A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) restricts access to your credit report. When your credit is frozen, lenders can’t pull your report to approve a new application — which means a thief who has your personal information still can’t open a new credit card or loan in your name. It’s free, it doesn’t hurt your credit score, and you can turn it on and off whenever you want.
How a credit freeze actually works
When you apply for a new credit card or loan, the lender checks your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A freeze tells those bureaus not to release your report to new lenders. With no report to review, most lenders simply decline the application.
Because the freeze sits at the bureau level, you have to set it up separately with each of the three bureaus to be fully protected. The good news: each one is free, and the process is similar at all three.
What a freeze does and doesn’t do
A freeze stops new accounts from being opened. It does not close or affect the cards and loans you already have — you can keep using your existing credit cards normally, and your existing lenders can still see your account.
A freeze also does not lower your credit score, and it doesn’t stop you from getting your own free credit reports. It simply blocks new lenders from pulling your file until you lift the freeze.
Freeze vs. fraud alert
A fraud alert is a note on your report asking lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving credit. It’s lighter-touch than a freeze: applications can still go through, just with an extra verification step.
A freeze is stronger because it blocks access entirely. If you know your information was exposed in a data breach, or you simply want maximum protection, a freeze is usually the safer choice. You can also use both at the same time.
How to turn a freeze on and off
You set up a freeze by contacting each bureau online, by phone, or by mail. They’ll give you a PIN or let you create an online account to manage it. Keep that PIN somewhere safe — you’ll need it to lift the freeze later.
When you want to apply for new credit, you temporarily lift (“thaw”) the freeze — either entirely or just for one lender — then re-freeze afterward. Lifting is also free and usually takes effect within minutes when done online.
Frequently asked questions
Does a credit freeze cost money?
No. Placing, lifting, and removing a credit freeze is free at all three major bureaus, by federal law.
Will a freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A credit freeze has no effect on your credit score. It only controls who can access your report, not what’s in it.
Do I need to freeze all three bureaus?
Yes, for full protection. Lenders may check any of the three bureaus, so a freeze at only one still leaves the other two reports accessible.
By O.B., Founder · Last reviewed June 3, 2026
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This article is general education, not personalized financial advice. Card terms, fees, and benefits are set by the issuer and can change — always confirm details on your official card terms.