How To Get 3-Bureau Credit Monitoring (7 Best Options)

What Is Three-bureau Credit Monitoring? 

Three-bureau credit monitoring offers one of the only ways to receive alerts quickly about the many possible dangers impacting your credit score and reports — from missed payments and incorrect information to fraudulent accounts, loans, and lines of credit that scammers have opened in your name. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) [*]:

New account fraud — where scammers open bank accounts or credit cards in your name — is up by over 32% in the last year.

Unfortunately, many free and even paid credit monitoring services only monitor your credit report with a single credit agency — leaving you at risk of missing the early warning signs of fraud. 

In this guide, we’ll explain the importance of three-bureau credit monitoring, who needs it, and how much it costs. We’ll also review the best options on the market today to help you keep your accounts, finances, and family safe.

Is Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring Worth It? Pros & Cons

Three-bureau credit monitoring is a financial security feature that alerts you to changes on your credit reports at all of the three major credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 

The main benefit of three-bureau credit monitoring is that you will be alerted to all changes to your credit reports — whether the lender reports them to all three bureaus or just one. 

Tracking your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus is essential because each bureau carries different information, meaning fraudulent activity may appear on one but not the others. 

With three-bureau credit monitoring, you’re much more likely to catch the early warning signs of most types of credit fraud — like fraudulent hard inquiries, new accounts opened, or loan applications — allowing you to minimize damage to your credit history and reputation.

Every American can access a free credit score report from all three bureaus each week (by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com). But without active monitoring, you leave yourself open to fraud and identity theft. 

Here are some of the pros and cons of using a three-bureau monitoring service: 

Credit monitoring is an essential part of protecting your identity and financial health. But you’ll get much more value for your money when you get credit monitoring bundled with identity theft protection provided by a service like Identity Guard.

Who Needs Three-bureau Credit Monitoring the Most?

While almost everyone can benefit from monitoring their credit, there are certain groups and demographics that are more at risk of becoming victims of fraud, including: 

• Past victims of identity theft. 29% of people whose identity was stolen are repeat victims [*]. If someone stole your identity in the past, credit monitoring can give you peace of mind by protecting you from falling victim again.  
• Victims of recent data breaches. Individuals affected by data breaches are especially susceptible to identity theft and other fraudulent activities. When you know your personally identifiable information (PII) is already compromised, it makes sense to get added protection for your financial accounts and online presence.
• Anyone who doesn’t plan to monitor their credit on their own. Regular credit monitoring is an important routine practice, as it helps you spot fraud early. But many people won’t take the time (or don’t have the time) to review credit reports and bank statements; in these instances, an automated service is a more convenient and reliable option.

How Much Does Three-bureau Credit Monitoring Cost?

The cost of three-bureau credit monitoring services varies, depending on the provider. While almost all free credit monitoring services only offer one-bureau monitoring, the best three-bureau credit monitoring services cost anywhere from $8.99 to $39.95 per month [*]. 

Credit monitoring-only services are less expensive than all-in-one options that include identity theft protection and digital security tools — such as a Dark Web scanner, a virtual private network (VPN), and antivirus software. 

It's worth noting that many credit monitoring companies charge monthly fees of up to $30. Before signing up for any protection plans, make sure you review all included services and features, as well as the steps you would need to take to cancel your plan. 

💡 Related: How Much Does Identity Theft Protection Cost (and Do You Need It)? →

The 7 Best 3-Bureau Credit Monitoring Services of 2024

1. Identity Guard
2. Aura
3. Experian IdentityWorks
4. ID Watchdog
5. myFICO
6. LifeLock
7. IdentityForce

When you’re looking for three-bureau credit monitoring services, you need to consider the pros and cons of each, and be sure you’re making the right choice to protect your credit information and finances.

Here are seven of the best three-bureau credit monitoring services:

1. Identity Guard

Identity Guard is an all-in-one identity theft protection service that provides three-bureau credit monitoring on two of its pricing plans: Total and Ultra. 

Identity Guard protects you by monitoring your personal information, credit, and bank accounts for signs of identity theft and alerts you to any breaches or suspicious activity in near real-time. 

Here’s what you get with Identity Guard’s Ultra plan:

• 3-bureau credit monitoring with near real-time fraud alerts
• Monthly credit scores and 3-bureau annual credit reports
• Experian Credit Lock to instantly lock and unlock your credit file
• Bank, credit card, 401k, and home title monitoring
• Digital security tools, including a secure password manager and Safe Browsing tools
• White Glove Fraud Resolution support
• Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance

How much does Identity Guard cost?

Identity Guard offers three tiers of plans depending on your security needs — from basic identity theft protection to full credit monitoring and dedicated support from White Glove Fraud Resolution Specialists. Identity Guard’s family plans cover up to five adults and an unlimited number of kids.

Here are Identity Guard’s plans and pricing as of February 2024: 

• Value Plan (no credit monitoring): The basic plan provides essential identity protection and credit monitoring for $6.67/month (individual) and $10/month (family).
• Total Plan: The standard plan offers identity and credit protection for $11.99/month (individual) and $17.99/month (family).
• Ultra Plan: This premium plan provides comprehensive identity and credit protection for $17.99/month (individual) and $23.99/month (family).

Identity Guard doesn’t offer a free trial but does include a 60-day money-back guarantee on all annual plans.

2. Aura

Aura has quickly become a leader in modern identity theft protection. This all-in-one solution has won awards for its comprehensive digital security features, including accolades from Money.com, Security.org, and Identity Theft Protection Review.

But credit monitoring and fraud alerts are only a small part of protecting your credit, identity, and finances. What sets Aura apart is that it also monitors your SSN, passport, driver’s license, name, address, account logins and passwords, home title, and more, across the internet, Dark Web, and in public records. 

Here’s what you get with an Aura plan:

• 3-bureau credit monitoring with the industry’s fastest fraud alerts
• Monthly credit scores and 3-bureau annual credit reports
• Experian Credit Lock to instantly lock and unlock your credit file
• Home title monitoring and SSN monitoring
• Dark Web monitoring and data breach notifications 
• 24/7 White Glove Fraud Resolution support
• Up to $5 million in identity theft insurance (for families)

How much does Aura cost?

Aura offers simple and transparent pricing, with all plans including three-bureau credit monitoring, one-click credit lock, financial account monitoring, and more. 

Here are Aura’s plans and pricing as of February 2024: 

• Individual Plan: The Individual plan offers comprehensive identity theft protection and three-bureau credit monitoring for $12/month.
• Couple Plan: This plan covers two individuals and provides identity theft protection and credit monitoring for both users at $22/month. 
• Family Plan: The Family plan offers protection for up to five adults and an unlimited number of children — providing identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and parental controls for the entire family at $24/month. Family plan members can live in different households (such as grandparents or kids away at college).

3. Experian IdentityWorks

Experian IdentityWorks provides comprehensive identity theft protection and credit monitoring services, including Dark Web surveillance, fraud resolution, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. You can also sign up for the service’s free plan to monitor your Experian credit file for free. 

Here’s what you get with the Experian IdentityWorks Ultra plan:

• 3-bureau credit monitoring with near real-time fraud alerts
• Quarterly 3-bureau credit report and FICO® Scores
• Social Security number trace alerts
• Change of address alerts
• Lost wallet assistance

How much does Experian IdentityWorks cost?

Experian has three plans with different levels of protection. 

Here are Experian IdentityWorks’ plans and pricing as of February 2024: 

• Basic: Free plan for Experian credit report and FICO score tracking.
• Premium: This plan provides comprehensive identity theft protection, including three-bureau credit monitoring, starting at $24.99/month.
• Family: This plan includes the same features as the Premium plan but covers two adults and up to 10 children for $34.99/month.

Experian IdentityWorks is often included on lists of free credit monitoring services because the company offers a free plan. However, this free service is limited in how much it can help you, as you’re only able to monitor your Experian credit report and FICO® credit score.

💡 Related: LifeLock vs. Experian IdentityWorks: 2024 Comparison and Showdown →

4. ID Watchdog

ID Watchdog is an identity theft protection service that focuses on a scoring model in which customers receive notifications about suspicious activity related to their SSN, name, and personal information. Although not seen as one of the leaders in the industry, ID Watchdog’s focus on the financial impact of ID theft makes it worth considering. 

Here’s what you get with the ID Watchdog Ultra plan:

• 3-bureau credit monitoring (only offered on Premium plans)
• Fraud alerts
• Credit lock single (Experian) or dual-bureau (Experian and TransUnion)
• Financial account monitoring, including your bank account details (as well as subprime loan and high-risk transaction monitoring)

How much does ID Watchdog cost?

ID Watchdog offers two plans for both individuals and families, with the Family plan allowing you to add one additional adult and up to four minors.

Here are ID Watchdog’s plans and pricing as of February 2024:

• ID Watchdog Select: This plan provides basic identity theft protection and credit monitoring services at $14.95/month (individual) or $23.95/month (family).
• ID Watchdog Premium: Provides comprehensive identity theft protection and credit monitoring services, including three-bureau credit monitoring with near real-time alerts for $21.95/month (individual) or $34.95/month (family).

5. myFICO

myFICO is a subscription credit monitoring service that lets people view their credit reports and track their FICO® credit scores (the credit score model that most lenders use). 

As it has three-bureau credit monitoring, myFICO enables users to compare their FICO scores and credit reports from all three bureaus side-by-side, making it easier to understand their credit standing. 

Here’s what you get with myFICO Ultra plan:

• 3-bureau credit monitoring (only available on the Advanced and Premier plans, with reports updated either monthly or every three months)
• Fraud alerts
• Credit score tracking with regular FICO score updates
• 24/7 customer support

How much does myFICO cost?

With no free trials, the only way to use myFICO is to sign up for one of its pricing plans that includes a variety of advanced features.

Here are myFICO’s plans and pricing as of February 2024:

• Free: This plan is free, although it offers only one-bureau coverage (Experian credit reports) and no identity monitoring.‍
• Advanced: This starts at $29.95/month and offers three-bureau coverage with credit reports every three months.‍
• Premier: This top-tier plan starts at $39.95/month, providing three-bureau coverage with monthly credit reports.

💡 Related: The 7 Best Credit Protection Services of 2024 (Why You Need One) →

6. LifeLock

LifeLock is one of the most well-known names in identity theft protection, thanks to its long history and connection with Norton 360. LifeLock uses the VantageScore scoring model for credit monitoring and credit score tracking.

Here's what you get with the LifeLock Ultra plan:

• Identity theft monitoring
• Credit monitoring (only one bureau on standard plans)
• Identity theft insurance
• Financial account monitoring

How much does LifeLock cost?

The biggest aspect to note here is that LifeLock’s pricing plans significantly increase after your first year of service, making it an expensive choice in the long term.

Here are LifeLock with Norton 360’s plans and pricing as of February 2024 (for individuals – billed annually): 

• Standard: Starting at $8.29/month but renews at ~$12.50/month after the first year – this plan only includes one-bureau credit monitoring.
• Advantage: Starting at $15.99/month but renews at ~$21/month after the first year – this plan only includes one-bureau credit monitoring.
• Ultimate Plus: Starting at $24.99/month but renews at ~$29/month after the first year. This top-tier plan offers the most comprehensive list of features, including three-bureau credit monitoring.

7. IdentityForce

IdentityForce is owned by TransUnion — one of the three major credit bureaus — and offers three-bureau credit monitoring on its UltraSecure+Credit plan (the most expensive one).

With IdentityForce, you’ll get access to your credit score based on the VantageScore 3.0 model, as well as the information on your TransUnion credit report. You’ll also receive notifications when your credit score changes and when there are suspicious changes to your accounts (or signs of compromised data). 

Here's what you get with the IdentityForce UltraSecure+Credit plan:

• Bank and credit monitoring
• Credit simulator tools
• Public records monitoring
• Digital security tools for PCs

How much does IdentityForce cost?

IdentityForce offers family and individual plans. However, the pricing for families is only available by phone.

Here are IdentityForce’s plans and pricing for individuals as of February 2024:

• UltraSecure: $17.95/month or $19.95/month — no credit monitoring included.
• UltraSecure+Credit: $23.95/month — includes three-bureau credit monitoring.

💡 Related: The 10 Best Credit Monitoring Services of 2024 →

How to Protect Your Financial Health and Safety

Credit monitoring services give you 24/7 protection and peace of mind — but you can still do more to protect your credit on your own. 

Here are 10 tips to stay one step ahead of scammers:

1. Regularly check your credit reports. You can order a free credit report from each of the three bureaus each week at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the files for unfamiliar accounts, transactions, and signs of fraud.
2. Freeze your credit with all three bureaus. If you think you’re at risk, you can prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name by freezing your credit. To put this temporary block in place, contact each of the three credit bureaus individually — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
3. Review your financial records. It’s good practice to review your bank statements every month to look for inaccuracies and unfamiliar activity. Even small transactions are worth querying, as fraudsters often attempt small purchases before draining the balance. 
4. Use unique passwords for every online account. You can reduce the chance of account takeovers by creating complex, unique login credentials for every account. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols that nobody will be able to guess.
5. Use a password manager. It’s easier to use unique, complex login credentials when you store them in a secure password manager. Every Identity Guard account includes a secure password manager.
6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). You can secure online accounts by adding a second authentication step to the login process. Hackers will have a hard time exploiting you if you use a fingerprint scan, authenticator app, or hardware security key for 2FA.
7. Use a VPN  when on public Wi-Fi. Hackers can infiltrate unsecured networks in coworking spaces, hotels, airports, and cafes. A VPN will hide your browsing activity, which is important when banking or using credit cards online.
8. Don’t save your credit card details with online stores. When shopping online, selecting "Save Card" or "Remember Payment Info" during the checkout process is convenient — but you could expose your details to hackers. 
9. Keep your cards and devices safe. ID theft doesn’t only happen online. Keep your belongings safe in public, especially in crowded places. Also, use facial recognition or a fingerprint scan on your smartphone to prevent unauthorized access. 
10. Scan the Dark Web to check your password safety. Identity Guard has a free Dark Web scanner that checks your email address to see if any of your passwords are at risk.

The Bottom Line: Monitor Your Credit for Peace of Mind

Credit card fraud has been the number one type of fraud reported to the FTC this year [*]. Whether you enter your information on a bogus website or your card details are leaked in a data breach, the threat of fraud is constant. 

You need to monitor your credit reports and online accounts to give yourself and your family the best possible chance of catching fraud in its early stages.

Identity Guard’s award-winning identity theft and credit monitoring services protect you 24/7, adding security to all of your accounts and sending instant alerts if any suspicious activity is detected. 

And if the worst happens, you’ll have support from Identity Guard’s U.S.-based team of Fraud Resolution Specialists, plus a $1 million insurance policy covering each adult on your plan for eligible losses due to identity theft. 

Don’t let fraudsters mess up your finances. Save 33% on Identity Guard.