Credit Freeze vs Credit Lock
How each works
A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report so no one can open new accounts in your name. It is free at all three bureaus by law, and you lift (thaw) it when you want to apply for credit. A credit lock does much the same thing but through a bureau or issuer app, toggling on and off instantly, marketed for convenience.
The key differences
Two differences matter. Cost: freezes are always free, while some locks are bundled into paid monitoring products. Legal protection: a freeze is governed by federal law with defined rights, whereas a lock is a contractual product whose terms the company sets. A lock is faster to toggle, but a freeze is the stronger, free, legally backed option.
Which to use
For most people, place a free freeze at all three bureaus and thaw it briefly when you apply for a card or loan; it is the strongest protection at no cost. A lock can be a convenient add-on if you open credit often and value instant toggling, but do not pay for one when a freeze is free. See credit report vs score and fraud protection.
Frequently asked questions
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