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Overview

A credit freeze, credit lock, and fraud alert can all help protect your credit, but they work in different ways. A credit freeze is free and legally backed, offering strong protection by blocking new credit applications. A credit lock is fast and convenient to manage, but may require a paid subscription and doesn’t offer the same legal guarantees. A fraud alert works differently: instead of restricting access to your credit file, it asks lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit.

Recovering from identity theft can be challenging. There are reports to file, disputes to resolve, and institutions to notify. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, especially by using tools like a credit freeze, credit lock, or fraud alert.

Each of these options helps protect your credit in different ways. Freezes and locks make it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name, while a fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit. Understanding how your options differ can help you choose the right level of protection.

The differences between a credit freeze and a credit lock

A credit freeze typically offers stronger protection because freezes are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Thanks to a federal law passed in 2018, the three major credit bureaus must allow you to freeze and unfreeze your credit for free.

A credit lock, on the other hand, is a voluntary service rather than a legal requirement. Credit bureaus aren’t obligated to cover losses if someone opens an account in your name while your file is locked. You may also have to pay a fee to lock your credit, depending on the bureau.

While it’s true that locking and unlocking your credit is fast and convenient, thawing a credit freeze doesn’t take much longer. When requested electronically, the bureaus are required to lift a freeze within one hour.

Most bureaus do not allow both at the same time because they serve the same purpose. If you have a freeze in place, you usually cannot activate a lock until the freeze is lifted. Some bureaus will automatically disable the lock if you apply a freeze.

Something to keep in mind: Both freezes and locks only restrict new credit applications. They don’t affect your credit score, your existing accounts, or activities like job screenings or insurance quotes that rely on soft inquiries.

When to use a credit freeze vs. a credit lock

Both tools can help protect you from identity theft, but there are certain situations where one option may make more sense than the other.

A credit freeze is a strong, no-cost option. Ideal for long-term protection or when you’re not planning to apply for credit anytime soon. A freeze may be the better choice if:

  • You’ve experienced identity theft or a data breach. Freezes are legally backed and offer strong protection against unauthorized credit activity.

  • You’re securing credit for a child or dependent. Freezes are available for minors and are often recommended for children because their clean credit histories are valuable targets.

  • You’re not expecting to open accounts soon. If you’re not planning to apply for new credit, a freeze gives you peace of mind with little maintenance.

On the other hand, a credit lock offers speed and convenience. Ideal for people who expect to manage their credit more frequently or want control at their fingertips. A lock may be the better choice if:

  • You apply for credit or loans often. If you’re frequently opening new accounts, refinancing, or shopping around for rates, a lock can be unlocked instantly when needed.

  • You prefer managing everything from your phone. Most locks can be activated or removed with a simple tap in an app.

  • You prefer a quicker experience over managing PINs. No PINs are required to lock or unlock your file.

How to freeze your credit

Consumers can request a credit freeze at all three major credit bureaus. You can start the process online, by phone, or by mail, though online access is typically the fastest.

To begin, you’ll need to provide some personal information to create an account and obtain a PIN. Keep these PINs somewhere safe, you’ll need them later when you want to unfreeze your credit. Here’s how to get started with each bureau:

Parents, guardians, and those with power of attorney can also request freezes for dependents. For minors, the freeze process may require additional documentation (such as a birth certificate or proof of guardianship), and in some cases must be completed by mail.

How to lock your credit

If you’re an Allstate Identity Protection member, you may be able to log in to your portal to lock your TransUnion credit report quickly and easily. Credit lock availability varies, based on your plan.

Otherwise, credit locks can be added directly through the bureaus:

  • Equifax: Download and use the Lock & Alert app.

  • Experian: Credit locks may be included with certain Experian credit monitoring packages.

  • TransUnion: Credit Lock Plus subscriptions are available through the TransUnion website.

Credit locks are generally not available for children under 18. A credit freeze—or “security freeze”—is typically the recommended option for minors.

How to lift a credit lock or freeze

There are times when you’ll need to thaw your credit. For example, when you’re opening a new credit card, applying for a loan, or starting a job that requires a background check.

If your credit file is under a freeze, you can request an unfreeze at the links listed above. Make sure to have your PIN ready. When submitted electronically, unfreeze requests must be processed within one hour.

If your credit file is locked, you can unlock it instantly. Simply visit the app or website you used to place the lock and tap or swipe to remove it. Once your transaction is complete, you can lock or freeze your credit again for ongoing protection.

What about a fraud alert?

A fraud alert is another tool that can help protect your credit, but it works differently from a credit freeze or a credit lock. Instead of blocking access to your credit file, a fraud alert places a note on your report asking lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening a new account. That might mean a phone call, an email, or a request for documentation.

Fraud alerts are free, don’t require you to lift or remove them when you apply for credit, and last for one year unless you renew them. If you’ve been a confirmed victim of identity theft, you can request an extended fraud alert that stays on your file for seven years.

Another benefit is ease: when you place a fraud alert with one credit bureau, that bureau is required to notify the other two. This makes setup much simpler than placing three separate freezes.

A fraud alert may be a good fit if your information has been exposed, but you’re not ready to freeze your credit, or if you want lenders to take extra precautions without slowing down the application process. It can also be a helpful layer of protection while you repair your credit or recover from identity theft.

How to place a fraud alert

If you decide a fraud alert is the right choice, placing one is simple—and completely free. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus. That bureau is required to notify the other two on your behalf. Here’s how to get started:

Whether you prefer the broad protection of a credit freeze or the convenience of a credit lock, taking action now can help stop criminals before they cause harm. Explore your options, choose the approach that works for you, and keep your financial future a step ahead of fraud.