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

Credit

As our lives become more digital, protecting your credit is more important than ever. Safeguarding your credit report from potential identity theft and unauthorized access can help ensure your financial future remains secure.

woman on tablet

Two common methods for protecting your credit are a credit freeze and a credit lock. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of these options to help you decide which is best for your personal financial situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit freezes provide strong protection against identity theft by blocking access to your credit file until you lift the freeze, and they are free under federal law.
  • Credit locks offer similar protection with the convenience of being able to lock and unlock your credit instantly via a mobile app or website, often including additional services like identity theft insurance.
  • While both methods do not affect your credit score, credit freezes offer more robust legal protections compared to credit locks, which are less regulated and typically require a paid subscription.

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

Comparing Credit Freeze and Credit Lock

When deciding between a credit freeze and a credit lock, there are several factors to consider, including their impact on credit scores, the level of security offered, and any associated fees or costs.

Impact on Credit Scores

Neither a credit freeze nor a credit lock has an impact on credit scores. Both options only restrict access to credit reports and do not affect the calculation of credit scores.

Level of Security

Both credit freezes and credit locks offer a high level of security, as they prevent potential creditors and lenders from accessing your credit report without your permission. However, credit freezes are more strictly regulated, which requires credit bureaus to implement specific procedures and provide certain protections for consumers.

In contrast, credit locks are not subject to the same regulations and may not offer the same level of legal protection as a credit freeze.

Fees and Costs

Credit freezes are free to place and lift under federal law. However, some states may allow credit bureaus to charge a small fee for certain services related to credit freezes, such as lifting the freeze temporarily. On the other hand, credit locks are typically offered as part of a subscription-based credit monitoring service provided by the credit bureaus, which can involve monthly fees.

Ease of Use

One advantage of credit locks over credit freezes is that they can be unlocked quickly and easily through a mobile app or website. Credit freezes, on the other hand, require a PIN or password to lift temporarily, which can be a bit more cumbersome.

Legal Protections

While both options offer protection against fraudulent activity, freezing your credit may offer more legal protections than credit locks. For example, if a creditor opens an account in your name after you freeze your credit, they may be liable for any resulting damages. Credit locks, however, may not offer the same level of legal protection.

When to Freeze Your Credit

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 to Use a Credit Lock

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 provide valuable protection for your credit report and personal financial security. When deciding between a credit freeze and a credit lock, consider factors such as cost, convenience, and your plans for applying for credit cards or loans.

Regardless of the option you choose, it’s essential to monitor your credit regularly and stay vigilant against identity theft and credit fraud.

Crediful
Meet the author

Crediful is your go-to destination for all things related to personal finance. We're dedicated to helping you achieve financial freedom and make informed financial decisions. Our team of financial experts and enthusiasts brings you articles and resources on topics like budgeting, credit, saving, investing, and more.