A lock and a freeze have the same impact on your Equifax credit report, but they aren’t the same thing. Both generally prevent access to your Equifax credit report to open new credit accounts. Unless you temporarily lift or permanently remove a freeze, or unlock your Equifax credit report, it can’t be accessed to open new accounts (subject to certain exceptions). See more about exceptions below.

• Security freezes (also known as credit freezes) allow you to place, lift, or remove a freeze using a randomized PIN for identity verification. Placing, lifting, or removing a security freeze can be done online, by phone, or by mail. Security freezes are subject to regulation by each state. Placing, lifting and removing a security freeze on your Equifax credit report is free.
• Credit report locks allow you to lock and unlock your Equifax credit file using identity verification techniques such as usernames and passwords. The mobile app also can utilize thumbprint and facial recognition verification. With Lock & Alert, you can quickly lock or unlock your Equifax credit report online or via the mobile app. There are no fees to lock or unlock your Equifax credit report if you are enrolled in Lock & Alert. 

Please note: If you have a security freeze on your Equifax credit report, you will need to remove it to use Lock & Alert to lock your Equifax credit report. If you have the PIN you received when the freeze was originally placed, you’ll be able to unfreeze your Equifax credit report and replace it with a lock during the Lock & Alert enrollment process.

Exceptions: Locking your Equifax credit report prevents access by potential creditors and lenders, but there are exceptions. These exceptions may include:

• Companies like Equifax Global Consumer Solutions that provide you with access to your credit report or credit score or monitor your credit file
• Companies you have an existing account or relationship with
• Federal, state and local government agencies
• Collection agencies acting on behalf of companies you owe
• For fraud detection purposes
• Companies that wish to make pre-approved offers of credit or insurance to you
• Companies reviewing your application for employment

Equifax maintains consumers’ credit reports and provides information to certain customers, including credit card companies and lenders, so that they may offer pre-approved offers to consumers as permitted by law. Consumers that prefer not to receive such offers should visit www.optoutprescreen.com, or call toll free at 1-888-5-OPT OUT (or 1-888-567-8688). Consumers may also send an opt-out request in writing to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta, GA 30374-0123. Consumers should include their complete name, full address, Social Security number, and signature. Equifax will remove the consumer’s name from its pre-approved offer database and share the request with the other two nationwide consumer reporting agencies.

Locking your Equifax credit report will not prevent access to your credit file at any other credit reporting agency. Locking your Equifax credit report prevents access by potential creditors and lenders, but there are exceptions. These exceptions may include:

• Companies like Equifax Global Consumer Solutions which provide you with access to your credit report or credit score or monitor your credit file
• Companies you have an existing account or relationship with
• Federal, state and local government agencies
• Collection agencies acting on behalf of companies you owe
• For fraud detection purposes
• Companies that wish to make pre-approved offers of credit or insurance to you
• Companies reviewing your application for employment

Equifax maintains consumers’ credit reports and provides information to certain customers, including credit card companies and lenders, so that they may offer pre-approved offers to consumers as permitted by law. Consumers that prefer not to receive such offers should visit www.optoutprescreen.com, or call toll free at 888-5-OPT OUT (or 888-567-8688). Consumers may also send an opt-out request in writing to Equifax Information Services LLC, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta, GA 30374-0123. Consumers should include their complete name, full address, Social Security number, and signature. Equifax will remove the consumer’s name from its pre-approved offer database and share the request with the other two nationwide consumer reporting agencies

Locking your Equifax credit report is an effective tool you can use to help better protect against unauthorized access to your Equifax credit report and the unauthorized opening of new accounts in your name.

No, you can’t combine the two. The accounts will remain separate.

No. In order to sign up for Lock & Alert, you must be at least 18 years of age and have an Equifax credit report. Most minor children do not.

To cancel, please contact our Customer Care team at 888-548-7878, from 8 a.m. to midnight (ET), 7 days a week.