You can lock your credit report in minutes through each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A credit lock prevents lenders from pulling your credit file, which stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. But before you sign up, it helps to understand that “locking” and “freezing” your credit are two different things, and one of them is free while the other can cost you nearly $300 a year.
Credit Lock vs. Credit Freeze
When most people search for how to lock their credit, they’re really looking for a way to block unauthorized access to their credit report. Both a credit lock and a credit freeze accomplish this, but they work differently and come at very different price points.
A credit freeze is a legal protection established by federal law. It’s free at all three bureaus, lasts until you choose to lift it, and doesn’t affect your credit score. When a freeze is in place, nobody can open a new credit account in your name, including you. Anyone can place one at any time, even without a history of identity theft.
A credit lock is a product offered by each bureau, often bundled into a paid subscription. It does essentially the same thing as a freeze (blocks access to your report), but it’s marketed as faster and more convenient because you can toggle it on and off through a mobile app. The trade-off is cost. Experian’s credit lock comes bundled with its IdentityWorks Premium plan at $24.99 per month. Equifax offers a free Lock & Alert app, while TransUnion sells a Credit Lock Plus subscription. Pricing varies, but paying for lock services at multiple bureaus can add up quickly.
The key difference that matters: a credit freeze carries specific legal protections under federal law. A credit lock is governed by the terms of service you agree to with each bureau. For most people, a freeze provides the same practical protection at no cost.
How to Freeze Your Credit for Free
To fully protect yourself, you need to place a freeze at all three bureaus. A freeze at just one leaves your reports at the other two accessible. Here’s the process:
- Equifax: Visit the Equifax website or call their freeze line. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Experian: Go to the Experian freeze page online or call to request one by phone.
- TransUnion: Use the TransUnion website or phone line to place your freeze.
Each bureau will ask you to verify your identity with personal information like your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once verified, the freeze goes into effect. You’ll receive a PIN or confirmation that you’ll need later if you want to lift the freeze, so store it somewhere safe.
You can also request a freeze by mail, though this is slower and less practical for most people. The entire online process typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes per bureau.
What Happens After You Freeze
Once a freeze is active, your daily life stays the same. Your existing credit cards, loans, and bank accounts continue to function normally. You can still check your own credit score and pull your own reports. The freeze only blocks new creditors from accessing your file to approve new accounts.
A freeze does not affect your credit score in any way. It simply adds a gate that prevents new inquiries from going through.
Your current creditors and certain government agencies can still access your report. If your credit card company wants to review your account or send you a pre-approved offer, they can still do that. But if someone tries to open a new card or take out a loan using your information, the lender won’t be able to pull your credit, and the application will be denied.
Lifting a Freeze When You Need Credit
The biggest practical consideration with a freeze is that you’ll need to temporarily lift it whenever you apply for a new credit card, mortgage, auto loan, apartment, or anything else that requires a credit check. This is straightforward but requires a little planning.
Contact the bureau (or bureaus) where you need to lift the freeze. You can do this online or by phone, and the bureau is required to lift the freeze within one hour. If you submit the request by mail, it can take up to three business days. You can choose to lift the freeze temporarily for a specific period or permanently remove it.
Before you apply for credit, ask the lender which bureau they plan to pull your report from. You may only need to lift the freeze at one bureau rather than all three, which keeps the other two locked down. Once the application is processed, you can refreeze your report immediately at no charge.
When a Paid Credit Lock Makes Sense
For most people, a free credit freeze does everything a paid lock does. But credit lock subscriptions sometimes appeal to people who apply for credit frequently and want the convenience of toggling protection on and off instantly through an app. Equifax’s Lock & Alert app is free, making it a reasonable option if you want app-based control at that bureau without paying.
If you’re considering a paid lock service, weigh the cost against what you’re getting. Experian’s plan runs $24.99 per month, which adds up to about $300 a year. Many of the extra features bundled into these subscriptions, like credit monitoring and identity theft alerts, are available through free services elsewhere. Unless you specifically want the convenience features of a particular bureau’s lock product, a freeze gives you the same core protection for nothing.
Protecting All Three Reports
Whether you choose a freeze or a lock, the important step is covering all three bureaus. Lenders don’t all use the same bureau, so leaving even one report unprotected creates an opening. Set aside 30 minutes to go through each bureau’s process, save your PINs or login credentials in a secure location, and your reports will stay protected until you decide otherwise.