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Experian IdentityWorks℠

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4.5

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 19th, 2024

Experian, which is the world's largest credit bureau, launched IdentityWorks in 2010 to provide identity protection services to consumers. 

IdentityWorks offers up to $1 million in identity theft insurance as well as a suite of identity theft protection services that are divided into three distinct categories: detect, protect, and resolve.

With IdentityWorks, members can also get an easy lock and unlock credit file service and access to a credit monitoring service as well as three-bureau FICO scores.

Read on to learn more about Experian IdentityWorks and to see verified customer reviews. 

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The Good

  • Affordable Plans
  • Free Trial Period 
  • Enhanced Login Security
  • Identity Theft Insurance

Affordable Plans

IdentityWorks' services are considered to be more affordable for most consumers, especially when compared to what other companies in the identity theft protection industry charge for similar services.

The company offers two different plan options— the Plus plan and the Premium plan. Each plan comes with various identity theft monitoring services including dark web surveillance, three-bureau credit monitoring, social security number monitoring, financial account monitoring, and more.

Plans are offered for one adult, one adult and up to 10 children, and two adults and up to 10 children. It's important to note that IdentityWorks provides coverage for families while many other companies in the identity theft protection industry do not provide any type of family plan option. 

Free Trial Period 

IdentityWorks offers a free 30-day free trial membership for each of its provided identity protection plans.

The credit bureau's identity protection service also has an annual option available that allows consumers to get two free months of service. 

Enhanced Login Security

In addition to the standard email and password line of defense, IdentityWorks also requires users to input the last four digits of their social security number in order to log in, which provides an additional layer of security to their account.

Identity Theft Insurance

IdentityWorks provides its customers with up to $1 million in identity theft insurance with zero deductible. In the event of identity theft, this policy covers expenses such as fraudulent electronic funds transfers, lost wages, legal fees, and private investigator costs.

Although it's not unheard of for an identity protection service to provide identity theft insurance, some companies only offer up to $25,000. 

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The Bad

  • Limited Customer Support
  • Lack of Recovery Services
  • Additional Charge for Credit Reports
  • Credit Card Required for Free Trial

Limited Customer Support

IdentityWorks' customer support center is only open 12 hours per day on weekdays and 8 hours per day on weekends. This means that customers may not be able to get ahold of the company during an emergency.

Meanwhile, there are many other companies in the identity theft protection industry offer 24/7 customer support services. 

Lack of Recovery Services

Not surprisingly, IdentityWorks offers great detection services-Experian is a credit bureau, after all.

However, the company's identity theft resolution services are somewhat lacking when stacked up against competitors. For example, IdentityWorks does not offer the limited power of attorney or follow-through options on surveillance alerts.

Additional Charge for Credit Reports

While many identity theft protection companies offer free credit reports, IdentityWorks charges a fee each time a customer would like a credit report copy. 

Credit Card Required for Free Trial

In order to sign up for an Experian IdentityWorks 30-day free trial, consumers must input their credit card information. Once the free trial is over, the company automatically bills the consumer's credit card if the consumer does not cancel services within that 30-day period.

Those who choose to try out the Plus plan will be automatically billed for $9.99 per month and those who choose to try out the Premium plan will be billed for $19.99 per month once the free trial membership expires. 

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The Bottom Line

Experian IdentityWorks is a credible organization backed by one of the largest credit bureaus in the world. The company offers a number of attractive features, including affordable identity protection services, a 30-day free trial membership, and significant identity theft insurance.

When it comes to identity restoration and recovery services, the identity theft protection service does lack a bit compared to other companies in the industry. Additionally, many other companies offer around-the-clock customer support and do not require credit card information for free trial services.

If you are looking for an all-in-one, trustworthy service that includes identity theft monitoring, credit monitoring, and more for an affordable price, then IdentityWorks may be a good service option for you. However, we encourage you to conduct your own research and read Experian IdentityWork customer reviews to see if the company's identity theft protection service is right for you. 

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Star Rating

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2.3

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128 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

27%

4 grade

5%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

1%

1 grade

63%

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Margy M Post Falls, ID

My one time experience was ok. I was notified of a credit card application in my name. The phone number of the issuing bank was provided, allowing me to cancel the application. They also, put a credit fraud alert on my account at all three credit monitoring services. BTW, you must go to the Protectmyid website to log in, not Experian, like I did. I thought my login credentials weren't working like some of the other reviewers, but I had the wrong website.

7 years ago

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ab Portland, OR

I activated this service for free, thanks to the Target data breach of Dec 2013. I was impressed by protectmyid when I received an alert. A new credit card had been opened with my name. It turned out to be legitimate (my wife had mentioned that she got a new mileage card), but I'm thankful for the notification. It was easy to set up my account.

10 years ago

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Jaime Coralville, IA

I too received this service after the Target breach. I have never had any issues signing into my account, and am considering staying with them because they are offering a renewal rate of $9.95. It is too bad that you can't get your credit score but for me personally I don't think that is reason not to stay with them.

10 years ago

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Ben MN

I started with this free trial service and even though they helped me a great deal there were times when things would slip thru the cracks and when the trial was over I found it a but pricey to continue and to be honest a little confused as to their level of protection I think they are great as far and obtaining a credit report but had to research elsewhere for the protection I needed

2 years ago

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Steve Colella Coraopolis, PA

The notifications I receive are useful however I am unable to view any notifications in the mobile app. I have to log onto the website on my computer to be able to accurately view the notifications and alerts.

2 years ago

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alk43420

Its ok. Not as good as a few of the other sites.

2 years ago Edited October 23, 2024