Experian CreditLock
Controlling who can access your credit file is the first step in protecting your identity. With Experian CreditLock, you can lock your Experian credit file with the touch of a button and keep identity thieves away.
Included with Experian IdentityWorksSM Premium
Start your 30-day free trialFree for 30 days, then just $19.99 /month†
†IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A credit card is required to start your free 30-day trial membership‡ in Experian IdentityWorksSM Premium. You may cancel your trial membership at any time within 30 days without charge. If you decide not to cancel, your membership will continue and you will be billed $19.99 for each month that you continue your membership. You may easily cancel your trial membership online anytime within the trial period without charge.
Experian CreditLock is a separate service from Security Freeze. Learn more about the differences between CreditLock and Security Freeze.
Product features:
Experian CreditLock
Protect your valuable credit information with the touch of a button.
Easily lock your Experian Credit File and guard yourself against identity theft. Prevent unauthorized credit activity with real-time alerts if someone tries to apply for credit in your name while your credit file is locked.
Up to $1 Million Identity Theft Insurance※
Enjoy more peace of mind with up to $1 million in insurance and a $0 deductible.
If you become a victim of identity theft, you can be covered for the costs of restoring your identity, like fraudulent electronic fund transfers, lost wages, legal fees and travel expenses.
Help when you need it
Our dedicated team of Credit and Fraud Resolution Agents give you personalized support.
If you think you have an issue with fraud or identity theft, rest assured that we’re here to help with toll-free support available 7 days a week. A Fraud Resolution Agent is assigned to work with you closely every step of the way until your issue is resolved.
3-bureau credit monitoring
Receive alert notifications when key changes occur to your credit at Experian, TransUnion® and Equifax®.
Monitoring your credit at all 3 credit bureaus can be an effective way to detect suspicious activity and signs of identity theft. It can also help you keep an eye on your credit health and make better informed financial decisions.
Quarterly 3-bureau updates
Access your updated FICO® Scores* from all 3 credit bureaus every 90 days.
Since the information at each of the credit bureaus may be different, stay up-to-date and compare you credit information across all 3 bureaus.
Stay up-to-date every day
View your Experian dashboard every day to see updated factors impacting your credit.
You can view your updated Experian Credit Report and FICO Score 8 every day on sign in and an easy-to-read overview that highlights the specific factors impacting your FICO 8 Score based on Experian data.
※Identity Theft Insurance underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. Review the Summary of Benefits for Experian IdentityWorksSM Premium or Experian IdentityWorksSM Plus.
‡Monitoring with Experian begins within 48 hours of enrollment in your trial. Monitoring with Equifax® and TransUnion® takes approximately 4 days to begin, though in some cases cannot be initiated during your trial period. You may cancel your trial membership in IdentityWorksSM any time within 30 days of enrollment without charge.
*Credit score is calculated based on FICO® Score 8 model, unless otherwise noted. In addition to the FICO® Score 8, we may offer and provide other base or industry-specific FICO® Scores (such as FICO® Auto Scores and FICO® Bankcard Scores). Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than FICO® Score 8 or such other base or industry-specific FICO® Score (if available), or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more.
Experian CreditLock FAQs
What is a credit lock?
A credit lock allows you to easily lock your Credit Report, helping to protect you against identity theft and unwanted credit activity. If someone attempts to apply for credit in your name while your Report is locked, you will be notified with a real time alert.
When locked, your Experian Credit Report is NOT accessible to:
- Banks and lenders that check your Credit Report for a credit or loan application
- Companies checking your Credit Report in order to open new utilities, cellular service or apartment rentals
When locked, your Experian Credit Report is accessible to:
- You, as part of your Experian CreditWorksSM Premium membership
- Potential employers or insurance companies during the application process
- Companies that have an existing credit relationship with you
- Collection agencies acting on behalf of companies you may owe
- Government agencies in connection to a Child Support claim
- Personalized offers from Experian, such as credit card offers, if you choose to receive them
- Companies providing pre-screened credit card offers. Learn more about opting out of credit offers
How can Experian CreditLock help prevent credit fraud?
If an identity thief tries to apply for credit in your name, access to your Credit Report will be blocked when the lender tries to view it, stopping the crime before it starts. If someone tries to access your Report while it is locked, you will be notified with a real time alert.
What kind of Alerts will I get with Experian CreditLock?
In addition to the regular alerts you receive as part of your membership, Experian CreditLock provides attempted inquiry alerts that inform you when someone attempts to apply for credit while your Report is locked. You will receive a confirmation alert when you lock or unlock your Experian Credit Report.
What does it mean if my Experian Credit Report is unlocked?
- Banks or lenders may review your Report if you, or someone who claims to be you, applies for a loan or financing in your name.
- Any company with permissible purpose may access your Report if it is unlocked. This means any company with a legal right, including any new or existing creditor wishing to review your Report or extend you credit; a Grand Jury request; a potential employer or an insurance company underwriting a policy.
- To block unwanted inquiries and potential fraudulent activity, you may want to keep your Experian Credit Report locked until you’re in the market for credit or financing.
If I use Experian CreditLock, can any information, including new accounts, be posted to my Experian Credit Report?
When your Experian Credit Report is locked, new accounts may still be reported to Experian and posted to your Experian Credit Report if:
- A creditor opens an account using a report from one of the other major credit bureaus that you have not locked or applied a security freeze.
- You unlock your Experian Credit Report, granting access to a potential lender or creditor.
What is the difference between Experian CreditLock, a Security Freeze and a Fraud Alert?
With Experian CreditLock, you have greater control over who can view your Credit Report, blocking unwanted inquiries that result in extensions of credit. Locking your Credit Report gives you similar protection to a security freeze, but with additional advantages. Learn more about the differences between CreditLock, Security Freezes, and Fraud Alerts.
What happens if my Report is locked and I cancel or downgrade my Experian CreditWorks Premium membership?
Your Experian Credit Report will be unlocked at the end of your billing cycle.