Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze: Which One is Right for You?

Data breaches and identity theft are on the rise, putting millions of people at risk each year. Once a criminal gains access to your personal information, they can try to open credit cards, loans, or other accounts in your name. The best way to stop this is by limiting who can view your credit report.

Two tools—credit freezes and credit locks—let you take control of your credit file. Both can block unauthorized access, but they work in different ways and come with their own trade-offs. Knowing the difference can help you decide which option fits your financial needs and lifestyle.

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, is a tool that restricts access to your credit report. By freezing your credit, you prevent potential creditors, lenders, and even identity thieves from opening new credit accounts in your name. By freezing your credit, you effectively block access to your credit file until you choose to lift the freeze.

Pros of a Credit Freeze

• Offers strong protection against identity theft
• Under federal law, credit freezes are free to place and lift
• Credit freezes do not affect your credit score

Cons of a Credit Freeze

• Requires contacting all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately to place the freeze
• Can be inconvenient when applying for a new credit account or loan, as you must temporarily lift the freeze

What is a credit lock?

A credit lock, similar to a credit freeze, restricts access to your credit report. Credit locks offer an added layer of convenience, as they can be easily locked and unlocked through a mobile app or online account. Credit locks are typically offered as part of a subscription-based credit monitoring service provided by the credit bureaus.

Pros of a Credit Lock

• Offers similar protection to a credit freeze
• Can be locked and unlocked instantly
• Often includes additional services, such as identity theft insurance and credit monitoring

Cons of a Credit Lock

• May require a monthly fee for the subscription service
• Not regulated by federal law like credit freezes

Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock: Key Differences Explained

Both a credit freeze and a credit lock limit who can access your credit report, but they differ in cost, convenience, and legal protections. Here’s what to know before choosing one:

Impact on Credit Scores

Neither option affects your credit score. A freeze or lock only restricts access to your credit report—it does not change how your credit score is calculated.

Security Level

Both provide strong security by blocking unauthorized access. A credit freeze, however, is backed by federal law, which requires the credit bureaus to follow strict procedures and gives you stronger consumer protections. A credit lock is effective but less regulated, relying instead on the bureau’s service agreement.

Fees and Costs

A credit freeze is free to place, lift, or remove under federal law. Credit locks are usually bundled into paid subscription services that may include extras like credit monitoring or identity theft insurance.

Ease of Use

Credit locks are easier to manage since you can toggle them on or off instantly through a mobile app or online account. A freeze requires contacting each bureau and using a PIN or password, which makes the process slower but also more secure.

Legal Protections

If an account is opened in your name while your credit is frozen, you may have stronger legal recourse against the creditor. A lock provides less formal protection, since it is governed by the terms of the credit bureau’s service rather than federal law.

Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock vs. Fraud Alert

If you’re not sure which tool is right for you, here’s a side-by-side look at the differences between a credit freeze, a credit lock, and a fraud alert.

Feature	Credit Freeze	Credit Lock	Fraud Alert
Cost	Free under federal law	Usually requires a paid subscription	Free
Convenience	Must contact each credit bureau to place or lift	Can be toggled instantly through a mobile app or website	Automatically alerts creditors to verify identity
Legal Protections	Strong protections under federal law	Less regulated, depends on bureau’s terms	Covered by federal law but less restrictive than a freeze
Best For	Long-term protection when you don’t plan to apply for credit soon	Quick on/off control when applying for credit frequently	Temporary protection after suspected or confirmed identity theft

When a Credit Freeze Makes Sense

A credit freeze is recommended if you:

• Are concerned about identity theft and want long-term protection
• Are not planning to open a new credit account or apply for loan in the near future
• Prefer the security and peace of mind offered by a credit freeze’s federal regulation

When a Credit Lock Is the Better Choice

A credit lock is recommended if you:

• Need the flexibility to lock and unlock your credit quickly and easily
• Are frequently applying for new credit accounts, loans, or rental agreements
• Are willing to pay for a subscription service that includes additional features, such as credit monitoring and identity theft insurance

When to Use a Fraud Alert

A fraud alert is an alternative to a credit lock or credit freeze that requires potential creditors to verify your identity before granting new credit. Fraud alerts are free and last for one year, with an option to extend for longer periods. Consider using a fraud alert if you:

• Have recently been a victim of identity theft or suspect fraudulent activity on your accounts
• Want to balance protection and convenience without the commitment of a security freeze or credit lock
• Are in a situation where you need to apply for credit cards or loans frequently and want to avoid the hassle of lifting and placing freezes or locks

How to Freeze Your Credit

To freeze your credit, follow these steps:

1. Contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) separately
2. Provide your personal information, including your Social Security number, birthdate, and current address
3. Keep the PIN or password provided by each credit bureau in a safe place; you’ll need it to lift the freeze

Remember, it’s free to freeze your credit under federal law.

How to Lock Your Credit

To lock your credit, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a credit lock service provided by one or more of the national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion)
2. Create an account and provide your personal information
3. Lock your credit through the online platform or mobile app

Be aware that credit lock services may require a monthly fee or be part of a subscription-based credit monitoring service.

How to Remove a Credit Freeze and Credit Lock

To lift or remove a credit freeze, follow these steps:

1. Contact the credit bureau(s) where you placed the freeze
2. Provide your PIN or password
3. Specify whether you want to temporarily lift the freeze or remove it permanently

To unlock your credit, follow these steps:

1. Log into your credit lock service account
2. Unlock your credit using the online platform or mobile app

Remember to re-lock your credit after completing any necessary applications for new credit or loans.

Bottom Line

Both credit freezes and credit locks can protect you from unauthorized access to your credit report, but the best choice depends on your priorities. A credit freeze is the stronger, no-cost option if you want maximum security and legal protection. A credit lock offers more convenience if you expect to apply for new credit often and don’t mind paying for the flexibility.

Whichever option you choose, make a habit of checking your credit reports, monitoring your accounts, and acting quickly if something looks suspicious. Staying proactive is the best way to keep your financial identity safe.