Credit Freeze vs. Lock: What’s Better?

Credit freezes and locks are NOT the same, but they both sound like they protect you, right? Wrong! A credit freeze is like a fortress — it’s free and legally mandated, so thieves can’t access your credit report at all. But a credit lock? That’s just a flimsy screen door you pay for. You’re shelling out $25 a month for the illusion of security with a lock that can be turned on or off at a whim. And guess what? If your identity gets stolen, you’ll have to deal with the mess yourself! The fact is, only a credit freeze stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name. So, if you want real protection, skip the lock and go for the freeze.