Freezing your credit is a security measure that restricts access to your credit report by third parties. When you freeze your credit, credit reporting agencies are barred from releasing your credit report to new lenders or creditors, making it difficult for identity thieves or fraudsters to open new credit accounts in your name. Only existing creditors or certain government agencies with legal authorization can access your credit report during a freeze. This helps prevent identity theft and fraud without affecting your credit score, and it is typically free to do. To apply for new credit, you must temporarily or permanently lift (or "thaw") the freeze to allow access.