The 5 best identity theft protection & credit monitoring services in 2022

Specs:

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Cost: $9.99 per month
• App Store rating: 4.5
• Google Play rating: 4.3

Aura shares that it has up to 4x faster fraud alerts than other services helping you act sooner rather than later if there is a threat. Alerts are sent directly to your phone, so there are no delays, giving you the chance to react almost immediately. The app also secures your passwords, tracks spending, and offers easy access to your credit report. 

There are preemptive measures, too, like online security and a secure VPN, with extra measures to block harmful malware and phishing websites that can harm your identity and steal your information. If something is wrong, it is simple to lock your Experian credit file to block any new credit cards or loans using your identity. To get started, try the 14-day free trial for a test drive. 

Pros:

• Triple bureau monitoring
• Investment tracking
• Antivirus tools

Cons:

• Requires monthly subscription

Specs:

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Cost: $17.99 – $23.99 per month 
• App Store rating: 3.1
• Google Play Rating: 2.4

As a TransUnion brand, IdentityForce offers reliability as a trusted name in security and credit monitoring. Its services are threefold: Advanced Fraud Monitoring, 3-Bureau Credit Report Monitoring, and support from identity restoration experts. The service uses its signature Sontiq Intelligent Identity Security (IIS) platform, which provides mobile threat management and makes available a secure VPN for browsing. 

You even get protection for your mobile device with Mobile Attack Control, a feature that protects your phone from a variety of threats and will deliver alerts if compromised. This ad-free mobile app is easy to navigate, thanks to a recently updated interface. You will receive alerts delivered in real-time, plus enjoy multiple security features, including Two Factor Authentication (2FA), Touch ID, and advanced detection technology. If you need support at any time, 24/7 U.S.-based support is available to help.

Pros:

• Full-faceted identity theft protection
• Social media monitoring
• Business accounts available 

Cons:

• Low Google Play ratings
• Limited app details on Google Play and App Store

Specs:

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Cost: $19.99 – $39.99
• App Store: 2.3
• Google Play: 2.1

Identity Guard uses artificial intelligence to pinpoint threats and deliver alerts to keep you informed and in control at all times. If a new account opens in your name or is changed at some point, you will receive notifications so you can confirm that they were correctly made. It also tracks your credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and even your health insurance number to ensure all are free from fraud. 

To help you grow even stronger, Identity Guard lets you access your monthly Vantage 3.0 credit report for free. You also receive annual credit reports that include information from Equifax, Experian, and Transunion for a more well-rounded portrait of your credit.

Pros:

• Identity theft insurance included
• Exclusive AI technology
• Family plans available

Cons:

• Higher-priced family plans
• Limited credit reporting

Specs:

• Compatibility: Windows, Mac
• Cost: $9.99 – $29.99 per month

IdentityIQ shines with its identity theft insurance, offering up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for each primary member. You can expect to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs up to $1 million, helping to ensure that your finances do not fall victim, too. These costs can include lost wages, legal experts, and reimbursement for stolen funds. 

There is also help with identity restoration if you do become a victim of identity theft. For your everyday needs, you can connect up to 10 devices to the Bitdefender Premium VPN, secure your identity while you work and browse, and monitor the dark web. 

You also receive access to Anti-Virus with Bitdefender Total Security, real-time credit reporting, and enhanced credit monitoring. You can even enroll your children under the age of 24.

Pros: 

• Three-bureau reporting
• Multi-faceted tools
• Regularly updated resources

Cons: 

• No app
• Can get pricey

Specs:

• Compatibility: Android, iOS
• Cost: $11.99 – $34.99 per month
• App Store rating: 4.6
• Google Play Rating: 4.7

Lifelock takes things one step further by offering fully-faceted services, like social media monitoring and home title monitoring, in addition to identity restoration services from U.S.-based specialists with $1 million in protection. The process is simple. Once you sign up, Lifelock will begin scanning your information for threats. If one is found, there are several different forms of alerts, whether it is by phone, text, email, or even the mobile app. U.S.-based Identity Restoration Specialists step in when there is a problem, helping to facilitate your reimbursement, up to your plan’s limits. Plus, when you sign up for an annual plan, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee while you try out the service.

Pros: 

• U.S.-based Identity Restoration Specialists
• Multiple alert options
• Fraud reimbursement

Cons:

• Must purchase membership
• Must upgrade to an annual plan for best deal