Both tools make it harder for someone to open credit in your name. They work in different ways and suit different situations.
The essentials
- A credit freeze blocks most new lenders from seeing your credit report until you lift it.
- Freezes are free, and you place one with each of the three credit bureaus separately.
- A fraud alert asks lenders to verify your identity before opening credit; one bureau passes it to the others.
- An initial fraud alert lasts one year, and an extended alert for identity theft victims lasts seven.
If your personal information has been exposed in a data breach, or you simply want more control, a credit freeze or fraud alert can make new-account fraud much harder.
Credit freeze
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report. Most lenders won’t open a new account without checking your report, so a freeze stops most fraudulent applications.
- Cost: free, by federal law.
- How: contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion separately, online or by phone.
- Duration: stays in place until you lift it.
- Lifting: you can lift it temporarily or permanently when you apply for credit.
Fraud alert
A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening credit in your name.
- Initial alert: lasts one year and can be renewed.
- Extended alert: lasts seven years, for victims of identity theft who provide an identity theft report.
- Active duty alert: for service members, lasting one year.
- How: contact any one bureau, which must notify the other two.
Side by side
| Credit freeze | Fraud alert | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Blocks access to your report | Asks lenders to verify your identity |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Where to request it | Each bureau separately | One bureau, which notifies the others |
| How long | Until you lift it | One year, or seven if extended |
| Effect on applying for credit | You must lift it first | Lenders may contact you to confirm |
Smart move
Store each bureau’s account login, or the PIN they give you, somewhere safe. You’ll need it to lift the freeze before applying for a loan, a card or sometimes a rental.
What neither one does
Neither tool stops misuse of your existing accounts, tax fraud or medical identity theft. Keep checking bank and card statements, and review your credit reports regularly using our guide to reading a credit report.
Watch for this
Scammers sometimes pose as credit bureaus. Only place or lift a freeze through the bureaus’ official websites or phone numbers, never through a link in an unexpected email or text.
Choosing your protection
A freeze offers the strongest protection and suits most people who aren’t planning to apply for credit soon. A fraud alert is a lighter option if you’ll be applying regularly. If someone has already used your details, follow the steps in our guide to identity theft and your credit report, which may include an extended fraud alert.
Questions and answers
Does a freeze affect my credit score?
No. A freeze doesn’t change your score or stop you using existing accounts.
How do I apply for credit with a freeze in place?
Lift the freeze temporarily with the bureau the lender uses, or with all three. Requests made online or by phone are usually processed quickly.
Can I freeze my child’s credit?
Yes. Parents and guardians can request a freeze for children under 16 with each bureau.
This article is general information and isn’t financial or legal advice. Card terms, fees and rules change, so check the issuer’s current terms and official sources such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission before you decide.