# Put a barrier around new credit.

Know what a US credit freeze does—and does not do.

By Avenvale · Sources checked 2026-09-23
Canonical: https://avenvale.app/training/identity/credit-freezes
Language: English
Scope: United States

In the US, a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report and helps prevent new-account fraud. It is free to place or lift and does not lower your credit score.

## Try this

1. Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion individually through official channels to request freezes.
2. Keep access to each bureau account. You may need to temporarily lift a freeze when applying for credit.
3. Continue checking existing accounts. If you find identity misuse, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

## Practice scenario (fictional)

Your credit files are frozen. Should you still check existing bank accounts?

1. Yes, a freeze does not stop every type of fraud
2. No, a freeze protects all transactions

Safer response: Yes, a freeze does not stop every type of fraud

A freeze is about access to credit reports, not a lock on existing accounts. A fraud alert is different: it asks lenders to verify identity. Procedures outside the US vary.

Lesson completion records practice, not a scan or certification.

## Official guidance

- [FTC · Credit freezes and fraud alerts](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts)