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Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze

Published December 10, 2024

4 min read

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Key points about: freeze or lock your credit

Credit locks and freezes both limit access to your credit report, protecting you from someone opening fraudulent accounts in your name.
Each credit bureau offers a credit lock online or through an app—some may cost a fee.
Each credit bureau must legally provide a way to freeze your credit, but credit freezes may take a few days to activate and deactivate.

Credit locks and credit freezes may stop scammers from opening new credit cards or taking out loans in your name. Both measures offer you security without restricting your ability to use your credit cards. While people sometimes use the terms “credit lock” and “credit freeze” interchangeably, the tools have some meaningful distinctions. The best fit for you depends on your budget, security concerns, and how often you plan to open new credit accounts.

Differences between a credit lock and a credit freeze

It may feel difficult to choose between a credit lock and a credit freeze, as the two tools serve similar functions. Understanding each tool's advantages and disadvantages could help you find the best fit for your situation.

What is a credit lock?

A credit lock service restricts access to your credit file. New parties, like credit card companies, can’t view your credit report after you lock it. (Existing creditors can still access a locked credit report.) Typically, lenders check your credit report after receiving your credit application. Blocking their access protects you from new fraudulent accounts.

Locking your credit report with all three credit bureaus offers you the most protection. You can lock your credit report on the credit bureaus’ websites or apps. The credit lock contracts have different terms and conditions related to customers’ security, privacy, and ability to sue, so be sure to read them.

When to do a credit lock

Credit locks may help in several scenarios. For example, a credit lock can offer peace of mind and added protection after a significant breach. Credit locks may also provide a practical precaution against fraud because of their flexible protection.

You can keep your credit file locked most of the time and unlock it as needed, like when you need to seek approval for an apartment, open a phone account, or apply for a new credit card. Card issuers can access your credit file when it’s unlocked.

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How to remove a credit lock

You may unlock your credit reports easily. It usually just takes a few clicks online or in each credit reporting agency’s mobile app. Therefore, if you want to apply for a line of credit, you can unlock your account so lenders can view your credit report. When lenders no longer need access, you can quickly relock your credit.

What is a credit freeze?

Legally, each credit bureau must offer a way for consumers to freeze and unfreeze their credit reports for free as protection from identity theft. Like a credit lock, a credit freeze blocks new creditors from accessing your credit file. Because federal law governs credit freezes, they come with more legal protections for customers than credit locks.

You can request a credit freeze online, over the phone, or by mail. Like credit locks, you must request a separate credit freeze with each reporting agency. You typically have to verify personal information like your name, birthday, Social Security number, and address history with each credit bureau. Then, they may provide you with a password or PIN to manage your credit freeze. It may take up to five days to freeze your account.

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When to do a credit freeze

A credit freeze offers lasting security over your credit report and information. Freezing your credit as soon as you receive an initial fraud alert from your creditor could protect your accounts from further damage. Likewise, if you know for certain that your information has leaked in a breach, you may want the security of a credit freeze.

A child’s credit files may be especially vulnerable to fraud. If you’ve included any minor children as co-signers on credit accounts, you might want to freeze their credit until adulthood.

How to remove a credit freeze

You can use your PIN or password to thaw your account (remove the freeze). If you’ve lost that information, you may instead have to provide documents that verify your identity. Unfreezing your credit may take a few days.

In some cases, you might want to allow certain businesses access to your credit file so you can open a new account without unfreezing your credit. With your permission, those parties could receive a one-time PIN to run a credit check. Temporary unfreezes may otherwise leave your account vulnerable for several days.

For the most comprehensive protection from fraudulent activity, you may need to equip a variety of security tools. Credit locks and credit freezes can keep malicious parties from opening fraudulent accounts in your name. Fraud alerts, credit monitoring services, and even identity theft insurance could all provide added security. With your budget, safety concerns, and credit habits in mind, you could build the best digital security toolbox for your financial life.

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