What's the difference between a credit freeze and a credit lock?

Both stop new lenders from pulling your credit, which blocks most identity thieves from opening accounts in your name, but they work differently. A credit freeze is a legal right that's free at all three bureaus; you place it and lift it (temporarily or permanently) using a PIN or login, and the bureau must honor it. A credit lock is a product the bureaus offer, often through a paid subscription, that does roughly the same thing but with an easier on/off toggle and weaker legal guarantees. For most people, the free freeze is the better deal — there's no reason to pay for a lock. Remember a freeze blocks you too: lift it before applying for a card, loan, or even some apartment or utility checks. Freezing is one of the strongest, cheapest protections against new-account fraud.