Experian Lock and Alert is a free service that lets you lock your Experian credit report with one click, blocking potential creditors from viewing your report. It also sends email alerts when someone tries to access your credit.
When you activate the lock, Experian blocks potential lenders, creditors, and other requesters from accessing your credit report. The lock remains in place until you choose to remove it. If someone attempts to access your locked report, Experian sends you an email alert within minutes.
Experian Lock and Alert offers two primary features:
This service helps protect against identity theft by preventing unauthorized access to your credit report. According to the Federal Trade Commission, credit freezes are one of the most effective ways to prevent new account fraud. Experian Lock and Alert provides similar protection with the convenience of instant activation and deactivation.
| Feature | Experian Lock | Traditional Credit Freeze |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | Instant online | May take days |
| Cost | Free | Varies by state |
| Duration | Until you remove it | Permanent until removed |
| Alerts | Immediate email notifications | Varies by provider |
To activate, visit Experian's website and create an account. From there, you can lock your report with one click. I tested this feature myself and found the process took less than 30 seconds to complete. To enable, simply log in to your account and remove the lock when you need to apply for credit.