Credit Lock vs Credit Freeze: Which One Do You Need? | Aura

Identity theft and fraud are the crimes of the century. In 2021 alone, there were over 5.7 million accounts of fraud in America.

One of the BEST things you can do to protect yourself from fraud is to freeze or lock your credit.

But what’s the difference? And which one is right for you?

CREDIT LOCK vs. CREDIT FREEZE:

CREDIT LOCK:
- Pauses new accounts in your name.
- Prevents anyone for using or accessing your credit files.
- Locks and unlocks happen instantly.

CREDIT FREEZE:
- Limits access to your credit report.
- Requires contacting each of the 3 major credit bureaus individually to free/unfreeze.
- Backed by the government
- Freezes and unfreezes take 1–3 days to go into affect.

THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LOCK AND A FREEZE:

Credit freezes take days to start and require going through steps online, by phone, or by mail.

Credit locks can happen instantly using an app like Aura.

WHEN TO LOCK YOUR CREDIT:

Some experts advise to lock your credit only under the suspicion of fraud. Others advise a credit lock as a proactive measure (even if no fraud is suspected) out of an abundance of caution.

Because you can immediately toggle a credit lock on/off, it’s advisable to keep your credit locked 24/7, and only unlock it when you apply for a loan or need to open a new credit account. 

When you're shopping for a home or car, for example, you can:

1. Log into your credit monitoring app and unlock your credit files. 
2. Let lenders access your reports for a credit check.
3. Lock your credit files again, immediately.

Lock your credit instantly with Aura.

With Aura, you get industry-leading identity theft protection, constant credit monitoring and instant credit lock, 24/7 support from fraud resolution specialists, and $1,000,000 in insurance for eligible losses due to identity theft.

#creditfreeze #creditlock

[sierria]

yes i locked my credit after myself and husband bought a house someone attempted to do an credit inquiry experian. thank god we both have a credit lock

[luisfontanez]

Wait Experian charges but the other is cheaper? They both charge is the point. What was yours? You said the deference is that Experian charges a monthly fee. 🤦‍♂️

[Bournechris]

With credit card, possibly give you a few months free you account with the credit card

[CA-tkyn]

I wish I understood if creditors can still report my good credit during either of these so I can continue building my rating.

[againstanarmyofshadows]

I've read alot more negative reviews about your company than positive

[thedreamers]

The music is irrelevant and irritating.