A credit freeze is one of the few security tools that works by making it harder for someone to open an account in your name. When a lender or card issuer tries to check your credit report, they hit a wall instead of your history. That simple lock can stop new credit fraud before it begins, and — since 2018 — it costs nothing under US federal law. Here is how it works, how to set it up, and what it cannot do.
What a credit freeze does
Lenders and card issuers decide whether to approve new accounts by pulling your credit report from one of the three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A credit freeze tells those bureaus not to release your report to anyone without your permission. If a scammer tries to open a credit card, a loan, or a phone contract in your name, the lender cannot see your credit history, so the application is typically denied.
The freeze does not lower your credit score, and it does not touch accounts you already have. It simply locks the door to new credit.
Why it matters after a data breach
Data breaches expose names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other details scammers need to apply for credit as someone else. If your information appeared in one, the gap between exposure and fraud can be long and quiet. A freeze is most valuable in that gap because it works silently in the background — even if your details are already in a scammer's hands, the freeze makes them nearly useless for opening new accounts.
If you have not frozen your credit yet, a breach notice is a strong reason to do it now. Our data breach response guide covers the other steps worth taking in the same situation.
It costs nothing in the United States
Freezing and unfreezing your credit is free at all three major bureaus (the federal Economic Growth Act of 2018 made this law). The freeze stays in place until you remove it, so there is nothing to renew. If anyone tries to charge you to place or lift a freeze, that is a red flag — place it directly with each bureau yourself rather than paying an add-on service.
How to freeze your credit
Place a freeze with each bureau separately, because a freeze at one does not cover the others. You can do it online, by phone, or by mail, and the process takes a few minutes at each:
- Go to the freeze page on each bureau's website — the official security-freeze pages are on equifax.com, experian.com, and transunion.com (look for "security freeze" under credit help).
- Provide your details — name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and a few identity verification questions.
- Save the PIN or credentials — each bureau gives you a PIN or login used to lift the freeze. Keep these somewhere safe and separate from your wallet. The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov site walks through the whole process.
Even if you have never been a fraud victim, the bureaus must honor your freeze request at no charge.
Freeze vs fraud alert vs credit lock
| Credit freeze | Fraud alert | Credit lock | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocks new credit accounts | Yes | Partially (lenders must verify identity) | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free | Usually free with bureau app |
| Duration | Until you remove it | 1 year (extendable) | Until you remove it |
| Best for | Long-term protection, post-breach | When you suspect immediate fraud | Convenience via mobile app |
| Legal protection | Federal law | Federal law | Contract with bureau only |
For most people, a credit freeze is the stronger choice: it is free, lasts until you remove it, and has the force of federal law behind it.
What a credit freeze does not stop
A credit freeze only blocks new credit accounts. It does nothing about fraud on accounts you already have. If someone uses your existing credit card or skims your card at a gas station, the freeze will not catch it — which is why checking your statements matters just as much. If you spot a charge you did not make, our guide to disputing unauthorized charges walks you through the process.
How to lift it when you apply for credit
When you apply for a new credit card, mortgage, or loan, you can temporarily lift the freeze so the lender can check your report. You can choose to lift it for a specific lender or for a set number of days. Most lifts process quickly — often within an hour — though it is wise to allow more time if you are on a deadline. If you set a specific window, the freeze goes back in place automatically when it ends. Keep your PIN or login credentials handy for this step.
The honest note
For a free tool, a credit freeze is remarkably strong protection. It will not stop every form of fraud, and it cannot undo a mistake someone has already made with your identity — if fraud has already happened, start with our identity theft response guide to limit the damage. But for heading off new-account fraud, especially after a breach, few protections do more for the price of nothing.
Quick answers
Does freezing my credit hurt my credit score? No. A freeze blocks access to your report, but your score and history are not affected. Existing lenders can still see your report, so your accounts keep reporting normally.
How long does a credit freeze last? Until you remove it. There is no expiration date, which is one reason a freeze is stronger than a short-term fraud alert.
Can I still use my existing cards with a freeze? Yes. A freeze applies only to new credit applications. Your current cards, loans, and other accounts work exactly as before.
Does a freeze stop someone using my existing card? No. It only blocks new accounts. For existing-card fraud, review your statements and report unauthorized charges immediately.
Sources and further reading
Written by Hassan Arshad, founder of UsefulOrbit. Last updated August 31, 2026.