Identity theft is a serious problem and could potentially ruin your life, which is why it is crucial that you protect yourself. There are numerous identity theft protection services on the market, but two standout products are Complete ID and LifeLock. So, which one is better?
Costco Complete ID Overview
CompleteID is a service only available to Costco members. The company partnered with Experian, one of three major credit reporting agencies, to bring this service exclusively to its members.
This identity protection service offers numerous features in one, which is why it is one of the most popular products in the industry. Here are some features you get when you opt for Complete ID.
- Annual credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Monthly credit scores with a graphical representation tracking how your credit score moves.
- Monthly updates on crimes and sexual predators in your region.
- Monitors unsanctioned Social Security number (SSN) use.
- Provides limited identity theft insurance of $1 million
Complete ID comes with various plans for users, which include:
- Costco Executive Members – Starting at $8.99 monthly for one adult (additional $2.99 for children)
- Costco Business and Gold Star Members – Starting at $13.99 monthly for one adult (additional $3.99 for children)
LifeLock Overview
LifeLock is an identity theft service that has withstood the test of time, from Federal Trade Commission investigations in 2015 to numerous lawsuits from customers and credit agencies. The software also changed ownership in 2017, when it was purchased for $2.3 billion. Regardless, it remains one of the best. Now, the service offers a variety of features, some of which include:
- Savings and checking account application alerts
- Seamless compatibility with other Norton products
- ID verification monitoring
- Suspicious activity alerts
- Monthly credit score provided by Experian
- Dark web monitoring
- Credit monitoring from one to three major credit bureaus, depending on the subscription plan
LifeLock comes with several subscription plans that suit the needs of individuals and families. Here are some of those plans.
- LifeLock Standard – Starting at $7.50 monthly for the first year (one adult)
- LifeLock Advantage – Starting at $14.99 monthly for the first year (one adult)
- LifeLock Ultimate Plus – Starting at $19.99 monthly for the first year (one adult)
Regardless of the LifeLock plan you opt for, you can add children for an additional fee of $5.99 monthly.
Feature Comparison Between Complete ID and LifeLock
So, Costco vs LifeLock – does Complete ID Win? Or does LifeLock take the crown? Here are some comparisons between both services to help determine which one comes out on top.
Credit Reporting
Both services provide credit reports and scores. You can get a free annual credit report from the three major credit bureaus using either service.
Furthermore, you can access your credit score and reports more often if you use one credit bureau. But, unlike Complete ID, this feature does not apply to all LifeLock plans. To get this feature, you must opt for a higher-priced LifeLock plan.
Complete ID and LifeLock allow you to lock your credit report, preventing fraudsters from taking loans or creating lines of credit using your name.
However, Complete ID helps you lock your credit at Experian, and LifeLock enables you to lock your credit at TransUnion. While neither offers this feature for all bureaus, you can quickly call the bureaus to freeze your credit.
Financial Monitoring
Financial monitoring is essential for identity protection, so you require a service that provides credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus.
You need this triple-bureau monitoring because the three big credit monitoring bureaus use different metrics to determine your credit. Therefore, the data vary from bureau to bureau, so you must frequently check all three to ensure you notice any suspicious activities.
Both Complete ID and LifeLock offer users this service. But, again, LifeLock only provides this service in Ultimate Plus, its more expensive plan. Besides the restriction of this feature on the lower-tiered LifeLock plans, both service providers are pretty evenly matched in financial monitoring.
Dark Web Monitoring
The dark web is a collection of hidden internet websites filled with criminal activities, such as the selling of personal information. So, if your personal information ends up there, you will likely suffer from identity theft. Therefore, having an effective dark web monitoring tool is essential for detecting and preventing identity theft.
Complete ID and LifeLock monitor information that goes through the dark web, looking for data associated with your personal information. If your information comes up and either service notices something suspicious, they will send you an alert.
Restoration of Identity
LifeLock and Complete ID promise to help users restore their identities in case of identity theft, which is very handy, especially for those without experience.
As soon as you report identity theft, the service provider will delegate a specialist to you. This specialist will guide you on what to do, such as canceling cards, filling out documents, and steps to boost your credit score if need be, among others. If you require a lawyer to help with documentation, both services can also recommend a professional.
They also both assist with lost wallet recovery. This means that if you lose your wallet with your driver’s license, credit and debit cards, and valuables inside, both services can aid with the process of canceling your cards, getting new documents, and others.
User-Friendliness
Using both services is pretty straightforward. They both provide a user-friendly dashboard for viewing alerts and managing settings.
Furthermore, you easily sign up in minutes. All you need are a credit card and an ID card. However, Complete ID also requires your Costco membership number.
Both services have mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. But, the LifeLock app has an edge because it has more options when it comes to managing your account.
Insurance and Reimbursement
LifeLock and Complete ID proffer identity theft insurance to cover the cost of hiring a lawyer, opening new accounts, and others. You can get up to $1 million in insurance from either service. However, you must show proof of expenses to be reimbursed.
Additionally, both services reimburse you for any money lost due to identity theft. LifeLock offers between $25,000 to $1 million, riding on your subscription plan.
On the other hand, Complete ID’s reimbursement offer is part of the $1 million insurance. This means that the $1 million offer covers both types of reimbursement.
LifeLock works best for those with more significant account balances due to the higher reimbursement amount.
Verdict—Which Is Better?
Ultimately, both services offer similar features. However, LifeLock edges out Complete ID due to its slightly better features, compatibility with Norton products, no membership requirement, and higher compensation plan.
That said, if you are already a Costco member, it might make more sense to stick with Complete ID, which is more affordable and offers features that LifeLock only offers in more expensive plans.
But, if you want the very best and the pricing plan is within your budget, LifeLock is the way to go.
