| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic / standard | $70–$140 |
| Standard / typical | $210–$420 |
| Enhanced / premium | $420–$840 |
| Complex / expedited | $840–$1,680 |
Compare providers near you
| Service | Monthly Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Karma (free) | $0 | Basic credit monitoring |
| Aura | $12–$15/month | All-in-one, family plans |
| IdentityForce | $18–$24/month | Government-grade protection |
| LifeLock (Norton) | $12–$35/month | $1M insurance, Norton antivirus |
| Credit freeze (all 3 bureaus) | $0 | Most effective prevention |
The single most effective identity theft prevention is free: freeze your credit at all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at each bureau's website. A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name, and you can temporarily lift it in minutes when you need to apply for credit. Paid monitoring services alert you after fraud happens; a credit freeze prevents it from happening in the first place. If you have already been a victim, file a report at IdentityTheft.gov and place a fraud alert (also free).
The true cost of identity theft extends well beyond the sticker price. Fees, tax implications, opportunity costs, and time horizons all factor into the real cost of any financial decision. Evaluating only the upfront cost without considering long-term impact leads to consistently poor financial outcomes.
Individual circumstances drive the right choice more than general advice. Your tax bracket, timeline, risk tolerance, and existing financial picture all influence which option delivers the best outcome. What works for someone in their 20s with decades of compounding ahead is very different from what makes sense for someone approaching retirement.