AARP-Exclusive First-Year LifeLock Prices
For AARP members, the first-year cost of LifeLock is offered at a special, discounted rate. These prices are significantly lower than the standard annual rates but are not permanent. It is crucial to be aware of the renewal costs before committing, as these initial savings are only temporary. The AARP offers discounts on LifeLock's main plan tiers: Standard, Advantage, and Ultimate Plus.
The Standard Plan
For AARP members, the LifeLock Standard plan has an introductory annual rate of $69.99. This basic plan typically offers one-bureau credit monitoring and a limited reimbursement for stolen funds and expenses. While it provides a foundational level of protection, it may lack more advanced features found in higher tiers.
The Advantage Plan
An intermediate option, the Advantage plan, is offered to AARP members for $149.99 for the first year. This tier adds more comprehensive features, such as a TransUnion credit lock and increased reimbursement amounts for stolen funds and expenses.
The Ultimate Plus Plan
The most robust option, the Ultimate Plus plan, provides the most extensive identity theft protection. For AARP members, the first-year cost is $229.99. This includes three-bureau credit monitoring, financial account alerts, and higher reimbursement limits. An option to bundle with Norton 360 is available for those seeking both identity and device security, also with a first-year discount.
The Critical Factor: Renewal Costs
The most important detail for any AARP member considering LifeLock is the post-promotional pricing. After the first year, LifeLock membership fees increase dramatically, sometimes by as much as 51% or more. This price hike is a major point of frustration for many long-term users, especially those on fixed incomes who relied on the initial low price. For example, the Ultimate Plus family plan has a significantly higher renewal price than its first-year discounted rate, making it a considerably more expensive long-term commitment. Before subscribing, a full understanding of the renewal cost is vital for budgeting and avoiding unexpected expenses.
Comparison of AARP LifeLock Plans: First Year vs. Renewal
The following table illustrates the typical cost difference between the first-year promotional rates and the full renewal price for AARP members. It’s important to note that these prices can change over time.
| Plan | First-Year AARP Annual Price | Renewal Annual Price (Example) | Key Features (varies by plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ~$69.99 | ~$124.99 | 1-bureau credit monitoring, Dark Web monitoring, $1M legal coverage, $25k stolen funds reimbursement |
| Advantage | ~$149.99 | ~$249.99 | Includes Standard features + TransUnion credit lock, higher reimbursement |
| Ultimate Plus | ~$229.99 | ~$339.99 | Includes Advantage features + 3-bureau credit monitoring, 401(k) alerts, higher reimbursement |
Note: These are approximations based on recent information and may not be exact current pricing.
Evaluating LifeLock for Seniors and AARP Members
Beyond price, several other factors are worth considering when choosing an identity protection service.
- Limited Credit Monitoring: A major drawback of the more basic AARP-discounted LifeLock plans is that they only provide single-bureau credit monitoring (Equifax). For comprehensive protection, you would need to manually monitor TransUnion and Experian yourself or pay for the most expensive Ultimate Plus plan.
- Complex Plan Structure: As noted by customer feedback, LifeLock's multiple products and bundles can be confusing for some users. The constant alerts pushing paid upgrades can also be frustrating.
- Past Issues and Trust: LifeLock has faced scrutiny and fines in the past related to its advertising and security practices, as detailed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Alternatives Exist: For those with concerns about LifeLock's high renewal costs or limited features on basic plans, there are alternatives. Many competitors, such as Aura, offer more comprehensive features like three-bureau credit monitoring and digital security bundled into all their plans, often at a more straightforward price point.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
For an AARP member, LifeLock presents a double-edged sword. The first-year discounts offer an attractive entry point to identity theft protection. However, the subsequent sharp increase in renewal costs and potential feature limitations on lower-tier plans require careful consideration. It is wise to compare LifeLock's overall value, including the long-term price and included features, with other providers to determine the best fit for your needs and budget. Always read the fine print and understand the full cost of any service before signing up.
For more information on recognizing and protecting against fraud, AARP members can access valuable free resources through the AARP Fraud Watch Network. If you're dealing with identity theft, reporting it to the FTC is a crucial first step. You can learn more about what to do at the Federal Trade Commission's website [https://www.ftc.gov/].
