Credit lock or Credit freeze: Which is more secure?

Stellar Snippets

A credit freeze is generally considered more secure than a credit lock. Here are all the reasons why.

White Scribbled Underline

This is because a credit freeze is guaranteed by law to protect your credit accounts, while a credit lock is not. 

White Scribbled Underline

A freeze is a free service mandated by federal law that restricts access for most lenders to see your credit report.

White Scribbled Underline

This makes it a good option if you're a victim of identity theft or believe your information has been compromised.

Scribbled Underline

On the other hand, a credit lock is a voluntary service offered by credit bureaus that may charge a fee. 

White Scribbled Underline

To freeze or lock your credit, contact each of the credit bureaus - Equifax®, Experian® and TransUnion®.

White Scribbled Underline

It also restricts access to your credit report, but it's simpler to unlock a credit lock than to "thaw" a credit freeze.

White Scribbled Underline

However, a freeze may afford legal protections that a lock doesn't. So, if you have to choose, pick a freeze.

Scribbled Underline

Like a credit freeze, a credit lock doesn't hurt your credit. It restricts access to your credit files so no ID theft occurs.

White Scribbled Underline