WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Freezing your credit is the most effective, completely free way to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. If you are wondering how to freeze credit, the process is straightforward, legally protected, and easy to manage.
- A security freeze is 100% free by federal law and does not affect your credit score in any way.
- You must contact all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) individually to secure your files completely.
- Online or phone requests must be implemented within one hour by the bureaus, while temporary lifts must occur within one hour of a request as of 2026.
- Your existing accounts, credit cards, and monthly bills continue to work normally while a freeze is in place.
The key to making this security measure work is keeping track of your credentials for each bureau so you can quickly lift the freeze when you need to apply for new financing.
Your Legal Right to a Free Credit Freeze
Under a federal law enacted in 2018, every consumer has the legal right to place, temporarily lift, or permanently remove a security freeze on their credit files for free. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) oversees these consumer protections to ensure that credit bureaus do not charge any hidden fees for this service. This federal mandate means you never have to pay a subscription or provide a credit card number to safeguard your credit profile. The law applies to the three national bureaus, as well as specialized consumer reporting agencies, protecting you from unauthorized credit inquiries.
Credit Freeze vs. Credit Lock: Key Differences
Many consumers confuse a credit freeze with a credit lock, but they are not the same product. While both tools restrict access to your credit reports, they differ significantly in cost, legal protections, and how they are governed. Credit locks are proprietary, paid products offered by the bureaus that often bundle credit monitoring, whereas freezes are free legal rights. When deciding how to lock credit report access, keep in mind that a freeze is the most secure legal tool available.
| Feature | Credit Freeze | Credit Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 100% |