Apache is functioning normally

Aura, like other identity theft protection services, pledges to keep your personal and financial information safe with capabilities like credit report monitoring — for a price.

While there are things you can do yourself to protect your credit and identity, often for free, the Aura app may be valuable if you prefer a hands-off approach or are looking for additional features like antivirus software.

Here’s what to know about Aura and how much the service costs.

Aura’s long list of features covers basics like credit monitoring, data breach alerts and identity theft insurance. The app — available for mobile and desktop devices — also scans the web for uses of your financial and personal information and includes other security features like a U.S.-based virtual private network, or VPN, an Experian credit lock and access to an expert fraud resolution team.

The credit lock doesn’t block others from accessing your credit files at the other two major credit bureaus, Equifax and TransUnion.

Aura currently offers three plans with identity and fraud protection, starting at $15 per month or $144 per year (you choose whether to be billed monthly or annually). Aura offers a free 14-day trial for all plans and a 60-day money back guarantee on annual plans.

Here’s how the cost breaks down for Aura’s plans:

Individual

• $144 annually ($12 per month).

• $15 monthly. 

• $264 annually ($22 per month).

• $29 monthly. 

• $384 annually ($32 per month).

• $50 monthly. 

As with other services, Aura’s approach to identity theft is more reactive than proactive. You may consider paying for an Aura plan if you’ve already been the victim of identity theft and want to monitor how your information is being used. It can also be helpful if you want to step up online protection for a large number of family members. The family plan supports an unlimited number of children and devices, something many competitors don’t match.

Aura’s individual plans are less expensive than similar plans from competitors like LifeLock and IdentityForce. And if you were already considering paying for a credit lock with Experian’s CreditLock service, which costs $24.99 a month, Aura’s individual plan would save you money.

But freezing your credit and monitoring your reports on your own is free. You may also have identity theft protection or restoration services available through your bank or insurance company, or as a result of a previous data breach. See if you’re already entitled to cheaper or free resources before purchasing a separate service like Aura.

Aura offers insurance up to $1 million per adult to cover losses and expenses related to identity theft. Highlights also include:

• Monitors credit data at all three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and offers an Experian credit lock. 

• Provides VPN, antivirus software, safe web browsing and a password manager for multiple devices. 

• Monitors your financial accounts, home and auto titles, and the dark web. 

• The family plan allows up to five adults, plus an unlimited number of kids and devices. Competitor plans typically have more restrictions. 

Aura’s family plan also adds benefits like online parental controls, video game monitoring and local sex offender alerts.

Aura’s insurance coverage doesn’t apply to preexisting identity theft. Other potential drawbacks:

• Does not monitor social media accounts. 

• Some features aren’t compatible with all devices.

• Some users have reported difficulties using the app or staying connected to the VPN. 

• If you decide to cancel an annual plan after 60 days, you’ll still have to pay for the rest of the year.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully. Signing up for a free 14-day trial is a good way to test whether Aura is right for you.