Cheap Identity Theft Protection Services for 2024 (Comparison)

Looking for affordable identity theft protection that doesn't skimp on quality? In this guide, we’ll review the best budget-friendly services for 2024, focusing on those that offer top features – like credit monitoring and real-time alerts. From Identity Guard to Aura, LifeLock, IDShield, and IdentityIQ, we’ll break down how each service can help you protect your identity without the hefty price tag.

As identity theft rises, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. New data breaches and constant cyberattacks make it crucial to stay proactive about your security. Finding the best value doesn’t have to be hard.

Why you should trust us? Well, our team has rigorously tested each service, considering key factors like ease of use, customer support, and overall protection. We’ve done the hard work, so you can make an informed decision to keep your identity – and your family’s – safe.

	Identity Guard	Aura	LifeLock	IDShield	IdentityIQ
Website	IdentityGuard.com	Aura.com	LifeLock.Norton.com	IDSield.com	IdentityIQ.com
Cheapest plan	$7.50/month	$12/month	$7.50/month	$14.95/month	$6.99/month
Cheapest family plan (adults and kids)	$12.50/month	$32/month	$18.49/month	$29.95/month	$ 29.99/month
Money-back guarantee	60 days	60 days	60 days	30 days	Not stated
Best deal	40% Off Coupon >	68% Off Coupon >	52% Off Coupon >	N/A	N/A

Excited to find out which service gives you the best deal? Let’s explore.

Highlights from our guide to budget-friendly ID theft protection

• When choosing identity theft protection services, look for key features like credit bureau monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft insurance, and alert systems to keep your personal information safe and sound.

• Identity Guard shines as a top budget-friendly option, with plans kicking off at just $7.50 per month. It offers comprehensive monitoring and a whopping $1 million in insurance coverage, making it a smart choice for savvy savers.

• Budget ID protection often misses premium perks, but Aura and LifeLock provide fast alerts and insurance for solid value and peace of mind.

• Discover the best Identity Guard deals and save on comprehensive identity theft protection.

What to look for in a cheap identity theft protection service

When searching for affordable identity theft protection, it's important to focus on the features that offer both comprehensive coverage and great value. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Comprehensive credit bureau monitoring: A must-have for detecting unauthorized changes in your credit report. Services that monitor all three major bureaus offer the quickest way to flag suspicious activity.

2. Dark web monitoring: Critical for alerting you if your personal data ends up on the dark web. The best services include free dark web scans to check for compromised information.

3. Identity theft insurance: Essential for covering expenses like legal fees, lost wages, and recovery costs. Aim for services that provide coverage up to $1 million for solid financial protection.

4. Alert systems: Important for getting notified of breaches involving your bank accounts, social security number (SSN), and other sensitive details. Some plans even include social media monitoring to keep your online presence safe.

5. Reputation and reliability: Opt for companies with strong reviews and a proven track record. Reliable customer support is key for recovering from identity theft quickly and efficiently.

6. Annual billing discounts – Services that offer annual billing options often provide discounts, making them a more budget-friendly choice in the long run.

7. Money-back guarantees and free trials – Look for services with money-back guarantees or free trials to test the service and ensure it fits your needs without upfront commitment.

By considering these features and seeking out available deals, you can find affordable protection that doesn’t skimp on security.

Best budget-friendly identity theft protection services of 2024

We’ve done the homework for you and found the top five affordable identity theft protection services for 2024. Each one provides strong protection along with great perks, all while staying budget-friendly:

1. Identity Guard – Offers cost-effective protection starting at $7.50/month with comprehensive monitoring and $1 million in insurance. AI-enhanced detection and family plans covering up to five adults make it ideal for households.

2. Aura – Delivers swift alerts and comprehensive protection, backed by $1 million in insurance per person. Its plans include three-bureau credit monitoring, antivirus protection and a password manager, enhancing its value as an affordable option.

3. LifeLock – Slightly pricier but offers extensive alerts and security with its Million Dollar Protection Package and Norton 360 integration, ensuring thorough protection.

4. IDShield– Individual plans start at $14.95/month, offering up to $3 million in insurance and extensive social media monitoring with expert assistance.

5. IdentityIQ – Affordable at $6/month with $1 million in insurance. Offers synthetic identity theft monitoring and optional digital security tools.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the best identity theft protection options out there. We’ll show you what makes each service shine, their top perks, and how they keep your identity locked down.

1. Identity Guard – Best choice to secure your identity without breaking the bank

If you're looking for top-notch identity protection without emptying your wallet, Identity Guard is a fantastic option. Whether you need just the basics or something more feature-packed, their plans fit a wide range of budgets. The “Ultra” plan is their crown jewel, packed with premium features like three-bureau credit monitoring and lightning-fast alerts powered by IBM Watson’s AI. Even with all these extras, it’s still reasonably priced, making it a great deal for those who want the best protection.

One of the things that really stands out is their insurance coverage. For just $7.50 a month, the “Value” plan offers fantastic protection, including $1 million in identity theft insurance, dark web monitoring, and breach alerts – an amazing deal for budget-conscious users. You’ll also get notified of potential threats quickly, thanks to their cutting-edge AI system, which is faster than most other services.

The platform is super easy to use, whether you’re on your computer or phone. The dashboard makes managing your protection simple and stress-free. While customer support is only available during certain hours, the overall value of their plans more than makes up for that.

All in all, Identity Guard is a top pick for anyone who wants strong, affordable identity protection that doesn’t skimp on value.

See all Identity Guard features here >

Next, let’s uncover what Aura has to offer and how it measures up to Identity Guard in terms of value.

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2. Aura – Swift alerts and comprehensive coverage for all users

Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Aura has quickly become a go-to choice for identity protection in the US. This service isn’t just about keeping an eye on your personal information – it offers a full arsenal of tools to safeguard your identity. Monitoring everything from SSNs to criminal records, Aura provides a robust safety net for anyone looking to protect their identity.

One of the best features is its super-fast alert system, which notifies you of credit inquiries and potential fraud with remarkable speed. Starting at just $9 per month (with a coupon), Aura’s most affordable plan offers a great mix of identity and credit monitoring and $1 million in insurance. Ideal for single users looking for strong security without overspending.

Aura also amps up your digital security with handy extras like antivirus protection, a VPN, and a password manager – all included at no extra cost. Families will appreciate that multiple adult family members can be covered under one plan, with up to $5 million in coverage for everyone under one roof.

With three-bureau credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and fraud call protection, Aura checks all the boxes. Though it’s slightly pricier than basic plans, it’s a worthy investment for those serious about online security. Choosing Aura means peace of mind for you and your family against identity theft and other online threats.

See all Aura features here >

Now, let's explore what LifeLock brings to the table and see how it stacks up against Identity Guard and Aura.

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3. LifeLock – Solid identity protection with Norton 360 integration

LifeLock has been a trusted name in identity theft protection since 2005, offering a strong combination of robust security features and financial protection. Its standout feature, the million dollar protection package, covers legal fees, stolen funds, and expert costs related to identity theft – providing significant peace of mind with serious financial backing.

One of LifeLock’s key strengths is its proactive alert system, especially for identity and SSN changes. This feature helps users catch potential threats early, giving them the opportunity to act before any serious damage is done. For those looking for comprehensive identity monitoring, LifeLock’s service is extensive, covering everything from credit to dark web surveillance.

For budget-conscious users, LifeLock’s “Standard” plan starts at just $7.50 per month for the first year, offering solid protection, including $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement and $1 million for legal expenses. This makes it a more affordable entry into LifeLock’s protection, although prices do increase after the initial discount.

Families also benefit from LifeLock's partnership with Norton 360, which adds valuable security tools like malware protection, a secure VPN, and social media monitoring, all at no extra cost. Despite the higher price tag, the range of services and financial protection make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about safeguarding their identity and personal data.

See all LifeLock features here >

Let’s explore IDShield’s features and find out how it stands against the competition.

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4. IDShield – Budget-friendly identity theft protection for the whole family

Since its rebranding in 2011 as a subsidiary of LegalShield, IDShield has carved out a niche for itself with a thorough approach to keeping your data safe. Based in Oklahoma, it offers 24/7 monitoring of personal and financial info, focusing on rapid responses if fraud strikes.

IDShield includes an identity theft defense to keep an eye on your credit activity and potential fraud. Plus, every plan comes with a free Trend Micro security suite, featuring a VPN, antivirus software, and a password manager for added protection.

With individual plans priced between $14.95 and $19.95 per month, depending on credit bureau coverage, it’s a budget-friendly option. Families can benefit too, with plans ranging from $29.95 to $34.95 per month, covering two adults and unlimited dependent children.

One standout feature of IDShield is its alert system. You’ll receive timely notifications about potential identity threats, allowing you to act quickly before any damage is done. However, some users may experience alert fatigue from the volume of notifications, so be prepared to sift through them.

When it comes to financial protection, IDShield shines with up to $3 million in reimbursement for unrecovered costs related to identity theft – a comforting safety net. Plus, its social media monitoring feature helps you keep your online reputation intact by scanning for posts that could impact job prospects.

When it comes to value, IDShield shines in the identity theft protection arena. Even with potential alert fatigue, its robust coverage and rapid notifications ensure your personal information stays protected.

Now, let’s turn our attention to IdentityIQ and see what it has to offer for keeping your identity safe.

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5. IdentityIQ – Stay secure with innovative synthetic identity theft monitoring

If you're on the hunt for budget-friendly identity theft protection, look no further than IdentityIQ’s “Secure Plan”, which starts at just $6.99 per month. You might be surprised that this affordable plan provides a remarkable $1 million in identity theft insurance, covering essential recovery expenses and offering solid protection without breaking the bank.

IdentityIQ offers superb features like lost wallet assistance and junk mail opt-out, helping you replace important documents and reduce fraud risk. Their IQ alerts keep you informed with notifications for suspicious activity related to your SSN and change-of-address requests. Additionally, IdentityIQ scans file-sharing networks to prevent unauthorized sharing of your information, ensuring your sensitive data stays secure and protected.

One of the standout features of IdentityIQ is its monitoring for synthetic identity theft – a crafty type of fraud where criminals mix real and fake information to create new identities. This proactive approach is a game-changer, helping catch sophisticated schemes that other services might overlook. However, if you're tempted to add digital security tools, keep in mind that this can increase the overall cost.

For families, the “Secure Max” plan is worth considering, as it offers comprehensive protection, though at a higher price. It's the only plan that provides full family coverage, making it a great choice for households looking to secure everyone’s identity. However, do note that customer support hours are a bit limited, with help available only on weekdays and during select hours on Saturdays, which might be a downside for some.

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How much should you spend on identity theft protection?

When it comes to identity theft protection, the amount you spend depends on what you need and your budget. If you’re looking for a smart, cost-effective option, check out Identity Guard. They offer protection starting at just $7.50 per month, featuring comprehensive monitoring and an impressive $1 million in insurance – pretty reassuring, right?

If you want a bit more coverage, like dark web monitoring and enhanced alerts, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 per month. However, services like Aura provide comprehensive packages at competitive prices, making robust protection budget-friendly. With features like 3-bureau credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, antivirus software, and a secure VPN bundled together, you can rest easy knowing your identity is safeguarded on multiple fronts – all for great value.

Also, many providers offer discounts for signing up for a year, which can save you quite a bit compared to monthly payments. For instance, McAfee’s family identity theft protection plan kicks off at $62.99 for the first year, while their “Ultimate” plan costs up to $249.99 for two adults. These plans provide extensive coverage that makes the investment worth it.

In the end, the cost of protection should match your needs. Compare options to find a budget-friendly plan that keeps you secure.

What are the best cost-effective plans for families?

If you want to protect your family's identity without overspending, several services offer excellent coverage with family-friendly features. Here are the best cost-effective plans:

• LifeLock plans include alerts for SSN changes and dark web surveillance, along with a $1 million protection that covers legal fees, stolen funds, and expert assistance. While slightly pricier, LifeLock's additional malware protection is a valuable bonus.

• IDShield is a great option, starting at $29.95 per month. It covers two adults and unlimited children, offering features like social media monitoring and up to $3 million in identity theft insurance to keep your family secure.

• Aura includes three-bureau credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and a VPN for extra digital security. Aura covers multiple adults under one plan and offers up to $5 million in insurance coverage, with quick alerts for potential threats.

By picking an appropriate identity theft protection plan, you can rest easy, confident that your family's sensitive information is well-guarded.

What about free identity theft protection options?

Forever-free identity theft protection can sound appealing, but it’s worth being a little cautious. While these options do provide some security, they don’t always cover everything.

For instance, freezing your credit with the major bureaus is a smart move to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name, and checking your credit reports regularly helps you spot any odd activity. But those steps only offer partial protection.

Setting up transaction alerts on your credit and debit cards can help you catch unauthorized charges early, but relying just on free methods can leave some gaps. Shredding documents helps prevent old-school fraud, but won’t keep you safe from online threats.

Even Experian IdentityWorks offers a free plan with one-bureau credit monitoring, but it’s limited, and you might need more to feel fully protected.

While free options are helpful, they often miss some crucial protections. Pairing them with a low-cost paid service can give you the peace of mind that your identity is safe from more sophisticated attacks.

What are the pros and cons of low-cost identity theft protection services?

Looking to safeguard your identity without emptying your wallet? Low-cost identity theft protection services can be a great option, but it's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before diving in.

Pros of low-cost identity theft protection

The biggest perk of these budget-friendly options is, of course, the price. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get solid protection. With essential features like credit monitoring, dark web scans, and identity theft insurance, these services offer a lot of bang for your buck.

They’re perfect for anyone who wants to protect their identity without committing to high-priced plans. You’ll get the peace of mind you need without stressing over the cost.

Cons of low-cost identity theft protection

However, not everything comes at a bargain. One downside is that relying solely on alerts can sometimes give a false sense of security. While those alerts are helpful, they aren’t always foolproof. So, staying proactive about monitoring your accounts is still key.

Another thing to keep in mind is that low-cost services often come with limited customer support. If something goes wrong, you might not have expert help right away. Plus, some of the fancier features – like deep dark web monitoring or social media tracking – are usually reserved for more expensive plans.

All in all, low-cost identity theft protection can still offer great value, especially if you're mindful of the limitations. By combining these services with free tools like credit freezes, you can beef up your protection without breaking the bank.

Budget-friendly tips to boost your identity theft security

Yes, you can protect your identity without draining your wallet. A touch of creativity and some thoughtful strategies can help you boost your security on a budget. Check out these simple tips:

1. Craft strong, unique passwords: Think of your passwords as the first line of defense. Create strong passwords for each of your accounts, and don't forget to enable two-step authentication (2FA) for that extra layer of protection.

2. Go digital with your wallet: When shopping, try using a digital wallet. It encrypts your payment info, which keeps your financial details safe from prying eyes – plus, it’s super convenient.

3. Act fast if something seems off: If you suspect identity theft, don’t wait. File a claim with your identity theft insurance, freeze your credit, and place a fraud alert right away. Quick action can make a world of difference.

4. Keep an eye on your accounts: Regularly checking your credit reports and financial statements helps you spot any strange activity early on. It’s like giving your accounts a routine check-up.

5. Shred it like you mean it: Before tossing any documents with personal info, make sure to shred them. This simple step can stop identity thieves from getting their hands on your sensitive details.

6. Share wisely online: Be mindful of what personal information you share on social media. A little caution goes a long way in keeping your identity safe.

By combining these practical tips with an affordable identity theft protection service, you’ll be well on your way to safeguarding your identity without breaking the bank.

In summary: Shield your personal data with an identity theft solution today

When it comes to protecting your identity, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In 2024, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly identity theft protection services packed with robust features and comprehensive coverage.

Take Identity Guard, for instance – it shines with its advanced AI technology and offers an impressive $1 million in identity theft insurance, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting solid protection without breaking the bank.

Then there’s Aura, which impresses with speedy alerts and a whole suite of digital security tools, like antivirus and VPN. It's a splendid value for both individuals and families.

LifeLock is another solid contender, especially with its integration with Norton 360 for enhanced security features. Plus, it provides that same million-dollar protection package, ensuring you have extensive financial coverage.

For families, IDShield offers cost-effective plans that include up to a whopping $3 million in insurance and even social media monitoring, making it perfect for households that need thorough protection. And if you’re looking for affordability, IdentityIQ starts at just $6.99 per month and comes with unique perks like synthetic identity theft monitoring and junk mail opt-out – ensuring you get great coverage without overspending.

While basic identity theft protection is a good start, combining it with low-cost services ensures extra security. Take a little time to evaluate your needs, and you’ll discover the perfect mix of cost and coverage to keep your identity safe and sound.

Identity theft protection reviews on RestorePrivacy

Take a look at the top identity theft protection reviews we've covered at RestorePrivacy:

• Aura Review
• Experian IdentityWorks Review
• IDShield Review
• LifeLock Review
• McAfee Review
• IdentityIQ Review
• Identity Guard Review

Identity theft protection comparison guides on RestorePrivacy

We’ve examined several identity theft protection services and compiled comparison guides to make your choice easier. Click the links below for our full reviews.

• Aura vs LifeLock
• Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks
• IDShield vs Aura
• Aura vs McAfee
• LifeLock vs IDShield
• Aura vs Incogni
• Aura vs IdentityIQ
• Aura vs IDShield
• Identity Guard vs Aura
• Identity Guard vs LifeLock
• LifeLock vs Experian Identity Works

Best cheap identity theft protection services FAQ

What is the most important feature to look for in an identity theft protection service?

When choosing an identity theft protection service, the most crucial feature to look for is comprehensive credit bureau monitoring. This keeps an eye on your credit reports from the three major bureaus, alerting you to any suspicious changes or unauthorized activities. It's your first line of defense in spotting potential identity theft early.

Are free identity theft protection options effective?

Free identity theft protection options can offer some basic security measures, like credit freezes and transaction alerts. However, they often lack the comprehensive coverage provided by paid services. For more robust protection, consider combining free methods with a budget-friendly paid service to cover all your bases.

How much does a basic identity theft protection plan cost?

A basic identity theft protection plan typically starts at around $6 to $12 per month. These plans usually include essential features like credit monitoring and identity theft insurance, providing a solid foundation for safeguarding your personal information without breaking the bank.

What additional features do family plans offer?

Family plans often include coverage for multiple members, sometimes offering protection for two adults and unlimited children. They may also provide additional features like social media monitoring and parental controls, ensuring comprehensive protection for all family members at a more economical rate than individual plans.

What should I do if I suspect identity theft?

If you suspect identity theft, act quickly by placing a fraud alert on your credit reports and freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission and file a police report. Contact your identity theft protection service for assistance and utilize their resources to help recover your identity and secure your accounts.

This guide on top cheap identity theft protection services was last updated on October 22, 2024.