If your personal data has leaked in a breach, a thief’s next move is often to open new accounts or loans in your name. A credit freeze slams that door shut — and it is free. Many people have never heard of it, yet it is one of the strongest protections against identity theft. Our GetMyPassword team explains what a credit freeze is and how to set one up.
What a credit freeze is
A credit freeze (also called a security freeze) locks your credit report so that lenders cannot view it. Because a bank checks your credit before approving a new card or loan, a freeze means no one can open new credit in your name — not even you, until you lift it. It is the single most effective way to stop new-account identity theft after your data leaks.
What it does and does not do
- It blocks new accounts opened in your name by stopping credit checks.
- It does not hurt your credit score or affect it in any way.
- It does not touch existing accounts — your current cards and loans work normally.
- It is free to place and to lift, as often as you need.
How to freeze your credit
Contact each of the major credit bureaus and request a freeze — you must do it with each one separately, online or by phone. You will get a PIN or account login to manage it. When you genuinely need new credit, you simply temporarily lift the freeze, then it locks again. Keep that PIN somewhere safe, like your password manager.
A credit freeze is free, reversible, and harmless to your score — yet it stops the most damaging kind of identity theft cold. After any breach of your personal details, it is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Pair it with good account security
A freeze protects your credit file; strong logins protect the accounts that feed it. After a breach, change exposed passwords to unique ones with our password generator, turn on two-factor authentication, and watch your statements. The freeze blocks new accounts while good password habits protect the ones you already have — together they leave a thief with very little to work with.
Frequently asked questions
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A credit freeze has no effect on your credit score. It simply prevents lenders from viewing your report, which blocks new accounts from being opened, while leaving your score and existing accounts untouched.
Is a credit freeze free?
Yes. Placing, lifting and removing a credit freeze is free at each credit bureau. You can freeze and temporarily unfreeze your credit as often as you need at no cost.
Can I still use my existing cards with a credit freeze?
Yes. A freeze only blocks new credit applications. Your existing credit cards, loans and accounts continue to work normally; you just temporarily lift the freeze when you want to apply for something new.