Credit and identity
Credit freeze vs. fraud alert: which one do you need?
By Brennan Decker. Published . Last reviewed . Every fact links to its source.
The short answer
A credit freeze stops anyone, including you, from opening new credit in your name until you lift it. A fraud alert lets lenders see your report but tells them to check with you first (FTC).
Both are free, and you can have both at once (FTC). If your Social Security number is out there, the freeze is the stronger choice (FTC).
Side by side
| Credit freeze | Fraud alert | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Nobody can open a new credit account in your name while it’s on (FTC) | Businesses should check with you before opening new credit; your report is still visible (FTC) |
| How long | Until you lift it (FTC) | 1 year for an initial alert, 7 years for an extended alert (FTC) |
| Who can get it | Anyone, for any reason (FTC) | Initial: anyone who thinks they may be affected by identity theft. Extended: identity theft victims with an FTC or police report (FTC) |
| How to place it | Contact all three bureaus (FTC) | Contact one bureau; it must tell the other two (FTC) |
| Cost | Free (FTC) | Free (FTC) |
Which one should you choose?
- Your Social Security number was in a data breach, or a thief used your information: the FTC says a freeze is even more important in those cases (FTC). See how to freeze your credit.
- You think you might be a target and want something quick: an initial fraud alert takes one contact, lasts a year, and can be renewed (FTC).
- Your identity was stolen: after you file a report at IdentityTheft.gov, you can get an extended alert that lasts seven years (FTC). It also takes you off prescreened credit and insurance offer lists for five years (FTC).
How to place each one
- Freeze: contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion one at a time (FTC).
- Fraud alert: contact any one of those three. That bureau must pass the alert to the other two (FTC).
- Bonus: placing an initial fraud alert lets you get a free credit report from each of the three bureaus (FTC).
What to do if you already responded to a scam
- If you shared your Social Security number, place a freeze at all three bureaus (FTC).
- Get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Check your credit reports for accounts you don’t recognize at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Common questions
Can I have a credit freeze and a fraud alert at the same time?
Yes. The FTC says you can place a fraud alert even if you already have a freeze (FTC).
Does a fraud alert stop someone from opening credit?
Not by itself. It tells businesses to check with you first, but they can still see your report. A freeze blocks new credit (FTC).
How long does a fraud alert last?
An initial alert lasts one year and can be renewed. An extended alert lasts seven years (FTC).
Do I need to call all three bureaus?
For a freeze, yes. For a fraud alert, contact just one; it must notify the other two (FTC).
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If money already left your account, call your bank or card company first.