Use a credit freeze for lasting protection against new accounts opened in your name. Use a fraud alert when you suspect identity theft and want lenders to check with you first. Both are free in the US. A freeze needs a request to all three bureaus, while an alert needs one.
This post covers US rules as described by the FTC and the CFPB.
What each does
Credit freeze. The FTC says nobody can open a new credit account in your name, including you, until you lift it. Lenders are blocked from your report. It lasts until you lift it and does not affect your credit score.
Fraud alert. Businesses must check with you before opening new credit. Lenders can still see your report. An initial alert lasts one year and can be renewed. An extended alert lasts seven years and needs an FTC identity theft report or a police report. A separate active duty alert exists for servicemembers.
Side by side
| Freeze | Fraud alert | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Who can place it | Anyone, for any reason | Initial: anyone who is or may be a victim |
| Where | All three bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion | One bureau, which notifies the other two |
| Duration | Until you lift it | One year, or seven for extended |
| Lender access | Blocked | Still allowed, with a check |
How to choose
- Nothing has gone wrong, you want lasting protection: freeze.
- You just learned your data was exposed, or you suspect misuse: place a fraud alert now, then consider a freeze.
- You are applying for a mortgage or car loan soon: keep the freeze, and plan the lift. See below.
- You are a victim with a report on file: an extended alert, and likely a freeze too.
Executives with high public profiles are good freeze candidates. A freeze does nothing about fraud on accounts that already exist, so keep watching statements.
Lifting and re-placing
The CFPB says companies must place a freeze within one day of a phone or electronic request and within three business days of a mailed one. Lifting must happen within one hour for phone or electronic requests, and within three business days for mail. The FTC suggests lifting only at the bureau a lender will use, then reinstating the freeze afterward.
Existing creditors, some government agencies and companies you hired to monitor your credit can still see your file under a freeze.
Paid locks
The CFPB page notes that paid credit locks offer no more protection than free freezes. You do not need to pay for one.
Steps
- Create an account at each of the three bureaus, using a strong unique password and a passkey or authenticator.
- Place the freeze at each.
- Store the sign in details in your password manager.
- Add a calendar reminder to review before any large credit application.
For children under 16, a parent can request a free freeze. Each bureau gives its own instructions.
Quick check
Does a freeze hurt my credit score?
No. The FTC and the CFPB both say a freeze does not affect your score.
Do I contact all three bureaus for a fraud alert?
No. Contact one, and it must notify the other two.
Sources
Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.
