Credit Freeze vs Credit Lock: What's the Difference?

Both credit freezes and credit locks prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name. But they're not the same thing.

Credit freeze

• Free by federal law at all three bureaus
• Must be done individually at each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
• Must be lifted before applying for credit — takes about an hour online or requires a PIN
• Stays in place until you lift it

Credit lock

• Usually costs money (though some bureaus offer it free)
• Can be toggled on/off instantly via an app
• Offers more features (alerts, monitoring)
• The fine print: locks may not have the same legal protections as freezes

Which should you use?

For most people: freeze. It's free, it's more legally protected, and it does the same thing. The only downside is you need to plan ahead before applying for credit.

For convenience: lock. If you frequently apply for credit and want instant control, a lock is easier. Just don't pay for it unless the extra features are worth it.

For mortgage shopping: Unfreeze or unlock all three bureaus before the lender pulls your credit — and don't forget to re-freeze afterward.