Curious if Identity Guard is right for you? You're not alone – identity theft and fraud are on the rise, making it more important than ever to find reliable protection.
This Identity Guard review covers its features, cost, and how well it protects your identity. We'll delve into services like dark web monitoring, stolen funds insurance, financial account monitoring, and more. These tools are designed to keep your personal information safe from cybercriminals and fraudsters.
We'll also take you through our hands-on testing process to see how Identity Guard performs in real-world scenarios. From setting up the account to navigating the dashboard and using the mobile app, we'll give you the inside scoop on what to expect.
Why should you trust us? Our team of experts has years of experience in cybersecurity and identity protection. We rigorously test each service to provide you with honest, unbiased reviews. Plus, we're committed to transparency, so you can make an informed decision.
So, let's dive in and see if Identity Guard is the right choice for safeguarding your personal information.
| Website | IdentityGuard.com |
| Key identity protection features | Credit monitoring (1-bureau or 3-bureau) with reports, dark web surveillance, $1 million identity theft insurance, and recovery services |
| Price | $7.50 – $29.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes, in case of identity theft emergencies. |
| Best deal | 40% Off Coupon > |
Highlights from our Identity Guard review
- Identity Guard offers thorough identity theft protection with plans that include dark web monitoring, stolen funds insurance up to $1 million, and monitoring for various accounts and personal information, suitable for individuals and families.
The service has three plans – “Value”, “Total”, and “Ultra” – each with different features like dark web monitoring, financial account monitoring, and three-bureau credit monitoring in the higher-tier plans.
- While Identity Guard lacks a free trial and has fewer device protection features than some competitors, it’s also had some auto-renewal issues. If you want another option, check out Aura, which provides additional digital security tools like a VPN and antivirus.
See the latest Identity Guard prices and deals: https://identityguard.com/special-40
Overview of Identity Guard identity theft protection
Identity Guard helps spot identity theft, offers a safety net, identifies early warning signs, and monitors your data and credit.
Let's take a look at Identity Guard's top features:
Credit monitoring: Keeps an eye on your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to catch suspicious changes.
Dark web surveillance: Scours the hidden corners of the internet to see if your personal info is being traded.
Advanced threat detection and alerts: Warns you of suspicious financial activities.
Three-bureau credit monitoring: Available with the “Ultra” plan, this feature monitors your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
$1 million identity theft insurance: Provides financial recovery and expert help if you fall victim to identity theft.
Secure password manager: Secures and manages your passwords, included with all plans.
Safe browsing extension: Keeps you safe from phishing and dangerous websites.
Social media account monitoring: Watches your social channels for unusual activity.
Predictive risk management score: Provides insights into your risk level, helping you take proactive steps to secure your identity.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
See all Identity Guard features here >
Next, let’s dive into the pros and cons of using Identity Guard.
Advantages and disadvantages of Identity Guard
Identity Guard provides thorough identity theft monitoring with dark web surveillance, data breach notifications, and high-risk transaction alerts. You get $1 million in identity theft insurance for legal expenses, lost wages, and travel costs. Family plans cover up to five adults and unlimited children.
On the flip side, there’s no free trial, and its device protection features aren’t as robust as some competitors.
What we like about Identity Guard
Comprehensive individual and family coverage options
AI-powered identity monitoring with advanced alerts
Password managers included across all plans
Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance with every plan
User-friendly, straightforward pricing
Affordable entry-level plan for budget-conscious users
Family plan that covers an unlimited number of children
Predictive risk management scores to stay ahead of threats
US-based customer support for personalized assistance
What we don't like about Identity Guard
Higher-tier plans can be a bit pricey
Lacks parental control features
Limited range of cybersecurity tools
Now, let's look at the core identity theft protection features.
Key features: What does Identity Guard identity theft protection include?
Identity Guard is packed with features to help you fight identity theft. With tools like identity monitoring, identity theft insurance, dark web surveillance, credit and financial account monitoring, stolen wallet assistance, and parental controls, you're well-covered on all fronts. Each feature is designed to keep your personal information safe and give you peace of mind.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each one.
Identity monitoring with alerts
Identity Guard uses advanced artificial intelligence to power its identity monitoring services, keeping a vigilant eye on your personal info.
We've found it to be incredibly thorough in watching for high-risk transactions, alerting us to suspicious activities that might signal identity theft or fraud. The data breach notifications are particularly reassuring, as they keep us informed if our details get compromised, and the USPS address change monitoring is a handy feature that detects any unauthorized changes to your mailing address, allowing you to act quickly.
What we appreciate about Identity Guard is that every plan includes full identity protection. You just provide your name, address, SSN, and birthdate, and Identity Guard keeps an eye out for any signs of your info appearing in data breaches, on the dark web, or other sketchy places. These fast alerts give us confidence in our data’s active protection.
Identity theft insurance
If you fall victim to identity theft, we found that Identity Guard’s insurance coverage can help reimburse up to $1 million in stolen funds and other related expenses. This coverage includes the costs of re-filing loan applications and other credit instruments that were rejected due to identity theft.
The policy covers:
Legal fees – Requires prior approval from the insurer.
Private investigator fees – Requires prior approval from the insurer.
Lost wages – Up to $2,000 per week for a maximum of five weeks.
Travel expenses related to identity theft recovery – Up to $1,000 per policy period.
See all coverage options here >
We appreciated that reimbursement is based on actual losses, so you’ll need to provide documentation like legal bills, receipts for childcare, or proof of lost wages.
For added convenience, the “Ultra” plan features white glove fraud resolution services. If your identity is stolen, an account specialist handles most of the recovery work, providing significant relief during a stressful time.
To file a claim, members must report the stolen identity event to the insurer within 90 days of discovery and follow specific procedures, such as notifying major credit bureaus, the FTC, and law enforcement agencies. This ensures that all necessary steps are taken to mitigate the damage and recover losses.
Dark web monitoring
Identity Guard's dark web monitoring acts as a crucial safeguard, vigilantly scanning the hidden corners of the internet to protect your personal information. This feature works around the clock, scanning hidden areas for leaks of your personal information, such as SSNs, credit card details, and health insurance IDs.
Whenever your data pops up on the dark web, Identity Guard sends you immediate alerts with practical advice – like changing your passwords or securing your accounts – to help you respond quickly. We appreciated that every plan includes this feature, along with data breach notifications and high-risk transaction alerts.
With IBM Watson powering their AI, Identity Guard goes beyond simple scans. It dives into black market sites, secret chat rooms, and underground forums to ensure your info stays secure. This persistent watchfulness offered us confidence, knowing our digital identity was consistently protected.
Credit monitoring
Identity Guard pulls data from the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
The “Total” plan includes three-bureau credit monitoring and a monthly credit score, while the “Ultra” plan takes it up a notch with an annual credit report from all three bureaus and the ability to lock your credit file with Experian.
The “Ultra” plan also notifies you of suspicious activities via email, text, or phone, so you can take quick action. It provides monthly credit score updates based on your Equifax file and offers an Experian credit lock.
One thing to note is that the “Value” plan doesn't include credit monitoring, which even some basic plans from competitors like Aura and LifeLock offer. So, if you're looking for budget-friendly credit protection, this might be a drawback.
Financial account monitoring
Identity Guard's financial account monitoring really keeps an eye on your bank and credit card accounts, helping you spot any unauthorized transactions or potential fraud. It doesn't just stop at credit changes and scores – it watches over your finances, including your 401(k) and investment accounts, and flags high-risk transactions on your debit and credit cards.
For instance, when we set up a new bank account, Identity Guard quickly notified us, providing a detailed list of the personal information entered into the bank’s system. This was particularly valuable because it helped us pinpoint what details might have been compromised, track the source, and prevent any future incidents.
The financial monitoring features you get depend on your plan. The “Value” plan covers high-risk financial transactions, while the “Total” plan adds bank account monitoring. The “Ultra” plan goes all out, offering credit and debit card monitoring, 401(k) and investment account monitoring, and home title monitoring. This makes the “Ultra” plan an only choice if you want more comprehensive protection for your financial assets.
Stolen wallet assistance
If you've ever had your wallet lost or stolen, you know how stressful and time-consuming it can be to cancel and replace all your important cards and documents. Identity Guard steps in to help with that process, making sure your financial information is secured quickly.
On top of that, they can send up to $2,000 in emergency cash from one of your accounts to tide you over while you sort things out. They also review your current credit report to check for any potential fraud, offering you peace of mind during a stressful situation.
Child protection
Identity Guard can cover up to five adults and unlimited children, making it a solid choice for larger households. Their family plans offer comprehensive coverage, including online account monitoring, SSN monitoring for children, and social media monitoring to alert parents about any suspicious activities.
However, it's worth mentioning that, unlike competitors like Aura, Identity Guard doesn't include specific parental control tools. Instead, their focus is on monitoring and alerting you to potential threats, which still provides peace of mind.
Extra tools for stronger online privacy and security
Identity Guard enhances online privacy and security with several additional tools, which shield your data from cybercriminals and provide a safer online experience. However, you'll notice it has fewer cybersecurity tools compared to top competitors.
Password manager
Identity Guard's secure password manager is a superb addition to all its plans. It helps you generate, store, and manage strong passwords for your online accounts, ensuring your credentials remain safe.
As expected, it also offers autofill capabilities, making it super easy to log into your accounts without the hassle of remembering multiple complex passwords.
Safe browsing tool
The safe browsing tool from Identity Guard offers practical protection against phishing and malicious websites. It works seamlessly with your browser to provide real-time protection, giving you peace of mind while you surf the web. Knowing we're shielded from cyber threats makes online browsing so much more secure.
Social media account monitoring
Identity Guard's social media account monitoring is another feature we've found incredibly useful. It keeps an eye on your social channels for any unusual activity, detecting and alerting you to potential threats like hacked accounts or inappropriate content being posted. By monitoring your social media presence, Identity Guard helps you maintain a positive online reputation and protects your personal information from being misused.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) login
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. Identity Guard supports 2FA, enhancing the protection of your sensitive information. It makes it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, providing an additional safeguard for your private data.
Plans and pricing: How much will you pay for Identity Guard?
Identity Guard offers three different plans: “Value,” “Total,” and “Ultra.” Individual plans range from $8.99 to $29.99 per month, while family plans are priced between $14.99 and $39.99 per month.
All three plans come with $1 million in identity theft insurance, dark web monitoring, data breach notifications, and high-risk transaction monitoring. You can choose to pay monthly or annually, with the annual option giving you a 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Value | Total | Ultra | |
| Price (paid annually) | $7.50/month | $16.67/month | $25.00/month |
| Price (paid monthly) | $8.99/month | $19.99/month | $29.99/month |
| 3-bureau credit monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
| Identity theft insurance | Up to $1 million | Up to $1 million | Up to $1 million |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days (for annual plans only) | 60 days (for annual plans only) | 60 days (for annual plans only) |
| Best deal | 40% Off Coupon > | 40% Off Coupon > | 40% Off Coupon > |
Priced at $8.99 per month, the “Value” plan includes high-risk transaction monitoring, dark web monitoring, data breach notifications, $1 million in identity theft insurance, a password manager, and safe browsing tools. We found this plan fit for those seeking core protection without spending too much.
For $19.99 per month, the “Total” plan adds bank account monitoring, monitoring of all three credit reports (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), and a monthly credit score. This plan is ideal for those needing more comprehensive financial monitoring. It also covers up to five adults and unlimited children, which we think is great for large families.
The “Ultra” plan, priced at $29.99 per month, offers the most extensive coverage. It includes monitoring of social media, credit/debit cards, 401(k) and investment accounts, and home titles. Plus, it comes with white glove fraud resolution service, giving you a dedicated case manager for identity recovery and 24/7 US based support. We found this plan perfect for those seeking the highest level of protection and peace of mind.
Identity Guard also offers comprehensive family plans that can cover up to five adults and unlimited children, making it a fine option for larger households. While it doesn't come with specific tools for managing children's online activities, it excels in extensive monitoring and alerts for potential threats, giving parents peace of mind. These family plans include online account monitoring, SSN monitoring for kids, and social media monitoring to alert parents about any suspicious activities.
User experience: How user-friendly is Identity Guard?
With a simple, user-friendly interface and an easy-to-navigate dashboard, Identity Guard offers a seamless experience. The mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, has received positive reviews.
Setting up Identity Guard is simple and you'll also get a step-by-step guide during setup to help you understand and use all the features.
Setting up Identity Guard
Setting up Identity Guard takes just a few simple steps. Here's what you need to do:
Choose your plan: Select from the “Value”, “Total”, or “Ultra” plan based on the level of protection you need.
Create an account: Visit the Identity Guard website and provide your email, name, address, phone number, date of birth, and SSN. The user interface is designed to guide you through each step with clear explanations.
Provide payment details: Enter your payment information to complete the registration. Once you’ve done this, your account will be set up in under a minute.
Access the dashboard: After setting up your account, you can go ahead and start monitoring and configuring your identity protection settings. The first-time login offers a quick overview of the features, which can be skipped if you're already familiar with identity theft protection services.
Navigating the dashboard
The Identity Guard dashboard makes managing your security simple and efficient. You can track your information, add accounts for monitoring, and view credit scores and contributing factors – all in one place.
The desktop version provides a comprehensive view of your security status, while the top menu covers essential sections like “Dashboard”, “Alerts”, “Watchlist”, “Credit”, “Financial”, “Privacy”, and “Resources”. You can also access account settings, get help, and sign out.
Real-time alerts are prominently displayed to keep you informed about suspicious activities. The dashboard offers quick access to tools like alerts, monthly credit scores, credit reports, home title monitoring, transaction monitoring, and security freeze. Monitoring features such as dark web and financial account monitoring are also easily accessible.
Using mobile app
Identity Guard's mobile app gives you on-the-go access to your identity monitoring and alerts, which is super convenient. We like that it includes features like safe browsing tools and anti-phishing protection right in the palm of your hand. The app is responsive and works smoothly on both Android and iOS devices.
While it's fantastic for quick checks and receiving real-time alerts, we found that the desktop version is still key for more detailed management. The mobile app lets you stay updated and manage your identity wherever you are, which is great for keeping an eye on things while you're out and about. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have all the in-depth features you’d find on the desktop, but it’s definitely a handy tool for mobile monitoring.
How to cancel Identity Guard subscription
Cancelling your Identity Guard subscription is straightforward. Here’s how:
Contact customer service: You can cancel anytime by calling their customer service at 877-312-3220. Make sure you have your account details ready.
Online management: Alternatively, you can manage or cancel your subscription by visiting the My Account section on their website.
By following these simple steps, you can easily manage your subscription and ensure it aligns with your needs.
Customer service: Are you getting the support you need?
We found Identity Guard’s customer service to be reliable, particularly during identity theft emergencies. In such cases, they offer 24/7 access to a live representative, so you can get help whenever you need it most. However, regular phone support is available on a more limited schedule – weekdays from 8 AM to 11 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM, EST. Unfortunately, the phone line is closed on Sundays, which might be inconvenient for some.
Another downside is the lack of live chat support, a feature we’ve seen in other identity theft services we tested. Despite these limitations, the phone support was quite helpful during our calls. Plus, Identity Guard offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee with terms and conditions, giving new users some peace of mind.
While the website has a FAQ section and beginner-friendly articles, the online customer support options are somewhat limited. If you prefer having extensive online resources or live chat support, Identity Guard might not meet your expectations.
Data privacy and security: How secure is your sensitive info?
When it comes to data privacy and security, Identity Guard takes things seriously. They use military-grade encryption to protect your data, both when it's stored and when it's being transferred. This level of security means your information is always safeguarded.
We've found that Identity Guard only shares your information with relevant agencies, like reporting scam calls to the FCC. They ensure data security through advanced protocols, regular audits, and MFA.
These robust measures mean your sensitive info is well-protected, giving you peace of mind. Every Identity Guard plan includes high-risk transaction monitoring and data breach notifications for added security. If you opt for the premium plan, you also get monitoring for criminal and sex offenses, offering thorough protection for your peace of mind.
Identity Guard vs competitors: How does it stack up?
Choosing the best identity theft protection service can be a tough decision, so let's see how Identity Guard measures up against its main competitors.
Identity Guard vs LifeLock: LifeLock’s “Ultimate Plus” plan offers up to $3 million in identity theft insurance, more than Identity Guard. LifeLock with Norton 360 includes antivirus software and a VPN, which Identity Guard lacks.
Identity Guard vs Aura: Aura offers additional digital security tools like a VPN, antivirus software, and AI-powered spam protection, which Identity Guard does not. Aura also provides up to $5 million in identity theft insurance, compared to Identity Guard's $1 million. However, while Aura offers a full set of extra security tools, it lacks social media monitoring. Identity Guard includes this feature, helping you safeguard your online presence and personal information.
Identity Guard vs IDShield: IDShield includes device security features like a VPN and malware protection, which Identity Guard lacks. However, Identity Guard offers home title monitoring and competitive pricing, making it suitable for budget-conscious families. IDShield provides up to $3 million in identity theft insurance, while Identity Guard offers $1 million.
In summary, while Identity Guard may not include all the digital security tools of its competitors, it stands out for its comprehensive family plans, robust monitoring features, and affordable pricing, making it a strong contender in the identity theft protection market. And you can get the best deal with the coupon below:
Exclusive Identity Guard Coupon:
Get 40% Off Identity Guard subscription plans with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 60 day money-back guarantee.)
Final verdict: Should you choose Identity Guard for identity theft protection?
Identity Guard stands out with its thorough monitoring services and flexible plans, making it a strong choice for identity theft protection. With $1 million in identity theft insurance and advanced features like dark web surveillance, financial account monitoring, and social media monitoring, it's a solid option for both individuals and families.
However, some drawbacks include the absence of a free trial and fewer cybersecurity tools compared to competitors. Additionally, the lack of live chat support might be a downside for those who prefer immediate online assistance.
For those seeking a more all-encompassing digital security package, Aura is an excellent alternative. It offers additional features like a VPN, antivirus software, and AI-powered spam protection, along with up to $5 million in identity theft insurance, providing a higher level of overall protection.
So, if you're looking for solid identity theft protection with a friendly price tag, Identity Guard is definitely worth considering. But if you want to go all out with extra digital security bells and whistles, Aura might just be your new best friend in the cyber world.
Identity Guard FAQ
Can Identity Guard be trusted?
Yes, Identity Guard can be trusted. It uses military-grade encryption to keep your data safe and only shares your information with relevant agencies. With top-notch security measures like advanced protocols, regular audits, and multi-factor authentication, you can rest easy knowing your sensitive info is well-protected. It's like having a digital bodyguard watching over your personal information!
Which is better, Aura or Identity Guard?
From our hands-on testing, Aura really shines as a standout service. It packs in some superb extras like a VPN, antivirus software, and AI-powered spam protection, along with a whopping $5 million in identity theft insurance. These features add an extra layer of security that Identity Guard just doesn't offer.
Now, don't get us wrong – Identity Guard has its perks too, like social media monitoring and solid family plans. But if you're after a more all-encompassing digital security package and higher insurance coverage, Aura’s got the edge.
Does Identity Guard offer a free trial?
No, Identity Guard doesn't offer a free trial. But don't worry! They do have a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual memberships. This means you can give it a whirl and, if it’s not your cup of tea, you can get your money back. It’s like a try-before-you-buy, but with a safety net! Peace of mind, guaranteed.
How can I cancel my Identity Guard subscription?
To cancel your Identity Guard subscription, give its customer service team a ring at 877-312-3220, and they'll help you out. Prefer to handle it yourself? You can also manage or cancel your subscription through the “My Account” section on their website – It's as simple as that.
This Identity Guard review was last updated on August 17, 2024.
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