What a credit freeze can—and cannot—protect

AskAlexK editorial content · Published November 3, 2026 · 2 min read

A credit freeze limits access to your credit file for many new-credit checks. It can help reduce the risk of an identity thief opening a new account, but it does not stop every form of financial fraud.

Understand the decision

The CFPB states that placing and lifting a security freeze is free and requires contacting each of the three nationwide reporting companies separately. Keep account access information secure. Plan a temporary lift when you legitimately apply for credit, and confirm which reporting company the lender expects to use.

What to do next

1. Use each reporting company’s verified website.
2. Record confirmation and secure access credentials.
3. Continue monitoring existing bank and card activity.

Watch out for

A paid credit lock is not the same product as a free statutory security freeze. Read what you are signing up for before purchasing monitoring services.

Will a freeze lower my credit score?

The CFPB says security freezes do not affect credit scores. They restrict certain access rather than changing the underlying history.

This is general U.S. educational information, not a recommendation for your circumstances. Rules and product terms can change. Report a correction.