In the realm of personal financial planning, safeguarding your credit is crucial.
Two powerful tools to protect your credit from fraud and identity theft are a credit freeze and a credit lock, but do you know the difference?
While they may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two. In this blog, we’ll explore these differences and explain how each tool fits into a comprehensive personal financial plan.
Credit Freeze
A credit freeze, also known as a security freeze, restricts access to your credit report. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Activation: You can request a credit freeze through each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). This can be done online, by phone, or by mail.
- PIN/Password: You’ll receive a PIN or password that you’ll need to lift or temporarily thaw the freeze.
- Free of Charge: As of 2018, placing, lifting, or removing a credit freeze is free by federal law.
A Credit Freeze, at no cost, provides robust protection against unauthorized access to your credit report. However, it is inconvenient if you need to unfreeze your credit each time you apply for new credit, which requires using your PIN/password. And the process is time-consuming, It may take some time to lift the freeze, depending on the bureau and method used.
Credit Lock
A credit lock offers a more convenient way to restrict access to your credit report, similar to a credit freeze, but with some key differences.
- Activation: You can lock and unlock your credit report instantly through a mobile app or online portal provided by the credit bureaus.
- No PIN/Password: Instead of a PIN, you use your online account credentials.
- May Require Fees: Some credit bureaus may charge for credit lock services, especially if bundled with other services like credit monitoring.
A credit lock is certainly more convenient, easier, and faster way to lock and unlock your credit report as needed. The convenience does come at a cost. Some services may charge fees for credit locking, and notably, there is less legal protection.
Remember, credit freezes are governed by federal law, offering more legal protection than credit locks. Here’s the way this looks on paper.
| Feature | Credit Freeze | Credit Lock |
| Activation/Deactivation | Requires PIN/password, can be done online, by phone, or mail | Done instantly via app or online |
| Convenience | Less convenient, requires more steps to lift | More convenient, easy to manage |
| Cost | Free | May have fees |
| Legal Protection | Federally mandated protection | Varies, less comprehensive legal protection |
Effective personal financial planning includes measures to protect your credit. Here’s how to decide which tool to use and when:
When to Use a Credit Freeze:
- High Risk of Identity Theft: If you believe you’re at high risk for identity theft or have already been a victim.
- Long-Term Security: If you don’t plan to apply for new credit frequently and prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
When to Use a Credit Lock:
- Frequent Credit Applications: If you apply for new credit or loans frequently and need the flexibility to lock and unlock your credit report easily.
- Convenience Preference: If you prefer managing your credit protection through a mobile app or online portal.
Practical Tips for Managing Credit Protection
- Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You’re entitled to a free report from each bureau annually via AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Whether you use a credit freeze or lock, ensure your accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords (see previous post).
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news on credit protection and identity theft prevention strategies.
Understanding the difference between a credit freeze and a credit lock is vital for protecting your financial well-being. By integrating these tools into your personal financial plan, you can safeguard your credit against fraud while maintaining the flexibility you need. Whether you choose a credit freeze for robust, long-term protection or a credit lock for ease of use, the key is to stay proactive in managing your credit security.
Tax laws directly impact an individual’s personal financial plan. At Paraklete® Financial we work with CPA’s as part of our client’s collaborative team of advisers. The collaborative team is essential to the personal financial planning process. For more information, please visit us at https://www.parakletefinancial.com
The views expressed are those of the author as of the date noted, are subject to change based on market and other various conditions. Material discussed is meant to provide general information and it is not to be construed as specific investment, tax or legal advice. Keep in mind that current and historical facts may not be indicative of future results. The information contained in our presentations have been compiled from third party sources and is believed to be reliable; however, accuracy is not guaranteed.
