Identity Guard Logo

Identity Guard

star star star star_border star_border

6.0

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 19th, 2021

Identity Guard is based in Virginia and has been in business since 1995.

Owned and operated by Intersections, Inc., Identity Guard is focused on providing credit monitoring and identity protection services to individuals as well as families.

Identity Guard offers the following two plan options that involve credit monitoring services: 

  • Total Plan — Includes standard identity and credit protection
  • Ultra Plan — Includes premium identity and credit protection 

Those who sign up for the company’s Ultra plan will be able to receive the highest quality credit monitoring services including three-bureau credit monitoring, three-bureau annual credit reports, and one-bureau monthly credit scores. 

Along with credit monitoring services, Identity Guard provides consumers with an anti-phishing mobile app, safe browsing tools, dark web monitoring services, address monitoring services, and more. 

Read on to learn more about Identity Guard’s credit monitoring services and plan options. 

thumb_up

The Good

  • Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring
  • Anti-Phishing Mobile App
  • Identity Theft Protection Tools

Triple Bureau Credit Monitoring

Unlike some of the other companies in the industry, Identity Guard offers credit monitoring services for all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion.

As mentioned above, Identity Guard offers three different plan options, two of which provide credit monitoring services. The two plans that  offer credit monitoring services include the following: 

  • Total Plan — This plan costs $16.67 per month for individuals and includes standard identity protection services as well as standard credit protection. In terms of credit monitoring, this plan provides customers with one-bureau monthly credit scores and three-bureau credit monitoring services. 

  • Ultra Plan — This plan costs $25 per month for individuals and includes premium identity protection services and premium credit protection services. In regards to credit monitoring, this plan offers one-bureau monthly credit scores, three-bureau credit monitoring services, and three-bureau annual credit reports. 

Those who have an Identity Guard Total or Ultra account will be able to receive notifications if there are changes made to their credit profiles including public records, new inquiries, and more.

According to the company’s website, customers will be able to “receive inquiry notifications in near real-time from Experian and Transunion.”

Anti-Phishing Mobile App

Identity Guard provides a helpful anti-phishing mobile app to help its customers view credit monitoring information and receive alerts on-the-go with the use of a smartphone or tablet.

Identity Theft Protection Tools

Identity Guard offers a robust suite of identity theft protection tools as a part of its plans.

Although we are most interested in how well the company monitors credit, it is convenient to have these tools available if consumers are especially concerned about having their identities stolen.

Identity Guard goes a step further than most and offers other tools, including password managers and antivirus software, as part of its packages.

Visit Site

thumb_down

The Bad

  • High Industry Price Range
  • No Partial Refunds

High Industry Price Range

Identity Guard charges individuals anywhere from $16.67 to $25 per month and charges families $25 to $33.33 per month for its services that include credit monitoring.

These prices can be relatively expensive in comparison to what other companies charge for credit monitoring services.

No Partial Refunds

Identity Guard does not offer refunds from any unused portion of a subscription.  

This applies primarily to those selecting an annual membership and wanting to receive a prorated refund for the remainder of the term of the pre-paid subscription.  

For those who feel that this may potentially describe their future situation, we strongly recommend going the monthly subscription term route or looking into other credit monitoring companies.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Identity Guard offers an anti-phishing mobile app and a variety of identity theft protection tools in addition to its tri-bureau credit monitoring services.

The company, unfortunately, does not provide partial refunds or credit reporting of any type.

Identity Guard's services are also relatively expensive considering what's included in comparison to other companies in the credit monitoring industry.

Those interested in Identity Guard’s credit monitoring services can visit the company’s website and can read customer reviews to learn more. 

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

3.2

star star star star_border star_border

99 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

29%

4 grade

28%

3 grade

6%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

32%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_half

Quality

star star star star star_half

Service

star star star star star_half

Trustworthiness

star star star star star
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
star star_border star_border star_border star_border

allessandra Greenville, NC

It took me two hours and multiple phone calls, with wait times of 5-10 minutes each, to set up my account. The website would not accept my credit card, although I called the credit card company and everything was in good standing. Once I finished enrolling I went to another website and made a purchase within 5 mins, just to make sure my card worked. I switched cards and used my husband's card and enrolled my family. I was told by a rep that there wasn't a family plan and that I would have to enter each person individually and pay for each one separately each month. A more knowledgeable rep finally told me that there is a family plan. Once enrolled, I was informed that although the family plan is for 2 adults and children, I, as the second adult, would not be able to enroll for about 48 hours and I would have to await an email. The people were nice but it was way too much hassle and was very frustrating. I expect the reps to be more knowledgeable.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Lmd Michelle

I applied on line and everything went smoothly - but the information advertised was not what I could see. They only provided Equifax not Trans Union. I called today to cancel membership and the lady could not "find" my membership..despite the fact that I had my number and all my personal details available. I was logged in as a member and viewing my profile and she was telling me I didn't exist and the phone number wasn't correct as she did not have any record of it! this despite the fact that I was looking at their own website - which had the exact same information I was giving her! Not sure what will happen but cancelled account on line and will be watching my bank accounts. Seems very shady.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Kim Columbus, OH

The service provided by this company has plummeted this summer. It was a good product until about June - I have had at least 6 issues with either log in error and or the functions not working. for example, I get an alert and can't log into the system or I only get an email after days of them getting an alert that I have a changed to my credit profile. Or text messages aren't being sent any longer. These problems have been occurring both before and after a major upgrade to the site. Tech support at the toll free hotline has been dismal. I am currently searching for a new service, as this is too unreliable.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Wylene Forney, TX

I needed to reactivate my membership after 2 months of lapse in service. One week and 4 phone calls later, I called in asking what the status was because I was still unable to get any updates on my report and monitoring services. (With each phone call I was told to wait 24-48 hours for the system to update.) The very last representative (her name was Kelli) cut me off when I was telling her my problem. She told me there was no need to go any further. I was only trying to explain to her my situation so I could give her the background on it and get it resolved. Not once did she apologize or offer any form of acknowledgement to my problem. I was treated very disrespectfully. The experience with this rude, unprofessional associate made my finally take my business elsewhere.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

dorian lawler Riverview, FL

I researched identiy protection companies and chose Identity Guard. I am writing this review because I don't want anyone else to have the nightmare experience I have had. I logged into my account on 7/27 to upgrade from a quarterly report to a monthly report. I was unable to find how to upgrade my account on line so I called the customer service dept. The support tech told me in order to upgrade my acct, I had to cancel my existing account and re-enroll to the upgraded version. In doing that it wiped out my account. I didn't have time to re-enter all my information so they said they could re-activate my account so I trusted my account was re-activated. Two weeks later, I find my account was never reactivated. I went all this time thinking I had identity protection. I had been accessing my IG account frequently to ensure it was okay. However, when I tried to cancel my membership online, it did not allow me to do so...there were no message(s) reflecting a change in status on my account on my IG home page either. So I called customer service and was told my account had not been reactivated. The person I spoke to today said they had tried to call me 3 times and left a msg once via phone. However, after looking at my phone and messages, I had not received any calls/msg from them. They even had my email and did not attempt to communicate the message to me. I don't want anyone to experience the frustration I have experienced with this company! If I can't trust to receive communication about the status of my account, how can they be trusted to protect my identity? I would encourage you to research other companies that provide similar service.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Deborah Price Florence, OR

When responding to the company request that we contact them. We did - found they had failed to properly & update change of address information for both members of the family. After 15 min. & 39 seconds of trying to get the address right - the staff person brought another staff person on the the line. At this point my husband had to leave for a meeting. With the original staffer still on & verifying tthat my husband had been 15 minutes trying to get the address correct (for the second time) - the new staff person would not complete the correction without speaking to only him. Absurd & not about our security.....not confidence building. Cancelling the service.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Sam Tortorice Orlando, FL

I received Identity Guard through a Home Depot data breech. The monitoring service is a joke. I purchased a new car in February without any notification that my credit was checked or that the car was financed. Now, I just purchased a new home for over $265 K and no notification. REALLY. This is not even a monitoring company. It may be that Home Depot just paid to be able to sign up to give their customer a false sense of security; but, either way, it's a joke. I cancelled even though it was free.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Dave Miami, FL

I had been a member for nearly 4 years. It seemed that they were trustworthy and doing a great job, especially for the price. Then, I just wanted to change my primary credit card to pay my monthly fee. The website would not accept it. When my old card was charged, and I wanted to straighten it out by charging to my new card? I was told that I would have to wait 72 hours. COME ON!!! You want me to trust that you will get my credit and identity back after it is compromised, yet you cannot assist with the simplest of customer service requests!?!? MEMBERSHIP CANCELLED!!!

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

C

Gave them a try. Been three days now and they just can't seem to get it together. Girlfriend even signed up and it took here credit card information, she got a call and it timed out, never created a user ID because that comes after the credit card information. So now she's got to through the process of calling like I did three times with no success. I'd choose another service and save yourself the hassle.

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

dan greil Saint Paul, MN

I signed up yesterday for Identity Guard on a 14,99 and one month Free. I recieved my information set up my account and entered credit card information for protection. Today I got billed by Identity Guard for 19.99 not on the credit card I established the account with but a different one that i listed for protection. WOW what a scam! Give them your personal information and they are the ones that put unauthorized charges on the account!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Tina Colonial Heights, VA

I signed on with Identity Guard and after a few months my credit scores were the same and my monthly report was "no activity". I checked on my credit score directly with the same major credit reporting agencies that they reported my score for and the actual score differed by 100 points, in my favor. Some of the other Identity Guard information for my credit report with this agency was also incorrect. It appeared that Identity Guard creates its own information. I cancelled my membership.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Natashia Meridian, ID

I signed my husband, myself and our daughter up and was to be charged $24.97, I was actually charged $46.94. When I called customer serviced the lady that answered the phone was very very rude and told me sorry I do not see that, and since I can not see that I can not help you. She did not offer me any further help. She told me I could call y credit card company and speak with them. Did that and was told to resolve my issue with Identity Guard. I am currently in the process of cancelling my account this is not a great start. I will pay the extra money and go with another company!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

helene z Palm Desert, CA

Very disappointed with this company. They take your money on a monthly basis and for some reason this gives you some sense of false security that this company is doing something. I have found people who answer your call really do not know how to advise you in the steps on who to contact when your credit has been comprised. But, one thing they are very good at is selling. Felt the company violated me.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

JOSEPH M. NERI San Jose, CA

When I signed up I was told that if I canceled the subscription, ALL MY DATA would be removed from the records of Identity Guard. I just canceled my subscription and asked about removing my data. I was told by a Supervisor that all my DATA including my social security number would be retained in the records of the company. Supervisor could not explain why they would keep my social security number on their files. I never gave them permission to keep my Data if I canceled subscription. Very disappointed!!!

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

KenH Oak Harbor, WA

I guess I misunderstood the role of IdentityGuard. I had an account completely taken over and so far have not received any notice of this from them. I asked about that and was told they are a post-activity service and respond only when they are told there is an issue by the financial institution. Not what I was expecting frankly; I was under the impression the service was proactive. If I have to manage issues and clean up on my own, why am I paying for the service?

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Aaron Fleming Port Townsend, WA

The first time I got an alert on my credit record, I tried to log in. No deal. Password and username reset options didn't work. After 3 days, customer service finally got back to me telling me to call an 800 number. NO WAY. I didn't sign up with an 800 number, I'm not calline an 800 number just to reset a password.

6 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Bret Barker Salinas, CA

slow, time consuming,, multple phone calls to deal with what should be able to be done online. booger slow (that is slower than snot) condescending tone on voice and empty apologies for not being able to keep their promises. easily take your money no questions asked, delivery really stinks

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Natalie Abbott Chicago, IL

I noticed identity gauard was STILL charging my monthly $19.99 for OVER a year. I cancelled this membership once I viewed my credit score. 2nd attempt today to cancel the membership!!!! I would NEVER recommend this company!!!!

7 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Chelle Keller, TX

Identity Guard customer service SUCKS. My bank give better protection for no money than this service. I have tried to cancel this service numerous times. Long story, since I lost my sign in info on my last phone, bought a new laptop and moved, I cannot authenticate my identity to them. It is a night mare!!

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

JAMES R JACKSON Colorado Springs, CO

ABSOLUTELY the worst customer service in the history of customer service. Rep said I was a liar and kept repeating herself to try to prove her point, I guess her point was that she and Identity Guard don't need any customers . I helped her along and cancelled my member ship after being a member for 5 years.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Linda Laguna Woods, CA

I applied on line and after filling out my personal information I got a notice that nothing matched. Since everything was correct, I clicked off the website because they did not have a Rep. to talk to on the weekend. They charged my credit card $19.99 anyway. I signed up for Life Lock - a "live" Rep. was extremely helpful to me.

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Bill Denver, CO

Signed up for identity guard 10 days ago,in the last week credit karma,credit sesame, and my 3 credit cards have all notified me of a hard credit inquiry from a c c app I filled out---not a word alert or message from identity guard--GOODBYE IDENTITY GUARD

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Anita Gearty Long Branch, NJ

terrible ...extremely inaccurate credit reports...stated there was another person associated with my social security number...not true....inaccurate account data...didn't match the credit reporting agencies.better to use identity protection through the credit sources...Experian...Transunion or Equifax

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

BOB Denver, CO

signed up. within two months, my CC was stolen. CC company called me stopped payments, new account issued. Identity guard issues, no waning, except they could not charge my CC? Stay away

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

JSmith Downingtown, PA

I was with these folks for ~ 6months - the 3 bureau report every quarter. Frankly, I didn't see the value. Yes they reported and changes to my credit files on a timely basis and generally found cu

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Mark Clement Portland, OR

too many times when I log into their system, one or more of their services are not online, for whatever reason. if they cannot keep their own system online, what does that say about their protection abilities. Costco member.

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

David Huntersville, NC

Information( especially credit score) is not accurate... I also did not get what was advertised in the way of complete assessment from all 3 credit reporting agencies...

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Brandon mcwherter

Very misleading and hidden costs for the service. You get billed every month, but can only see your scores every 3 months? I've now paid over $50 to see one report!

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Brad Gummere Galloway, OH

I called last week to try and dispute online about an incorrect address and the online dispute didn`t go through. I tried several times to no avail

8 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Mayra Garcia FL

The accessibility with a CSR rep was very difficult to access. You are on hold for a long period of time while the inquiry process is being handled.

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Edward White Phoenix, AZ

Nothing....absolutely nothing. Not even the credit report I was supposed to receive

9 years ago

star star_border star_border star_border star_border

Roy K Tonning. Sr. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Having major issues with your ability to report my credit scores. Getting ready to cancel service.

9 years ago