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Top 7 Best Identity Theft Protection Companies (New Research)

Is identity theft protection worth it in 2024? Protecting your identity in today’s digital world is crucial. Phishing scams, where criminals impersonate legitimate companies to steal personal information, remain a prevalent threat, according to the FBI’s 2023 IC3 report. Last year alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 880,418 identity theft-related complaints, with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion.

Having the best identity theft protection company monitoring your financial and online well-being can provide peace of mind and help secure what you’ve worked so hard to create—Namely, your financial and credit health. Credit monitoring services can be another protection layer, often included with identity theft protection plans. Or vice versa, companies may offer credit monitoring services and include ID theft protection, as is the case with our top-rated company on this list – TransUnion (Learn More).

Deane Biermeier
Personal Finance Contributor

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Our process aggregates a company or product's market share, reputation, service, values, consumer interest, pricing, fees and features to generate a fair rating and comprehensive review. Some of our Trusted Experts who write reviews have appeared in U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Angi.com and many other publications.

Trusted Company Reviews #1 Pick for 2024

Top ID Theft Protection Company
TransUnion
TransUnion
9.6
  • Credit Monitoring+Identity Theft Protection
  • Up to $1,000,000 ID Theft Insurance
  • UNLIMITED Toll-Free Access to ID Theft Experts

Why we love it 💖

TransUnion offers a range of competitively priced plans to help you monitor and protect your credit and identity from attacks, fraud, and other threats.

Our Highest Rated ID Theft Protection Companies

1
Our Top Pick for July 2024
9.6 Excellent

top pick illustration
  • Credit Monitoring Included
  • Get Instant Alerts for Potential Fraud
  • Easily Lock and Unlock Credit
  • UNLIMITED Access to ID Theft Experts
  • Up to $1,000,000 ID Theft insurance
2
9.4 Great

  • Dark Web Monitoring
  • 14-day free trial
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • VPN and virus protection included
  • Also owned by TransUnion
3
9.0 Great

  • $1 million ID theft insurance
  • Lower-cost options
  • Social media monitoring available in Ultra plan
  • High average consumer ratings
4
8.9 Very Good

  • Lowest priced plan includes extensive features
  • Secure Max plan includes family coverage
  • Customers assigned a personal restoration manager
  • $1 million in identity theft insurance
5
8.7 Very Good

  • 30-day trial period
  • 3-bureau credit monitoring, scores, and alerts
  • Deceased family member protection
  • Solid overall consumer ratings
6
8.6 Very Good

  • Credit monitoring in all plans
  • 30-day free trial
  • A trusted name in identity and online identity protection
  • 401K and investment protections available
  • Stolen funds and wallet coverage in all plans
7
8.6 Very Good

  • Simple plan pricing for individuals and families
  • 30-day trial period
  • Individual plans start below $10
  • Deceased family member fraud protection in all plans

Best Credit Monitoring and Identity Theft Protection (All-In-One)

 

Best Id Theft Protection with Credit Monitoring Services: TransUnion

TransUnion, a leading credit bureau, offers a comprehensive identity theft protection service that combines credit monitoring with proactive identity theft protection features. This unique combination allows TransUnion to leverage its expertise in credit data to provide a well-rounded security solution.

TransUnion’s credit monitoring service goes beyond just identity theft protection. It also provides valuable tips on how to improve your credit score. This can be a tremendous benefit, especially for anyone looking to build or improve their credit. A better credit score can help you qualify for low-interest personal loans and credit cards that offer high rewards. 

Why We Chose TransUnion as a Top Contender

Several factors make TransUnion a strong competitor in the identity theft protection market:

  • All-in-One Service: TransUnion’s service conveniently bundles credit monitoring with identity theft protection, eliminating the need to manage separate services.
  • Credit Bureau Expertise: As a credit bureau, TransUnion has extensive experience monitoring credit reports and identifying potential fraud. This expertise translates into a strong foundation for their identity theft protection features.
  • Direct Source Credit Monitoring: Since TransUnion is a credit bureau, they have direct access to your credit report information. This provides faster and more reliable updates compared to some competitors who rely on third-party sources.
  • Competitive Pricing: TransUnion’s service offers a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

What You Get for Your Money:

  • Unlimited Credit Report & Score Updates: You’ll receive ongoing updates to your TransUnion credit report and score.
  • Email Alerts: TransUnion will send you email notifications for critical changes and when someone applies for credit in your name.
  • Credit Report Locking: You can lock and unlock your TransUnion and Equifax credit reports for added security.
  • Debt Analysis & Score Simulation: Gain insights into your debt situation and see how potential credit choices might affect your score.
  • ID Theft Specialist Support: Access to toll-free phone support from ID theft specialists.
  • ID Theft Insurance: Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance is included (verify current coverage with TransUnion).

TransUnion Identity Theft Protection Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Combines credit monitoring and identity theft protection for convenience.
  • Leverages TransUnion’s experience in credit data for strong monitoring.
  • Provides faster and more reliable credit report updates.
  • Affordable option for budget-conscious consumers. (see prices)
  • Stay informed about changes to your credit report.
  • Receive notifications for suspicious activity.
  • Provides an extra layer of security.
  • Access to help from specialists in case of identity theft.
  • Offers financial reimbursement for losses due to identity theft.

Cons

  • May not be ideal for those needing protection for multiple people.
  • UseVantageScore® 3.0 model, which might differ from those used by lenders.
  • Limited coverage details.

Allstate Identity Protection Details

Allstate Identity Protection Review Image

Allstate Identity Protection offers three distinct identity theft protection plans with competitive pricing. All plans include basic protections and at least $1 million in ID theft insurance. The higher-tier plans include increased benefits and protections. You can convert each plan into a family plan that covers two adults and up to ten children for $17 additional per month.

We chose Allstate as the best overall identity protection provider for its simplicity and comprehensive coverages that provide adequate or better protections to the largest consumer groups.

Allstate Identity Protection Overview

  • Plan options start under $10
  • Simple plan pricing
  • Family upgrade to any plan for an additional $17 monthly
  • Coverage for 2 adults and 10 dependents in family plans
  • Up to $1 million stolen fund reimbursement is available
  • Up to $2 million stolen identity expenses protection available
  • 401K and home title fraud protections
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • ID theft remediation
  • Social media and dark web monitoring
  • Three-bureau credit monitoring in the highest-tier plan
  • Local sex offender alerts
  • All state identity protection app on iOS and Android
  • Offers companies employee protection plans

Why We Chose Allstate Identity Protection

Allstate Identity Protection stands out by offering comprehensive coverages in a simple plan layout with competitive pricing. The company’s inclusion of identity theft protection for deceased family members is a unique and potentially valuable service.

Allstate Identity Protection Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Simple plan pricing for individuals and families
  • 30-day trial period
  • Individual plans start below $10
  • Deceased family member fraud protection in all plans

Cons

  • 3-bureau only credit monitoring only available in the highest-priced plan
  • Family digital safety features only available in Blue plan
  • Online child protections are relatively weak compared to competitors

 

Best Identity Theft Protection for Seniors: Aura

Aura review image

While Aura is a competent provider of identity theft services for a wide range of consumers, we chose it as best for seniors due to the company’s focus on financial and online protection, where seniors may be most vulnerable.

The company offers comprehensive identity theft protection services throughout its lineup of three plans that cover individuals, couples, and families.

Aura Overview

  • 3-bureau credit monitoring in all plans
  • 401K and investment protections even on the dark web
  • Up to $5 million in identity theft insurance is available
  • Spam removal service
  • Automobile and home title monitoring
  • Child ID protections
  • Family Protection plan includes protection for five adults
  • Unlimited number of children protected in the family plan
  • Criminal records monitoring is available in all plans
  • Antivirus and VPN are available for ten devices per listed adult in the chosen plan
  • Parental controls with game reports in the family plan

Why We Chose Aura

Aura identity theft protection offers solid coverage of all the most important identity theft vulnerabilities, except for social media monitoring. However, Aura provides excellent benefits in its other features, especially for seniors and others concerned mostly with financial and investment security.

Aura Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Financial and credit monitoring protections
  • Excellent customer service reviews
  • 14-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee are available
  • VPN, virus protection, and online security tools are included in all plans
  • Up to $5 million identity fraud insurance available in family plan
  • Robust child identity protection and online safety tools

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer social media monitoring
  • Credit reports are only available annually
  • Costs more than some competitors

Best for All-Around Protection: Identity Guard

Identity Guard review image

Identity Guard is our pick for the best all-around identity theft protection. The company offers three plans ranging from budget-friendly to robust and comprehensive. While nothing in any of the plans is extraordinary regarding additional benefits, Identity Guard offers solid value for general protections at competitive prices.

Identity Guard Overview

  • Competitive pricing with annual payment option discount
  • Low-price plans available
  • High overall consumer satisfaction ratings
  • 3-bureau credit monitoring in top two plans
  • $1 million ID theft insurance in all plans
  • Data breach alerts in all plans
  • Straightforward pricing for individuals and families
  • Unlimited children coverages in all family plans
  • No trial period available
  • Child protections include SSN monitoring
  • Credit card purchase monitoring includes debit cards
  • Both criminal and sex offender monitoring included in Ultra plan

Why We Chose Identity Guard

Identity Guard does an excellent job of providing a solid level of ID theft protections without complicating things by adding unnecessary fluff and does so at affordable prices for the coverage consumers receive.

Identity Guard Pros and Cons

Pros

  • $1 million ID theft insurance in every plan
  • Lower-cost options than parent company Aura
  • More plan choices than Aura
  • Social media monitoring available in Ultra plan
  • High average consumer ratings

Cons

  • No money-back trial
  • Most comprehensive features aren’t available in lowest-cost plans
  • Fraud resolution assistance only available in the Ultra plan

Best for Restoring Your Identity: IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ reviews image

IdentityIQ offers a wide range of plans and prices starting at $6.99 per month for basic, individual identity theft protection and up to $29.99 monthly for comprehensive coverage for the entire family.

While all of the company’s plans offer up to $1 million in ID theft insurance and some restoration services, the Secure Max plan provides an assigned restoration manager with limited power of attorney to act on your behalf when repairing damage caused by identity theft.

IdentityIQ Overview

  • $1 million stolen funds reimbursement in all plans
  • $25K ID theft insurance in family Secure Max plan
  • Lawyer and expert expense coverage in all plans
  • Personal expense compensation
  • SSN alerts in all plans
  • Limited power of attorney restoration in top Secure Max plan
  • 3-bureau credit reports and scores
  • 3-bureau credit report monitoring in top two plans
  • Credit score change alerts in top two plans
  • Synthetic ID theft protection

Why We Chose IdentityIQ

IdentiyIQ offer well-rounded protections from basic to advanced with prices to match that are relatively budget-friendly. However, the company stands out on our list for its dedication to credit and identity restoration should you become a victim.

IdentityIQ Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Lowest priced plan includes extensive features
  • Secure Max plan includes family coverage
  • Customers assigned a personal restoration manager if necessary
  • LPOA identity restoration services are available
  • All plans include some forms of ID restoration services
  • All plans include $1 million in identity theft insurance

Cons

  • Only 1-bureau credit monitoring in lowest-cost plan
  • Credit score change alerts not available in lowest-cost plan
  • Middle-tier plan only offers biannual credit reports
  • Anti-virus and VPN are add-on costs
  • Family plan only available in Secure Max plan

Best for Family Identity Protection: IdentityForce

IdentityForce | family identity theft protection with ChildWatch image

IdentityForce rates as our pick for having the best family identity protection. While the company offers individuals premier ID theft protection services, it provides the same robust coverage for families for just a few more dollars per month.

IdentityForce offers two main plans, one with credit monitoring and one without. Its ChildWatch children’s identity theft protection coverages are available with an individual plan or as part of a family plan.

IdentityForce Overview

  • ChildWatch available with any plan for $2.75 monthly
  • $1 million identity theft insurance with any plan
  • 30-day trial period
  • Quarterly credit report availability
  • Business and employee protection available
  • Medical ID fraud protection available
  • Family coverage available with either plan
  • Family plans include two adults and unlimited children
  • Must call for a price quote for family plans
  • Deceased family member fraud protection
  • Investment account alerts

Why We Chose IdentityForce

IdentityForce’s focus on protecting the family by offering comprehensive identity theft coverage for the entire household, including children, at a price not much higher than individual protection make the company our choice for best in family protection.

IdentityForce Pros and Cons

Pros

  • All plans include $1 million identity theft insurance
  • 30-day trial period
  • 3-bureau credit monitoring, scores, and alerts in UltraSecure+Credit
  • Quarterly credit report availability
  • Deceased family member protection
  • Solid overall consumer ratings
  • Pricing discount for annual payments

Cons

  • Credit monitoring only available in the higher-cost plan
  • Must call for family pricing
  • A low-cost plan isn’t available

Best Plan Options: Lifelock

LifeLock review image

LifeLock offers consumers a wide range of plans that provide comprehensive identity theft protection and insurance against compromised identities and the associated costs. While the company offers numerous plans for individuals, couples, and families with children, its plan prices are generally higher than average among its competitors.

The company’s ID theft protections include social security monitoring and stolen funds, identity restoration, and stolen wallet protection in every plan. LifeLock’s plans include at least $1 million in identity theft protection insurance per adult.

LifeLock Overview

  • Up to nine individual and family plans are available
  • 30-day free trial
  • Home title protection is available
  • Family plan options include 2 adults and up to 5 children
  • Three-bureau credit monitoring and reporting available in Ultimate Plus plan
  • SSN monitoring comes standard with every plan
  • Credit file monitoring for children in each family plan
  • Stolen funds and expense reimbursement in every plan
  • Identity restoration and stolen wallet protection in every plan
  • Promotional first-year pricing is available

Why We Chose LifeLock

Lifelock is out pick for providing consumers the most plan options to ensure they receive the coverages vital to them. By offering three distinct plan types in several configurations, you’re likely to find a plan to meet your needs, whether for an individual, family, or family with children.

LifeLock Pros and Cons

Pros

  • A total of nine plans are available
  • 30-day free trial
  • A trusted name in identity and online identity protection
  • 401K and investment protections available
  • Stolen funds and wallet coverage in all plans
  • Credit monitoring in all plans

Cons

  • VPN only available as an add-on
  • Prices increase after the first year
  • Plan more expensive than many competitors
  • Social media monitoring is unavailable
  • Three-bureau credit monitoring only in Ultimate Plus plans
Top 5 Identity Protection Companies Allstate Identity Protection Aura Identity Guard IdentityIQ IdentityForce LifeLock
Trusted Company Review Score 4.3 4.7 4.5 4.45 4.35 4.3
Maximum Identity Theft Insurance Amount Per Adult $2M $5M $1M $1M $1M $3M
Trial Period 30 days 14 days None 7 days 30 days 30 days
Credit Monitoring Available in Lowest Cost Plan 1 Bureau 3 Bureau 1 Bureau 1 Bureau None 1 Bureau
Dark Web Monitoring Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Available Number of Dependants Protected 10 No Limit No Limit 4 Quote required 5
VPN Available Yes Yes No Add on Yes Add on
Lowest Monthly Cost $9.99 $20 $8.99 $6.99 $17.99 $11.99
Highest Monthly Cost $19.99 $65 $39.99 $29.99 $23.99+ $79.99

How Identity Theft Protection Companies Work

An identity theft protection company monitors your personally identifiable information (PII). Your PII is all of the personal information about you that records your existence and distinguishes you from everyone else as far as legal identity is concerned. Your social security number, birthday, banking and credit account numbers, full and former names, and addresses are all examples of your PII.

When you hire an identity theft protection company to protect your identity, the company uses your PII and other information you provide to monitor credit bureaus, banking and credit accounts, court records, computer equipment, and any other accounts that may contain information about you. When the company identifies an anomaly, suspicious activity, or something that needs your attention, it sends you an alert.

The alerts you receive often allow you to confirm the action or stop it from going forward. If the service fails to detect an identity thief and you suffer losses, most identity theft protection companies provide insurance to help cover costs and assistance in dealing with the problem.

How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Identity thieves come in all shapes and sizes and look for any angle to access your PII and use it without your knowledge. The main rule for protecting your identity is constant vigilance by you or an ID theft protection company.

Protecting yourself from identity theft requires a three-pronged approach: Keep your information private and secure, always know who you’re giving it to, and monitor all your accounts for unexpected changes.

Additionally, you can limit your exposure online by using strong passwords and changing them frequently. Using a VPN or other online protection tool is also highly recommended.

How to Choose an Identity Theft Protection Company

Choosing an identity theft company that fits your needs is a matter of matching the services you need with your budget and comfort level. Following are a few traits to look for and decisions you’ll need to make to find the one that fits you best.

  • Your ID theft company should offer substantial identity theft insurance.
  • Decide if you need full or partial identity protection.
  • Determine the assets and accounts that are most vulnerable to attacks.
  • Look for a company with strong online protections.
  • If you need family coverage, ensure your plan provides child identity protection.
  • Ensure the plan you choose fits your budget.
  • If you’re uncertain, opt for a company with a generous trial period.

Do I Need Identity Theft Protection?

While identity theft protection is a highly valuable service, not everyone needs to pay for a detailed coverage plan. You may get by with minimal ID theft protection or be able to DIY it if you don’t have several accounts to protect or have few financial assets.

However, if you’ve been a victim of ID theft in the past, have children who are frequently online, are elderly or otherwise vulnerable, or have large account assets, having an identity theft protection plan is important for keeping your identity from being stolen or stolen again.

How We Chose the Best Identity Theft Protection Company

To determine our picks for the best identity theft protection companies, we evaluated several of the most popular competitors in the industry, ranked them according to the metrics below, and chose the best one in each of our categories.

  • Identity theft and other insurance coverages
  • Strength of banking and credit account monitoring
  • Details of the alert systems used
  • Strength of online protection
  • Availability of free credit monitoring
  • Low and high plan prices
  • Family plan inclusions
  • Strength of child protections

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions surrounding identity theft protection services.

What is the very best identity theft protection?

While our choice for the best overall identity theft protection company is Allstate Identity Protection, the very best ID theft company is the one that meets your needs best. We put together this review to help you identify potential candidate companies based on the protection you’re seeking.

Is it worth it to pay for identity theft protection?

It’s possible to perform some of the functions of an identity theft protection company yourself. However, identity protection services can reach vulnerable areas you may not be able to access, such as the dark web. ID theft protection companies also keep watch 24/7. If you have accounts and assets that could be exploitable targets, paying for identity protection is usually your most secure option.

What should you do if your identity is stolen?

If you become the victim of identity theft, there are a number of actions to take as soon as possible to limit the damage and start repairs.

  • Freeze your credit reports
  • Contact your insurance company
  • Contact law enforcement and file a report
  • Contact your identity theft protection company if applicable
  • Reset your passwords and use two-factor authentication
  • Contact banks and creditors to get and provide information
Do banks cover identity theft?

While banks don’t officially call it identity theft protection, most banks, lenders, and credit cards offer fraud protections with widely varied details. Most institutions will reverse unauthorized charges and work with you to repair the situation.

Identity Theft Protection Rating Methodology

Satisfaction Guarantee Yes: 5 points

No: 0 points

ID theft protection insurance amount $5 million +: 10 points

$1– $5 million: 6 points

Less than $1 million: 3 points

None: 0 points

Credit monitoring Three bureau: 10 points

Less than three: 5 points

None: 0 points

Family plan available Child protection: 10 points

Protection in highest plan only: 8 points

None: 0 points

Monthly pricing Under $15: 10 points

Variable pricing: 5 points

Over $40: 0 points

Dark web monitoring Yes: 5 points

No: 0 points

Resolution services available Yes: 10 points

No: 0 points

Alerts Fraud AND Credit: 10 points

Fraud OR Credit: 5 points

None: 0 points

Online privacy attributes VPN:                            3 points

Password mgr:            3 points

Ad blocker:                  3 points

Antivirus protection:      3 points

Data removal:               3 points

Multiple device protection :3 points

Expert opinion score Up to 20 points