IdentityForce positions itself as a top choice for safeguarding your credit and identity, boasting robust cybersecurity and identity protection features. However, its premium pricing places it at the higher end of the market. Business Insider’s personal finance team conducted a comprehensive comparison of leading credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, identifying IdentityForce as a leader in the industry. This review delves into the key aspects of IdentityForce to help you determine if it aligns with your needs.
IdentityForce Overview
IdentityForce, operated by TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to prevent, detect, and resolve identity theft incidents. Its standout cybersecurity features include anti-phishing and anti-keylogging software, along with a virtual private network (VPN). IdentityForce also provides an online vault for secure storage of digital documents, aiming to proactively prevent identity theft. If prevention falters, the service provides identity theft insurance coverage up to $1 million and access to credit experts for recovery assistance.
Certain core identity theft monitoring features are exclusive to the UltraSecure+Credit premium plan. Features like tri-bureau credit monitoring and a credit scoring simulator require an additional fee. The UltraSecure+Credit plan is among the most expensive identity theft protection plans available, making it a notable factor to consider.
IdentityForce’s annual plans, a free trial of the UltraSecure plan, and a return policy help to mitigate the cost. The service also extends to family plans, designed to protect children from identity theft, incorporating ongoing identity monitoring and some social media monitoring.
Key Features of IdentityForce
IdentityForce delivers its services through two main tiers, each supplemented by a family plan, resulting in four distinct plan options:
IdentityForce Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Actively monitors personal data, including Social Security numbers, financial details, and credit reports.
- Real-Time Alerts: Rapid detection of potentially fraudulent activities with immediate alerts.
- Access to Credit Reports: Provides access to credit reports from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Cons:
- High Cost: Pricier compared to many rival services.
- Additional Costs: Additional fees for child coverage plans.
- No Guarantee: While comprehensive, offers no absolute guarantee against identity theft.
IdentityForce Costs and Fees
IdentityForce plan prices range from $19.90 to $39.90 each month, offering a discount for annual subscriptions. The annual subscription costs are as follows:
- UltraSecure: $199.90
- UltraSecure+Credit: $349.90
- UltraSecure Family: $249.90
- UltraSecure+Credit Family: $399.90
While the IdentityForce website often guides visitors toward the UltraSecure+Credit plan, the more expensive option, all plans are accessible from the IdentityForce homepage. A 30-day free trial of the UltraSecure plan is available. After selecting a plan and choosing a payment option, you can begin the service. An IdentityForce mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices, but its user reviews have been mixed.
IdentityForce Reviews and Ratings
IdentityForce has a rating of 3.9 stars out of 5 from 904 reviews on Trustpilot, with 59% of reviewers awarding four or five stars. App ratings are lower, averaging 3.0 stars on the iOS app and 2.6 stars on the Google Play app. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives IdentityForce a C rating, receiving 1.11 out of five stars. Negative reviews on the BBB website often cite less-than-satisfactory customer service and difficulties with cancellations. IdentityForce has a C rating with the Better Business Bureau and received 1.11 stars out of five. Most negative reviews on the BBB website say the customer service was less than desired and it was hard to cancel the membership through the website.
IdentityForce Alternatives
IdentityForce covers all the essential features while augmenting them with cybersecurity capabilities and a credit score simulator. But, its prices are higher compared to other options. Annual subscription discounts are available, which is not consistent across all competitors.
Here’s how IdentityForce compares with some of the industry leaders:
IdentityForce vs. Aura
Both Aura and IdentityForce offer robust identity protection, along with cybersecurity features and tri-bureau monitoring. However, Aura provides this at a significantly lower cost, often less than half the price of IdentityForce’s UltraSecure+Credit plan. IdentityForce does provide advantages, such as a 30-day free trial and a prorated refund for unused services. It also includes a credit score simulator. However, the added features may not justify a price point that is nearly three times higher than the competition.
IdentityForce vs. LifeLock by Norton
Similar to IdentityForce, LifeLock by Norton also features premium pricing, but offers features that justify the price difference. These include a robust array of cybersecurity measures and a credit scoring simulator, attributes not found in IdentityForce. Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, though more expensive, has additional features like an ad-blocker. Additionally, Norton’s Virus Protection Promise provides a refund if a virus cannot be removed from a covered device. While IdentityForce’s family plan price bump is less than LifeLock’s, the Norton 360 bundle makes LifeLock a strong competitor.
IdentityForce vs. Experian IdentityWorks
Experian IdentityWorks is a less expensive alternative to IdentityForce, though with fewer identity protection features. IdentityForce surpasses IdentityWorks in terms of a thorough array of identity theft and cybersecurity features. Experian IdentityWorks provides a free plan, Experian IdentityWorks Basic Plan, which IdentityForce lacks. Although not as inclusive as a paid plan, it provides some value with dark web monitoring, but no recovery services. IdentityForce offers better quality-of-life features, such as a free trial, refunds, and family plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About IdentityForce
How effective is IdentityForce?
IdentityForce is as effective as comparable services. Its use of advanced technology and inclusion of comprehensive services is intended to protect your identity against fraud and scams.
Can I cancel IdentityForce?
Cancellation is possible by contacting customer service or via the member dashboard. Refunds are provided for unused services on a prorated basis.
Is IdentityForce easy to use?
Yes, IdentityForce has an easy-to-navigate and user-friendly interface.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Rated IdentityForce
Expert personal finance reporter Jennifer Streaks evaluated each ID theft protection service based on their ability to safeguard, monitor, and help recover your identity. We focus on features such as dark web monitoring and public records monitoring, as these are not always included.
We evaluate services based on a tiered pricing system. While this is important to us, we also consider a company’s customer ratings to identify any issues. Additionally, QoL features are considered. IdentityForce is one of the best identity protection services, as its cybersecurity software offers comprehensive protection.
Jennifer Streaks
Jennifer Streaks is a Personal Finance Expert and Journalist.
