Credit monitoring guide · U.S. residents 18+
Credit monitoring and identity alerts: what you get, and what it costs
A plain-English look at Equifax Complete Premier, a credit and identity monitoring service with a $3.95 first-30-day trial. Read the terms on this page first, then decide if it fits.
See the $3.95 trial offerOpens the provider's signup page in a new tab. A payment card is required to start the trial.
What's included
Here is what the provider lists for this plan. Features and terms can change, so the provider's signup page is the final word.
3-bureau scores and report
An annual 3-bureau credit report with VantageScore 3.0 scores from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, plus daily access to your 1-bureau VantageScore.
Credit monitoring alerts
Alerts about key changes to your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit files. Monitoring of Experian and TransUnion files takes several days to begin.
Dark web scan
Alerts if your Social Security number, bank accounts, credit or debit cards, or medical ID numbers are found on the dark web. No service can search every site where data is traded.
Automatic fraud alerts
If you believe you're a victim of fraud, you can activate an automatic fraud alert that asks lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity. It renews each year.
ID restoration support
If your identity is stolen, restoration specialists work on your behalf to help you recover.
Identity theft insurance
Coverage of up to $2 million for certain out-of-pocket expenses after identity theft. Subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions, and may not be available in all jurisdictions.
Monitoring does not change your credit scores or what is in your credit reports. Details above are based on the provider's offer page as reviewed on November 14, 2026. Scores shown are VantageScore 3.0; lenders may use different scoring models.
Credit basics in 60 seconds
Three terms people mix up.
Credit score
A three-digit number, commonly between 300 and 850, calculated from your credit history. Different scoring models give different numbers.
Credit report
A record of your credit accounts and payment history that lenders can review. Each of the three bureaus keeps its own file on you.
Credit monitoring
A service that watches your credit file and alerts you to changes, such as a new account or inquiry, so you can spot activity you don't recognize.
Is paid monitoring worth it for you?
It depends on what you want. Here is an honest look at both sides.
It may fit if you want
- Alerts across all three bureaus in one place
- Dark web scanning for your personal information
- Restoration help and insurance if identity theft happens
- A short, low-cost trial to see the service first
Free options worth knowing about
- Free credit reports from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com, the federally authorized site
- Many banks and card issuers show a free credit score in their apps
- A credit freeze is free to place with each bureau and blocks most new accounts in your name
A free option may be enough if you only want to check your report occasionally. Paid monitoring adds ongoing alerts and extra services, at a monthly cost after the trial.
How the trial works
No surprises: here is the sequence, based on the provider's stated terms.
Continue to the provider
Our button takes you to the provider's own signup page. You complete signup there, not on this site.
Pay $3.95 to start
The provider asks for payment information and charges $3.95 right away for the first 30 days.
Decide before day 30
If you don't cancel during the trial, you're charged $19.95 per month. You can cancel at any time, with no partial-month refunds.
You'll leave this site to complete signup with the provider.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions people ask most.
How much does it cost?
The provider lists $3.95 for the first 30 days, then $19.95 per month. Only one discounted product is available in a 180-day period.
Do I need a payment card to start?
Yes. The provider requires payment information at signup and charges $3.95 immediately for the trial.
How do I cancel?
The provider says you may cancel at any time, but it does not give partial-month refunds. Check the cancellation instructions on the provider's signup page and in your account after you enroll.
Will this raise my credit score?
No. Monitoring shows you information and alerts you to changes. It does not change your scores, and neither this site nor the provider can promise any change to your credit.
Does checking my own credit hurt it?
Checking your own credit is generally treated as a soft inquiry, which does not affect your scores. That is different from the hard inquiry a lender makes when you apply for credit.
Which credit scores will I see?
The provider's scores are VantageScore 3.0 based on Equifax, Experian and TransUnion data. Lenders may use different scoring models, so the number a lender sees can differ.
Is this site Equifax?
No. MonitorCredit is an independent information site. We are not owned by, operated by or endorsed by Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links.
Does monitoring change what's on my credit report?
No. Monitoring only watches your file and alerts you to changes. If you spot a mistake on a credit report, you can dispute it directly with the credit bureau at no cost.
Ready to look at the offer?
Review the terms above, then continue to the provider's page to see the full details before you decide.
See the $3.95 trial offer$3.95 for the first 30 days, then $19.95 per month unless you cancel. No partial-month refunds.
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Information about the product is taken from the provider's offer page and may be out of date. The provider's own terms, pricing and policies apply and control if they differ from this page. This site provides general information only and is not financial, legal or credit advice.
Privacy policy
Last updated: November 14, 2026
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Terms of use
Last updated: November 14, 2026
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For questions about billing, cancellation or your account, please contact the provider directly.