit repair organization as defined under the Credit Repair Organizations Act. We are not affiliated with Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. We cannot guarantee specific results. This article is general information, not legal advice.