What's the difference between a freeze and an alert? With a credit freeze, you can apply for new credit, while with a fraud alert, you can't With a credit freeze, you can't apply for any new credit, while with a fraud alert, you can With a credit freeze, you can apply for new credit but you can't use your credit cards, while with a fraud alert, you can With a credit freeze, you can't apply for credit, and it's the same for a fraud alert

A credit freeze is a protective measure that restricts potential lenders from accessing your credit report, thereby preventing new accounts from being opened in your name. It's a handy tool when you suspect identity theft, as it gives you control over who can view your credit file, making it almost impossible for fraudsters to create accounts in your name. On the other hand, a fraud alert is a softer security measure. It notifies lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new credit, but it doesn't outright block access to your information. This means you can still apply for credit while being cautious, making it perfect for those who want extra protection without completely shutting down their credit activity.