In one sentence: A credit freeze is a US tool that stops new credit accounts from being opened in your name while it is in place.
Why it matters: In the US, a freeze is free and does not affect your credit score. You can lift it for a short time when you need credit. You must contact all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The UK has no freeze across all credit reference agencies. Cifas Protective Registration, which has a fee, is not a freeze: lenders do extra identity checks, but credit is not blocked.
One thing to do: If you live in the US, place a freeze on one credit bureau’s website. Then do the same at the other two bureaus.
Related terms: fraud alert, credit report, identity theft
Checked: 25 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change. If yours looks different, check the organization's own page.
