Money

Credit Freeze in the USA: What It Is, What It Costs and How to Place One

2 min read

In this guide
  1. What a freeze does
  2. How to place and lift a freeze
  3. Freeze vs fraud alert
  4. Credit locks
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Does a freeze hurt my credit score?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

Quick answer: A credit freeze prevents prospective creditors from accessing your credit file. The CFPB says freezes are free, do not affect your credit scores, and must be placed with each nationwide company separately: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

What a freeze does

While a freeze is in place, current account creditors, certain government entities such as child support agencies, and companies you hired to monitor your file can still see your file. You can also request and review your own file.

How to place and lift a freeze

Action Timing (CFPB)
Place by phone or secure electronic request Within one business day
Place by mail Within three business days
Written confirmation Within five business days
Lift by toll-free phone or secure electronic request Within one hour
Lift by mail Within three business days

Removal is free, and you can lift the freeze temporarily for a period you specify.

Freeze vs fraud alert

  • A freeze restricts access to your file, so creditors typically will not offer credit when they cannot access it.
  • A fraud alert does not block access. It requires creditors who check your report to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card or raising a credit limit. An initial fraud alert lasts up to one year.

Credit locks

Credit locks, offered by credit reporting companies for a fee, are no more effective than security freezes, which are free.

Common mistakes

  • Freezing with only one company instead of all three.
  • Forgetting to lift the freeze before applying for a loan or apartment.

FAQ

Does a freeze hurt my credit score?

No. The CFPB says freezes do not affect your credit scores.

Key takeaways

  • Freezes are free to place and lift.
  • Do it separately with all three companies.
  • Lift it temporarily when you apply for credit or rent.

Last updated: October 2026. Rules change, so check the official page.

Sources

  • CFPB: What is a credit freeze or security freeze on my credit report?

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