Does a Credit Report Freeze Block Your Credit Score?

Credit Report Freeze Blocks New Access

A credit report freeze blocks your credit file, including your credit score, from new inquiries. All three credit bureaus can charge a fee to freeze credit reports as well as to lift or remove a freeze from credit reports. Fees vary between $3 and $20 by state; a few states allow freezing services. Fees may be waived for consumers targeted for identity theft.

Credit Scores Available During Freeze

A credit report freeze does not block existing lenders from accessing your credit report activity or credit scores. Potential lenders as well as potential identity thieves receive a code when attempting to access frozen accounts. The code only references that the credit file is frozen, offering no indication as to the consumer's credit score.

Bottom Line

Freezing your credit report is one way to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name. If your credit file is frozen, you must take steps to unfreeze it several days before applying for a new loan.