Thinking about whether IdentityIQ provides the best protection for your personal details? Our IdentityIQ review breaks down its features, costs, and competitive standing.
With identity theft and fraud on the rise, protecting your personal information has never been more critical. IdentityIQ offers a comprehensive suite of services, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity restoration services, and identity theft insurance. These tools are designed to safeguard your identity, alert you to potential threats, and help you recover if the worst happens.
But do these features live up to the hype? We’ll thoroughly examine each service, evaluate their effectiveness, and see how IdentityIQ fares against other top players in the identity protection arena.
Why trust us? We've spent countless hours researching and testing identity theft protection services to provide you with the most accurate and unbiased information. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision to protect yourself and your loved ones.
| Website | IdentityIQ.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 | $6.99 – $28.04/month |
| Money-back guarantee | Unspecified |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Best deal | N/A |
Highlights from our IdentityIQ review
IdentityIQ offers a comprehensive suite of identity theft protection tools, including dark web monitoring and personalized restoration services, but lacks essential features found in some competitors.
The “Secure Max Plan” provides comprehensive coverage, including $1 million in identity theft insurance, monitoring for synthetic identity theft for kids, application tracking, and credit building via utility payment reporting.
By teaming up with Bitdefender, IdentityIQ enriches its security features with antivirus and VPN services. However, there are privacy issues to consider, including potential data sharing with third parties and government agencies.
Overview of IdentityIQ
IdentityIQ offers a solid set of tools to protect your personal information, making it a standout in identity theft protection. Here’s a summary of what you get:
Credit and dark web monitoring: It monitors your credit reports and scans the dark web for your personal details, alerting you to any suspicious activity that could indicate identity theft.
Identity and application monitoring: Provides immediate alerts if your Social Security number (SSN) or name appears in crime reports, and tracks new credit applications in your name to prevent unauthorized use.
Identity theft insurance and restoration: IdentityIQ offers up to $1 million in coverage for recovery costs, including legal fees, and assigns a personal case manager to help victims reclaim their identity.
Family and synthetic ID protection: Extends protection to your entire family with monitoring of children’s Social Security numbers and coverage up to $25,000, while also guarding against synthetic ID theft, where thieves create fake identities using a mix of personal information.
Lost wallet assistance with junk mail opt-out: It helps replace important documents and cards if your wallet is lost or stolen, and reduces fraud risk by opting you out of junk mail.
IQ alerts: Includes various alerts, such as monitoring SSNs and change-of-address notifications.
File sharing monitoring: It scans file-sharing networks to prevent unauthorized sharing of your information.
IdentityIQ combines robust protection features with budget-friendly plans and unique extras like junk mail opt-out assistance, making it a strong choice for those seeking effective and affordable identity theft protection.d.
Pros and cons of using IdentityIQ
IdentityIQ provides a wide range of identity theft protection tools, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity restoration, and insurance. These features ensure thorough protection of your personal information.
However, it lacks some features such as stronger device protection and a free trial, which could be a downside for some users. We’ll briefly examine the pros and cons to help you decide.
What we like about IdentityIQ
- $1 Million stolen funds reimbursement
- AI-driven approvals and smart recommendations
- Affordable integration with antivirus and a VPN
- Simple setup and an organized system
- Regular updates on credit scores and reports
- Coverage extends to family members
- Monitors credit reports from all three major bureaus
What we don't like about IdentityIQ
- No social media monitoring
- Extra charges for add-ons
- No free trial period or free version
- Fewer customer support options compared to competitors
Next up, we’ll examine the crucial aspects of IdentityIQ’s identity theft defense.
Key features: What does IdentityIQ identity theft protection include?
Credit and dark web monitoring, identity restoration, and insurance are all covered by IdentityIQ. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works.
Credit monitoring services
Credit monitoring is a big part of IdentityIQ’s identity theft protection, and we’ve found the three-bureau monitoring in the “Secure Max” plan especially helpful. It keeps an eye on all three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – so you get a complete view of your credit.
We found the daily monitoring is great for catching any suspicious activity quickly, whether it’s an unexpected credit card application or a sudden change in your score. The alerts come through the mobile app, email, or text, so you’re always in the loop and can act fast if something seems off.
We also like that the “Secure Max” plan gives you monthly credit reports and VantageScore 3.0 updates, so you know exactly where your credit stands.
However, with lower-tier plans like “Secure” or “Secure Plus,” coverage is more limited, as these plans don’t include credit scores and only monitor one credit bureau, which may leave you without the full picture.
Dark web monitoring
In the murky depths of the dark web, stolen personal data is bought and sold. IdentityIQ’s dark web monitoring acts as your safeguard against these covert threats. It scans these corners of the internet, along with other non-credit-related sites and file-sharing networks, to check if any of your data has been compromised.
When your personal info appears in these dark web marketplaces, IdentityIQ will alert you instantly, allowing you to secure your accounts without delay. It also tracks criminal records and monitors for address changes that might indicate mail diversion or property fraud.
While faster alerts or broader coverage might be ideal, we find IdentityIQ’s dark web monitoring crucial for keeping our digital footprint secure.
Identity theft insurance and restoration services
When it comes to bouncing back from identity theft, IdentityIQ has you covered with up to $1 million in insurance. This includes protection for stolen funds, legal fees, and lost wages, making it a huge relief when you're dealing with the financial fallout of fraud.
For families, the “Secure Max” plan steps it up even more. It adds an extra $25,000 in coverage for kids under 24 living at home, which can be a real game-changer if you're dealing with identity theft issues affecting your whole family.
All IdentityIQ plans come with $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement. It’s comforting to know that if your identity is compromised, IdentityIQ will help with the costs of getting back on track, including any legal fees.
The “Secure Max” plan enhances this with an extra $25,000 for family-related identity theft, up to $1,500 per week in lost wage coverage, and help with replacing stolen documents. This added protection can make a big difference while you’re recovering.
On top of that, IdentityIQ offers excellent restoration services, connecting you with legal experts and consultants who guide you through the recovery process. And if you ever lose your wallet, they’re there to assist with replacing stolen cards and IDs.
Safeguarding your family’s identity
IdentityIQ’s “Secure Max” plan is a solid choice for family protection against identity theft. For $29.99 per month, it includes all the features of the “Secure Pro” plan, like credit score tracking, and adds $25,000 in identity theft insurance for up to four children. Plus, it comes with Bitdefender Total Security, which includes parental controls to help keep your kids safe online.
One feature we appreciate is the full identity restoration service. If identity theft strikes, a specialist steps in to handle most of the recovery work, providing peace of mind with expert help.
While IdentityIQ offers solid family coverage, competitors like Identity Guard might provide more extensive options, such as coverage for up to five adults and unlimited children, plus online account monitoring and SSN checks for kids. However, Identity Guard lacks specific parental controls.
Some solid security extras
IdentityIQ takes protection up a notch, offering more than just the essentials with its impressive suite of advanced security tools.
Bitdefender security suite
For just $3 more a month, IdentityIQ offers the Bitdefender security suite, and it’s a solid add-on if you're looking to beef up your digital security. It includes antivirus protection, a VPN, parental controls, and a password manager – all of which give you an extra layer of defense.
The antivirus impressed us with its malware protection, and the VPN is great for securing up to 10 devices on public Wi-Fi. However, the 200 MB daily limit works for light browsing but falls short for streaming or downloads.
We also found the parental controls useful, especially if you’ve got kids. You can monitor their app use, block certain content, and even track their location, which is a nice peace-of-mind feature. The password manager is solid too, though it’s limited to Windows, which might be a drawback for Mac users.
That said, while the Bitdefender suite does add value, it does bump up the price. If you need more than basic identity theft protection and want to cover your devices too, this add-on could be worth it. But if you're just after strong identity monitoring, you might not need the extras.
Opt-out IQ (junk mail and Do Not Call list)
IdentityIQ’s opt-out IQ is a superb feature if you're tired of junk mail and annoying telemarketing calls. It automatically adds you to the National Do Not Call Registry, cutting down on those unsolicited calls, and removes your name from direct mail lists, which helps reduce the risk of mail-related identity theft.
What we really like is how easy it is – IdentityIQ takes care of everything for you. No more dealing with marketers yourself; they handle it, giving you more privacy and less hassle.
And the best part? Opt-out IQ comes with every plan, making it a simple but effective addition to your identity protection.
File-sharing network searches
IdentityIQ goes the extra mile by keeping an eye on file-sharing networks, those hidden corners of the internet where personal info can sometimes end up. If your details pop up in these less-visible places, you’ll get an alert right away.
This proactive approach means you’re not left in the dark if your information is being shared where it shouldn’t be. It’s like having a digital watchdog keeping your identity safe and sound, so you can take action quickly and stay ahead of potential risks.
Plans and pricing: How much will you pay for IdentityIQ?
IdentityIQ has four identity theft protection plans to fit different needs, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $28.04 per month. You can save about 15% with an annual subscription. Every plan includes credit monitoring, identity theft monitoring, and identity theft insurance.
For the most thorough coverage, the “Secure Plus” and “Secure Max” plans are your best bet, as they monitor all three credit bureaus. You can choose between an annual or month-to-month subscription and easily cancel online or by phone if needed.
| Secure | Secure Plus | Secure Pro | Secure Max | |
| Price | $6.99/month | $9.99/month | $19.99/month | $29.99/month |
| 3-bureau credit monitoring | No, 1-bureau only | No, 1-bureau only | Yes | Yes |
| Identity theft insurance | Up to $1M | Up to $1M | Up to $1M | Up to $1M with $25K for families |
| Money-back guarantee | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Best deal | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Ready to dig into the specifics? Here’s a closer look at the different plans IdentityIQ offers.
Secure
Starting at just $6.99 per month, the “Secure” plan is a fantastic option if you’re looking for basic, budget-friendly identity protection. It offers daily monitoring of one credit bureau, keeps an eye on the dark web for any suspicious activity, and sends alerts if anything seems off with your SS). Payments are easy with a credit card, making this a no-fuss way to get started with essential protection.
Secure Plus
For $9.99 a month, the “Secure plus” plan provides monitoring from one credit bureau, but if you want a little extra boost, you can add Bitdefender security suite for just $2 more ($11.99 total). This plan is perfect if you’re looking for a bit more coverage without breaking the bank.
Secure Pro
The “Secure Pro” plan, at $19.99 per month, offers a more robust protection package. For $21.99 with Bitdefender, you get comprehensive monitoring and the added bonus of top-notch digital security. The extra $3 for Bitdefender can be worth it for its antivirus protection, giving you peace of mind against online threats.
Secure Max
If you want the most extensive coverage, the “Secure Max” plan is priced at $29.99 per month, or $32.99 with Bitdefender. This plan includes $1 million in identity theft insurance, monitoring for synthetic identities, application monitoring, and credit building with utility payment reporting.
You also get monthly credit report access, unlimited child coverage, a credit score simulator, and fraud restoration with limited power of attorney (LPOA). Plus, it includes access to legal experts, lost wages compensation, and document renewal assistance.
Free trials and money-back guarantees
While IdentityIQ doesn’t prominently advertise free trials or money-back guarantees on their site, their Terms of Service hint that some services might offer a free trial. Just be sure to cancel before the trial ends to avoid any surprise charges.
User Experience with IdentityIQ
We’ve enjoyed how easy it is to access IdentityIQ from multiple platforms, which makes managing your account pretty convenient. The interface is user-friendly, and we appreciate how simple it is to control your data-sharing preferences.
That said, a few of us found that getting in touch with customer support wasn’t as seamless as we hoped.
Setting up IdentityIQ
Setting up IdentityIQ is quick and easy, even if you're not tech-savvy. You start by picking a plan—whether it's “Secure”, “Secure Plus”, “Secure Pro”, or “Secure Max”, there's something for every level of protection.
Next, you'll enter basic details like your name, email, and SSN. The site guides you through the process, so it's simple to follow. Once your payment info is added, your account is set up in under a minute.
From there, you'll access your dashboard to manage your protection. No downloads are needed since everything is cloud-based, making setup smooth and efficient.
Navigating the dashboard
From our experience, the IdentityIQ dashboard is super easy to navigate, making it a breeze to stay on top of your credit and monitoring alerts. Everything is laid out clearly, so you can quickly check your credit scores or dive into the simulators to see how different actions might affect them.
We found the alerts really helpful, popping up on the dashboard and via text if you opt in – so you’re always in the loop.
Managing personal info, passwords, and security settings is simple, right from the dashboard. Overall, we found the setup intuitive, but if you rely heavily on a feature-rich mobile app, the limited functionality might be a bit disappointing.
Utilizing the mobile app
We found IdentityIQ’s mobile app to be pretty convenient, especially if you’re always on the go. It sends real-time alerts about potential risks, just like the web version, and having the option for text message alerts right from the start is a big plus. You’ll also appreciate the added security of biometric logins, making it quick and safe to access your account.
The app keeps things simple with easy access to your credit scores and reports. However, it’s worth noting that some features – like social media monitoring or parental controls – aren’t available, even in the higher-tier plans. If these are important to you, you might need additional tools for complete family protection.
Canceling your IdentityIQ subscription
If you’re looking to cancel your IdentityIQ subscription, here’s the straightforward way to do it: give their support team a call at (877) 875-4347 and let them know you want to cancel. Don’t forget to ask for a confirmation email to keep everything on record.
Since there’s no option to cancel online or by email, calling is the best bet. Be ready for a bit of wait time and some offers to keep you as a customer – sometimes they’ll try to entice you with reduced pricing.
Customer support: Is IdentityIQ's customer service meeting your needs?
We’ve found that getting in touch with IdentityIQ’s customer support is generally straightforward, but it could be more convenient. They’re available Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, CST and on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, CST. While they do offer 24/7 support for emergencies, it’s worth noting that regular support hours are not as extensive as some other services.
We found that their contact info is a bit hard to find – it's only a phone number at the bottom of their site, with no email or chat options. This can make finding help a bit of a scavenger hunt.
Contacting customer support can involve long waits and a tricky cancellation process with some high-pressure tactics. On the plus side, their US-based fraud experts are ready to help if you deal with identity theft.
Data security and privacy: Is your sensitive info really safe?
When it comes to keeping your personal info safe, IdentityIQ does a solid job by using SSL encryption to protect sensitive data like your SSN and payment details. Plus, their partnership with Bitdefender adds an extra layer of security with antivirus, VPN, and safe browsing tools for up to 10 devices.
But it's important to know that, as a US-based company, IdentityIQ might share your data with third parties or government entities in certain cases, like legal requirements or fraud prevention. The good news is that you can opt out of some data-sharing practices and reduce unwanted contacts using their Opt-out IQ feature. If privacy is a top priority, it's always worth checking out their privacy policy for full details on how your info is handled.
IdentityIQ vs competitors: What sets it apart?
When it comes to choosing an identity theft protection service, IdentityIQ is a solid option. But how does it fare against other top players? Let’s break it down.
- IdentityIQ vs Aura: Aura impresses with its all-around protection. Unlike IdentityIQ, which only offers three-bureau credit monitoring with its top-tier plans, Aura includes it with every plan. Plus, Aura's plans come with a no-logs VPN and stellar parental controls – features that IdentityIQ lacks. For families and those wanting a full suite of security tools, Aura is a strong contender.
- IdentityIQ vs LifeLock: LifeLock’s top-tier plan shines with up to $3 million in identity theft insurance and includes Norton 360’s antivirus and VPN. In comparison, IdentityIQ doesn’t include antivirus and offers VPN through Bitdefender for an extra fee. If top-notch insurance and integrated digital security are important to you, LifeLock might be worth considering.
- IdentityIQ vs Identity Guard: Identity Guard stands out with advanced IBM-powered insights and unique features like social media monitoring. It offers real-time threat analysis and extra tools that go beyond basic protection. IdentityIQ, on the other hand, provides essential services like credit monitoring and fraud alerts at a more affordable price. If you’re after advanced features, Identity Guard is your pick.
Final verdict: Who should consider IdentityIQ?
In a nutshell, IdentityIQ is a great pick if you're after solid, budget-friendly identity theft protection. With features like credit monitoring from all three major bureaus, up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, and a user-friendly setup, it covers the basics well.
However, there are a few things to consider. IdentityIQ lacks a free trial, and additional features like social media monitoring come at an extra cost. Also, the customer support options are limited compared to some competitors.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to protect yourself and your family, IdentityIQ is worth considering. But if you want a bit more in terms of extra features and advanced security tools, Aura could be a fantastic alternative. It offers a comprehensive package, including social media monitoring and additional digital security tools.
IdentityIQ FAQ
Can I trust IdentityIQ?
Yes, IdentityIQ takes your security seriously, using SSL encryption to safeguard your sensitive information. They also team up with Bitdefender for extra protection, including antivirus and VPN services. Just keep in mind that, being a US-based company, they might share your data with third parties or government agencies in certain situations.
How much does IdentityIQ cost?
IdentityIQ has four plans to fit different needs and budgets, ranging from $6.99 to $29.99 per month. The “Secure Plan” starts at $6.99, while the “Secure Max Plan” at $29.99 offers the most comprehensive coverage and extra perks. Plus, if you opt for an annual subscription, you can snag around 15% off.
How accurate are IdentityIQ scores?
Yes, since IdentityIQ keeps you updated with your credit scores and reports using VantageScore 3.0 for precise monitoring. With the “Secure Max” plan, you’ll get monthly updates, so you’ll always have a clear picture of your credit health.
How do I cancel IdentityIQ?
To cancel your IdentityIQ subscription, just give their support team a call at (877) 875-4347. Don’t forget to ask for a confirmation email to keep things on record. Unfortunately, you can't cancel online or via email, and remember, refunds for partial months aren’t provided, so you'll be billed for the full billing cycle even if you cancel early.
This IdentityIQ review was last updated on September 9, 2024.
Leave a Reply