Experian IdentityWorks Review: Pros and Cons in 2024

On the hunt for the best identity theft protection service out there? In our Experian IdentityWorks review, we'll explore its features, costs, and how well it protects against identity theft. As online fraud continues to rise, keeping your personal information safe has never been more important. With tri-bureau credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, identity theft insurance, and lost wallet support, IdentityWorks promises to cover all the bases.

We’ll take a close look at how these services hold up in real-world scenarios, examining their effectiveness and user-friendliness. Plus, we’ll compare IdentityWorks to other top identity theft protection services to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Why listen to us? Our team has years of experience in cybersecurity and identity protection, and we've put these services through their paces to bring you unbiased, in-depth reviews.

Let’s break down some IdentityWorks statistics.

Website	Experian.com
Key identity protection features	1-bureau or 3-bureau credit monitoring, dark web scans, up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, and dedicated recovery support.
Price	$24.99 – $34.99/month
Money-back guarantee	7 days
24/7 customer support	Yes but during identity theft emergencies only.
Best deal	N/A

Highlights from our Experian IdentityWorks review

• Experian IdentityWorks offers comprehensive identity theft protection, including tri-bureau credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and identity theft insurance with coverage up to $1 million.

• While the service has a free basic plan, paid subscriptions provide advanced features, with plans priced at $24.99 and $34.99 per month, catering to individuals and families.

• It’s priced higher than some alternatives, and the basic plans could seem a little sparse in features.

Overview of Experian identity theft protection

Experian IdentityWorks is here to help you keep your personal information safe and sound, offering a range of features that make identity protection a breeze. Let's dive into what makes IdentityWorks a solid choice for staying secure:

• Credit monitoring across all major bureaus: Experian IdentityWorks has your back by keeping a close watch on your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

• Dark web monitoring: Ever wonder if your info is floating around on the dark web? With IdentityWorks, you don’t have to. It keeps an eye out and lets you know if your data is being traded or misused, giving you peace of mind.

• Social media account alerts: Your social media accounts are like windows into your world – IdentityWorks makes sure no one’s peeking in, alerting you to anything unusual.

• Personal information monitoring: IdentityWorks keeps a close watch on your most vital details, like your Social Security number (SSN) and address changes with the USPS, alerting you instantly if something seems off. It also monitors for any quick cash loans taken out in your name, so you can act fast to stop fraud in its tracks.

• Child identity protection: Parents, breathe easy – IdentityWorks can protect up to 10 of your kids, ensuring their identities stay safe and sound with monitoring tailored just for them.

• Lost wallet assistance: Losing your wallet is a pain, but IdentityWorks is there to help you cancel and replace your cards and accounts quickly, so you can get back to your day with minimal hassle.

• Payday and non-credit loan alerts: Fraudsters love quick cash loans, but with IdentityWorks, you’ll know if anyone tries to take one out in your name, so you can shut it down before it becomes a problem.

• Legal and criminal monitoring: IdentityWorks keeps your name clear by scanning court records to prevent false accusations. It also checks sex offender registries nationwide, alerting you if your identity is wrongly linked or if a sex offender moves into your area.

• Free plan and free trial period: With these user-friendly features, IdentityWorks makes protecting your identity easy, reliable, and stress-free.

Next up, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of IdentityWorks for safeguarding your identity.

Advantages and disadvantages of Experian IdentityWorks

Wondering if Experian IdentityWorks is the right fit for your identity protection needs? Let’s dive into the strengths and weaknesses to see how it measures up:

Now, let's discover the core features that make Experian IdentityWorks a trusted name in identity protection.

Key features: What does Experian IdentityWorks include?

Experian IdentityWorks provides crucial services like credit monitoring, fraud resolution, identity theft insurance, and other features to help safeguard your identity. Let’s explore these key features in detail.

Credit monitoring capabilities

IdentityWorks keeps a close eye on your credit across all three major bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – and sends you alerts if anything unusual pops up.

We appreciated the regular updates, too. You get quarterly credit reports to keep tabs on your financial health, and if you go for the “Family” plan, you’ll even get daily updates. Monitoring kicks in within 48 hours of signing up, so you’re not left waiting around.

With Experian’s deep knowledge of credit data, the alerts are timely and spot-on, helping you feel confident that your financial identity is in good hands.

Also, the Experian CreditLock feature is a standout, allowing you to easily lock and unlock your Experian credit file, adding an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.

Dark web surveillance

IdentityWorks does a daily scan of over 600,000 web pages, searching for any stolen personal information. Whenever Experian spots something suspicious, you get an alert right away, so you can take quick action to protect your identity.

We found this constant monitoring reassuring, knowing that any unauthorized use of our data wouldn’t slip through unnoticed. The “Basic” plan gives a one-time report on where your info might be compromised, but for ongoing protection and extra features like privacy scans, the advanced plans are where you’ll get the full coverage.

Identity theft insurance coverage

When it comes to dealing with identity theft, Experian IdentityWorks has got you covered with its insurance. With paid subscriptions, you get up to $1 million in protection for the costs of restoring your identity. This insurance is backed by AIG, so you know it's reliable.

We’ve found that even with the IdentityWorks Plus plan, which caps coverage at $500,000, you’re still getting substantial support. This coverage helps with various expenses, like legal fees and lost wages, making it a real safety net if your identity is compromised. Knowing that this insurance is there to help with recovery costs definitely adds peace of mind.

Extra tools for superior online privacy and security

IdentityWorks goes beyond just identity theft protection, offering a range of valuable extras like a VPN for secure browsing, tools to manage your online privacy, and features that help keep your data safe from prying eyes.

Now, let’s take a closer look at these handy extras.

Lost wallet assistance

If you’ve ever lost your wallet, you know the panic that sets in. With IdentityWorks, though, we found their lost wallet assistance a real lifesaver. They guide you step-by-step through canceling and reissuing your credit and debit cards, which is crucial to preventing fraudulent charges.

The process was smooth, and it took the stress out of what could have been a nightmare situation. While the overall effectiveness does depend on how quickly your bank responds, having that support in your corner makes a big difference.

Social media monitoring

Social media monitoring with Experian IdentityWorks is a feature we found pretty handy, especially in today’s digital age where our online and real lives are so closely connected. This tool keeps an eye on your social media accounts – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn – alerting you if anything suspicious or risky pops up that could harm your identity or reputation.

It’s a bit of a hidden gem in the dashboard, but once you activate it and provide your login details, it’s reassuring to know that your online life is being looked after. Alerts are easy to check, too – just click the bell icon to stay updated on any potential risks.

Monthly privacy scans

Each month, IdentityWorks digs through people-finder databases to spot and remove any of your personal information that might be floating around out there. This helps keep your identity safe from theft and cuts down on those pesky robocalls.

And the protection doesn’t stop there – they also scan over 600,000 web pages daily to catch any stolen info early. With all this proactive monitoring, you can relax knowing Experian is working hard to keep your details secure and out of the wrong hands.

So, what's missing?

While Experian IdentityWorks provides solid identity protection, there are a few gaps.

First off, we were surprised to find that two-factor authentication (2FA) isn’t available. In our view, 2FA is a must-have for any service handling sensitive information, as it adds an extra layer of security to protect against unauthorized logins.

We also found the free plan to be somewhat limited. It only covers Experian credit reports and doesn’t offer some of the essential features you’d find in the paid plans. If you’re using the free plan, you might miss out on valuable protection.

Another thing we noticed is the lack of extra cybersecurity tools. There’s no VPN or password manager included, which means you’ll need to look elsewhere for those additional layers of security. These tools are becoming increasingly important for a comprehensive online safety net.

Experian IdentityWorks plans and pricing: How much will you pay?

Choose from IdentityWorks’ three plans – “Basic”, “Premium”, and “Family” – each designed to address various levels of identity protection and budget requirements.

	Basic	Premium	Family
Price	Free	$24.99/month	$34.99/month
3-bureau credit monitoring	No	Yes	Yes
Identity theft insurance	No	Up to $1M	Up to $1M
Money-back guarantee or free trial	N/A	7-day trial	7-day trial
Best deal	N/A	N/A	N/A

Now, let's break down what each plan offers.

Basic

If you’re just starting out with identity protection or need something simple, the “Basic” plan is a solid choice. It’s free and gives you access to your Experian credit report, FICO score, and basic credit monitoring. You’ll also get alerts for significant changes and a dark web scan to catch any suspicious activity. It’s a great way to dip your toes into identity protection without any cost.

Premium

For more robust coverage, the “Premium” plan offers an upgrade for $24.99 per month. It includes everything from the Basic plan plus some extra perks like monthly privacy scans and comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring. You’ll also get identity theft insurance coverage up to $1 million, which is a real peace-of-mind booster. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial, so you can check it out before fully committing.

Family

Got a whole household to protect? The “Family” plan at $34.99 per month covers two adults and up to ten children, making it a great option for families. Each adult gets their own login, and the plan covers all premium features plus protection for your kids.

While these plans provide good coverage, keep in mind that the free “Basic” plan is limited to Experian credit reports and lacks advanced features. Also, IdentityWorks can be pricier compared to other options like Aura and Identity Guard.

Who should choose Experian IdentityWorks?

Experian IdentityWorks is a great pick for individuals who need in-depth monitoring and support for their personal info. For families, the service shines with plans that cover multiple adults and children, making it a handy choice for those who want to keep their loved ones safe from identity theft.

This service is especially helpful if you’re looking for detailed credit and personal information monitoring or if you’ve had issues with identity theft in the past and need extra peace of mind. However, keep in mind that Experian IdentityWorks doesn’t offer additional security features like a VPN, antivirus, or password manager. If those extras are important to you, you might need to look elsewhere.

User experience: How user-friendly is Experian IdentityWorks?

When it comes to managing your identity protection, Experian IdentityWorks aims to make the process as smooth as possible. Here’s a friendly look at how easy it is to get started, navigate the dashboard, and use the mobile app.

Setting up IdentityWorks

Getting started with IdentityWorks is pretty straightforward. You can create an account without needing to input any payment information initially, which is a nice touch. Once you’re past the setup, you’ll get immediate access to your FICO score and an initial dark web scan to check for any compromised personal information. You can also add more personal details if you decide to upgrade your subscription later.

Navigating the dashboard

The dashboard of Experian IdentityWorks looks clean and user-friendly at first glance, with plenty of clickable options. However, as you dive deeper, you might find yourself hunting for features. The dashboard’s organization can be a bit tricky – finding things like lost wallet assistance or social media alerts might require sifting through several menus. The recent redesign, while fresh, seems to have made things a bit more cumbersome compared to the previous layout.

Using the mobile app

Experian offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android, and it’s generally well-received with millions of downloads. The app provides a smooth user experience, allowing you to receive alerts and keep tabs on your identity protection on the go. While it’s designed to be user-friendly, it does lean heavily towards credit management rather than just identity protection. If you’re mainly looking for features that focus on safeguarding your personal information, the app might feel a bit light in that area.

How to cancel IdentityWorks subscription

Canceling an IdentityWorks subscription is straightforward but requires a call to customer service. Unfortunately, you cannot cancel directly through the mobile app. Instead, you'll need to do it via phone or the website.

If you're looking to downgrade from a paid membership to the free plan, you can easily make that switch online. This option allows you to retain access to essential services like daily credit report updates and monitoring alerts, even after downgrading.

Customer service: Are you getting the assistance you deserve?

When it comes to customer support, Experian IdentityWorks offers some help, but there are areas where it could improve. The support is mainly available through a knowledge base and a toll-free phone number, but only during standard business hours and a bit on weekends. If you need assistance outside of those times, you might be out of luck, which can be frustrating if you're dealing with an urgent issue.

We’ve noticed that the lack of 24/7 support, direct email help, and live chat seriously limits how quickly you can get things sorted out. When we tried to get help, the wait times were longer than we’d like, and it wasn’t easy to reach a live person right away.

Also, while the knowledge base does provide some information, it’s not always the most user-friendly, especially if you’re not super tech-savvy. It left us wanting more direct, personalized support.ost.

Data privacy and security: How secure is your sensitive information?

Experian IdentityWorks uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt data between your browser and their servers, ensuring your personal information stays protected. The platform also automatically logs you out after 15-20 minutes of inactivity, adding an extra layer of security if you forget to log out.

For login, IdentityWorks requires both a password and the last four digits of your SSN, enhancing account security. While this dual-layer approach is effective, Experian’s data-sharing practices have raised concerns, particularly for those who prioritize privacy.

Experian is subject to US laws and international surveillance agreements, which could require sharing your data with government agencies. Additionally, the company’s history of data breaches (in 2015, 2020, and 2021) adds to the concerns about how securely your information is handled.

IdentityWorks vs competitors: How does it measure up?

Experian IdentityWorks faces strong competition from several identity theft protection services:

1. Aura: This top contender provides similar identity protection services but at a lower price and includes additional tools like antivirus and password management. This makes it a great choice for families needing comprehensive protection and value for money. While IdentityWorks focuses on tri-bureau credit monitoring, Aura’s extras offer broader coverage.

2. LifeLock: This competitor stands out with its bundled antivirus software, though it comes with a higher initial cost and annual discounts. If you want a service that includes additional security tools, LifeLock might be worth the extra expense. IdentityWorks is more affordable, especially if you’re mainly interested in credit monitoring.

3. Identity Guard: It offers budget-friendly plans compared to IdentityWorks. It provides essential identity protection at a lower cost, making it a good option if you’re looking for affordable coverage.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your priorities – whether it’s comprehensive family protection, robust credit monitoring, or budget-friendly options.

Final verdict: Is Experian IdentityWorks a solid choice?

Experian IdentityWorks offers a solid package for anyone serious about identity theft protection. With strong credit monitoring and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, it provides valuable peace of mind and financial security if you fall victim to fraud. These features make it a reliable choice for protecting your personal information.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. IdentityWorks can be on the pricier side compared to some other options, which might be a bit of a stretch for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, the basic plans have some limitations, and user feedback suggests there could be improvements in customer support.

In a nutshell, Experian IdentityWorks is a solid choice for those who want thorough protection and extensive coverage. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with some extra perks, Aura is worth considering. It offers similar protection but also includes features like antivirus and password management, making it a fantastic alternative that delivers great value for your money.

Experian IdentityWorks FAQ

Can Experian IdentityWorks be trusted?

Yes, Experian IdentityWorks can be trusted to protect your identity. It offers robust credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and identity theft insurance up to $1 million. However, keep in mind that Experian has had data breaches in the past, so it's always good to stay vigilant.

Does IdentityWorks offer a free plan?

Yes, IdentityWorks offers a free plan called “Basic.” It includes access to your Experian credit report, FICO score, and basic credit monitoring. However, the free plan is limited to Experian credit reports and lacks some advanced features.

Is IdentityWorks better than Aura?

If you're looking for comprehensive protection, Aura might be the better choice. While IdentityWorks excels in credit monitoring and offers substantial identity theft insurance, Aura goes a step further by including additional tools like antivirus and password management, all at a more competitive price. These extra features make Aura a more well-rounded option for those seeking robust and versatile protection.

How can I cancel my IdentityWorks subscription?

To cancel your IdentityWorks subscription, you'll need to call Experian's customer service at 1-877-890-9332. Unfortunately, you can't cancel directly through the mobile app. If you want to downgrade to the free plan, you can do that online.

This Experian IdentityWorks review was last updated on August 27, 2024.