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Credit & debt guide
Credit freeze vs fraud alert: which one to use
Both are free. A freeze blocks access to your credit file until you lift it; a fraud alert lasts one year.
Sourced from official pages · Updated September 30, 2026📊
Credit & debt6 sections
3 official sources linked💡 Key takeaways
- A credit freeze restricts access to your credit file until you lift it; it is free.
- A fraud alert lasts one year and is free; place it with one bureau and it notifies the others.
- Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan.
- Lift a freeze temporarily when you apply for credit yourself.
Side by side
| Credit freeze | Fraud alert | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| How long | Until you remove it | One year |
| What it does | Restricts access to your credit file so it is harder for someone to open new accounts in your name | Tells businesses to verify your identity before granting credit |
| How to place it | Contact each credit bureau | Contact one bureau; it notifies the other two |
Which to choose
A freeze is the stronger protection because new-credit checks generally cannot see your file while it is frozen. Remember to lift it temporarily when you apply for credit yourself. A fraud alert is lighter-touch and does not block access.
If you think your identity was stolen
- Report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a personalized recovery plan.
- Place a freeze or fraud alert.
- Review your free credit reports for accounts you do not recognize.
Steps to place a freeze
- Contact each credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) online or by phone.
- Confirm your identity.
- Save the PIN or credentials you receive.
- Lift or thaw it when you apply for credit, then re-freeze.
After identity theft
- Report at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Place a freeze or fraud alert.
- Review your reports; dispute accounts you do not recognize.
- Contact affected companies and change passwords.
🔤 Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Credit freeze | Blocks most access to your credit file |
| Fraud alert | A notice asking businesses to verify your identity |
| PIN | A code to lift or place a freeze |
| Identity theft report | A report you file at IdentityTheft.gov |
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the freeze PIN.
- Not lifting the freeze before applying for credit.
- Freezing at only one bureau.
- Ignoring signs of identity theft.
🛠️ Try it yourself
❓ Frequently asked questions
Does a freeze affect my score?
No, but it can block new credit checks while it is on.
Can I still use my existing accounts?
Yes.
Is a fraud alert enough?
A freeze is stronger; a fraud alert asks businesses to verify your identity.
Does a freeze cost anything?
No, freezes are free.
📚 Sources
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and limits change; confirm with the sources above or a licensed professional.