Every 22 seconds, there is a case of identity theft, with 5.7 million cases of identity theft and fraud reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in recent years. 

If you are unlucky enough to become the victim of identity theft, this opens the door to financial fraud, potential account compromise -- not only banking, but online services -- and the frustration of talking to your service providers, freezing cards, and, in the worst cases, the fight to reclaim your cash.

What makes it worse is that in many cases, identity theft is completely out of your hands and control, as third-party security incidents and breaches cause them. It's enough to make anyone feel anxious, but there are services to help. 

The right credit monitoring and identity theft protection service can put in place safeguards to help protect you and your credit. You can monitor various personal information points including your name, SSN, linked financial accounts, addresses, credit agreements, and more. Reputable services will alert you when there are changes, your credit report alters, or new activities using your identity are detected -- such as loan applications or insurance sign-ups.

Aura  is our top pick, since it offers fantastic features for the whole family. It is one of the most affordable of all the services on our list with some of the highest ratings, further adding peace of mind. 

Here are some of the best identity theft protection and monitoring services we recommend in August 2023, which include free, freemium, and paid services.

The best identity theft protection and credit monitoring services of 2023

Aura

Best identity theft and credit monitoring service overall

Aura Pros & Cons Pros

• Monitoring for all three credit bureaus
• Antivirus tools
• Investment tracking

Cons

• Requires monthly subscription

More Details

Aura features: Android, iOS compatibility AI functionality Monitors online accounts, passwords, SSN, and identities online  Password manager White Glove fraud recovery team  Safe gaming

Aura offers rapid fraud alerts to help you act sooner rather than later if there is a threat. Alerts are sent directly to your phone via user-friendly mobile apps 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 features set to block harmful malware and phishing websites that can risk your identity and steal your information. 

If something is wrong and suspicious activity is detected, you can quickly freeze your credit and contact Aura's team, who will help you resolve and recover from fraud incidents. Up to$1 million is on offer regarding identity theft insurance. 

Aura offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and is currently available at up to 70% off. Subscriptions start at$9 monthly for an individual account, rising to$24 for a family plan, which includes additional features such as 'Safe gaming' and online predator alerts.

Also: What is my credit score? Why it exists and why you need to build it

View now at Aura

IdentityForce

Best identity theft and credit monitoring service for mobile protection

IdentityForce/ Pros & Cons Pros

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

Cons

• Low Google Play ratings
• Customers report app issues

More Details

IdentityForce eatures: Android, iOS compatibility Identity monitoring Business plans Mobile alertsProtect keystrokes, PIN numbers court and address monitoring  30-day trial

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. 

IdentityForce will keep an eye on your identity. The company will alert you to changes in your credit report, activity relating to your social security number, bank and investment account activity, payday loan applications, and more.

You even get protection for your mobile device with Mobile Attack Control, a feature that protects your phone from various threats and will deliver alerts if compromised. You will receive real-time alerts and there are 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.

Identity theft insurance is available at up to$1 million.

Plans start at$17.95 per month, and each option will give you a 30-day trial.

Also:The best VPN services (and whether it's worth trying free VPNs)

View now at IdentityForce

Identity Guard

Best budget identity theft and credit monitoring service

Identity Guard/ Pros & Cons Pros

• Identity theft protection services included
• Family plans available

Cons

• Limited credit reporting tools
• Users report the latest Android app is problematic

More Details

Identity Guard features: Android, iOS compatibility Fraud monitoring and alerts for identity, SSNs, tax, and more  Up to$1 million identity theft insurance Individual and family plans

Identity Guard pinpoints threats and delivers identity protection 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 -- or challenge them if you suspect fraud. 

It also tracks your credit card numbers, bank account numbers, SSNs, and health insurance numbers to ensure all are free from fraud, mistakes, and crime. 

Credit reports are available and the company provides up to$1 million in identity theft insurance to customers.

There is 24/7 support based in the U.S. if customers encounter issues or have any concerns.

While some users report issues with the Android app, the price point makes it an affordable solution, with plans starting at only$6.67 monthly. At the time of writing, Identity Guard's premium Ultra plan is available for a discount of 40%, at only$17.99 per month. Family plans are also available.

View now at Identity Guard

Experian

Best identity theft and credit monitoring service for credit scores

Experian Pros & Cons Pros

• Free basic credit report
• Credit boosts

Cons

• A learning curve
• Expensive

More Details

Experian features: Credit report, security monitoring  Free credit freezes Dark Web scans Individual and family plans Credit report boosts Free account

Experian's offerings for credit score management and security checks are worth considering if you want a solution that monitors your data and allows you to repair your credit score at the same time. 

If you're willing to go through your report, request changes, and accept the credit monitoring agency's recommendations, you can improve your credit score over time. Experian also provides alerts for new or suspicious activity, ranging from the use of your identity to loan & court filing alerts. 

The company conducts ID theft monitoring, privacy scans, checks for adults and children, Dark Web surveillance, and identity theft insurance.

Experian's free credit freeze service is useful if you believe you are a victim of identity theft or financial fraud. 

You can sign up for a basic, free account to monitor your credit and FICO score. Premium plans with advanced features start at$24.99 per month.

View now at Experian

Lifelock

Best identity theft and credit monitoring service for identity restoration

Lifelock/ Pros & Cons Pros

• U.S.-based identity restoration specialists
• Multiple alert options
• Fraud reimbursement

Cons

• Paid membership required
• Must upgrade to an annual plan for the best deals

More Details

Lifelock features: Android, iOS compatible Alerts issued via text, phone, email, and more Identity and Social Security number alerts Credit monitoring  Online scans  Identity restoration

Lifelock by Norton 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 up to$3 million in insurance coverage -- including legal fees, personal expenses, and stolen fund reimbursement. 

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 a mobile app. 

The identity restoration specialists step in when there is a problem, helping to facilitate your reimbursement up to your plan's limits. 

Plans begin at$7.50 per month.

View now at Lifelock

What is the best identity theft and credit monitoring service?

Aura offers fantastic features for the whole family, making it our pick for the best identity theft and credit monitoring service. It is one of the most affordable of all the services on our list with some of the highest ratings, further adding peace of mind. 

To help with your decision, here is a quick overview of the best identity theft and credit monitoring services available today.

Best identity theft protection and credit monitoring services	Cost (monthly)	App Store rating	Google Play rating
Aura	$9+	4.6	4.3
IdentityForce	$17.95+	3.1	2.5
Identity Guard	$6.67+	4.2	2.2
Experian	$Free -$24.99+	4.8	4.7
LifeLock	$7.50+	4.3	4.7

Which is the right identity theft and monitoring service for you?

The best identity theft protection and credit monitoring service depends on your circumstances -- but in any case, is now critical, considering how often data breaches occur and how much information about all of us is now circulating online.

After a while, all services can begin to blend together and feel the same. To help you decide, these are our expert recommendations for the best identity theft and credit monitoring service for your family.  

Choose this best identity theft and monitoring service...	If you want...
Aura	Features for the whole family. Aura is a one-stop-shop for identity theft protection and monitoring and should be your top choice if you need protection for yourself and others.
IdentityForce	Comprehensive protection from a trusted brand. While the IdentityForce app needs improvement, the array of security and monitoring features is still appealing.
Identity Guard	Coverage that works for multiple devices at an affordable price point. Identity Guard supports millions of customers and does so at an affordable rate, if you are potentially willing to compromise on app quality.
Experian	Security and credit score repairs. Experian is best suited to those who want identity theft monitoring, but also want to start improving or repairing their credit score.
LifeLock	Guided restoration service and hands-off protection. LifeLock's active monitoring will suit someone who wants to remain protected but may also prefer a phone call or text, rather than mobile app alerts.

How did we choose these identity theft and credit monitoring services?

When choosing the best credit monitoring and identity theft services, there are a number of factors we considered, including:

• Insurance: Identity theft insurance is an invaluable asset if you become a victim of identity theft. Most plans offer up to$1 million in coverage, but that number can vary from company to company. That is why it is important to review your plan in advance so you can be sure you have the right amount of protection. 
• Credit bureaus: Most identity theft and credit monitoring services will offer credit monitoring via three or more bureaus, further helping to ensure that you do not miss anything that may arise. It may require an upgrade in the plan, but it is well worth it if you find yourself dealing with identity fraud. 
• Plans: With most services, you can choose between multiple plans. These come at different price points, but the selection helps to ensure that you can find the right plan with the coverage you need.
• Free options: Considering how prevalent data breaches are, many credit agencies offer free options to keep an eye on your credit records, credit score, and may flag up suspicious activity.
• Price: Accordingly, the cost of each plan is a consideration, as many people are on a budget and seeking an affordable solution to their identity theft and credit monitoring needs. 
• Mobile apps:When you receive an email stating your score has changed, it's useful to be able to check your report through your mobile. Many providers now offer this service. 

Why are identity theft protection and credit monitoring services necessary?

In addition to tracking your credit, an identity theft service helps to protect your identity and finances by regularly tracking both. This is especially important in a time when data breaches are so frequent.

It can also provide insurance so you can be compensated, according to your plan's coverage level (usually up to$1 million), if you are a victim of identity theft. 

Do credit scores matter?

Yes, and no. In many ways they are arbitrary figures assigned to you to determine credit 'worthiness' and whether you would be considered a financial risk for loans, such as mortgages or vehicle financing. Agency scores tend to differ, but unless you reach a 'Good' range, you might find it difficult to secure credit in the future.

For a comprehensive guide on what credit scores mean, check out our guide below. 

See:What is my credit score? Why it exists and why you need to build it

How do I protect my identity online?

There are several ways you can protect your identity online. Be sure to review both your bank and credit card accounts to ensure there is no fraudulent activity regularly. Experts also recommend securing personal information, using antivirus software, regularly updating programs and software, and changing your passwords frequently. 

Also:How to delete yourself from internet search results and hide your identity online

Are there any alternatives worth considering?

Our top recommendations are not the only identity theft and credit monitoring services available. Far from it -- there is a wealth of services out there that can help you protect your identity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. Here are some of the other services you could also consider:

Best alternative for personal or business use

ID Watchdog

ID Watchdog is an Equifax service for businesses and families that also monitors for tax, child, and medical ID theft.

View at ID Watchdog

Best alternative for coverage from all three bureaus

myFICO

myFICO's plans, while expensive (starting at$19.95/month), offer 3-bureau coverage, credit reports, and credit monitoring. 

View at Myfico

Best alternative for monitoring and ID restoration

IDShield

IDShield will alert you to changes and threats, and will also help you restore your records if you've become the victim of ID theft. 

View at IDShield

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