Credit Scanner helps you catch early warning signs of identity theft. It allows you to check your credit score, review activities that might affect your credit, and understand the factors that have gone into calculating your credit score.

Jump to…

How to get Credit Scanner
How to set up Credit Scanner
Credit Scanner features and how to use them
How to cancel Credit Scanner


How to get Credit Scanner

Currently, Credit Scanner is included for new and existing ExpressVPN users in the U.S. who purchased Advanced or Pro subscription.

  1. Go to the Order page and choose an ExpressVPN plan. Credit Scanner is included in the Advanced and Pro plans.
  2. Select the button on the plan to proceed.
  3. Complete your order by entering your email address and payment details.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top


How to set up and use Credit Scanner

You can set up the Credit Scanner in the ExpressVPN+ portal or through the Identity Defender mobile app.

  1. Open the ExpressVPN+ portal and sign in if prompted.ExpressVPN sign in page.
  2. Click Identity Defender and select Activity Hub.ExpressVPN+ dashboard showing the "Identity Defender" and "Activity Hub" buttons highlighted in the left-hand side menu.

If you haven’t set up any Identity Defender features yet:

  1. You’ll find a form that requests the selected information you need to get started with Identity Defender. Fill it out, including the Required for Credit Scanner identity verification fields, and click Set Up Now.Identity Defender form for the credit scanner service.
  2. The credit reporting agencies will verify your identity. This may be done in two ways:
    • Via a verification code to your phone. If prompted, choose how you want to receive the passcode, click Next, and then enter the passcode you receive on the next screen.Credit Scanner verification prompt requesting to send a passcode via text message or voice call.
    • Via a form with questions about your credit history. If prompted, answer the questions, then click Submit.Credit Monitoring verification form with 3 multiple-choice questions and a green Submit button.
  3. After your identity is validated, you will be taken to a dashboard with your credit score and other features."Credit Monitoring" dashboard showing the "Credit Score" section for Identity Defender.

If you have set up Identity Defender features but have yet to provide your SSN and phone number (required for Credit Scanner):

  1. Go to Identity Defender > Credit Monitoring to find a form to Activate Credit Scanner identity verification.Activate Credit Scanner identity verification form prompting the user to enter their social security number and phone number.
  2. Fill out your Social Security number and phone number, check the box once you agree to the Identity Defender Privacy policy, and click Activate.Activate Credit Scanner identity verification form filled out and showing a green Activate button.
  3. The credit reporting agencies will verify your identity. This may be done in two ways:
    • Via a passcode to your phone. If prompted, choose how you want to receive the passcode, click Next, and then enter the verification code on the next screen.Credit Scanner verification prompt requesting to send a passcode via text message or voice call.
    • Via a form with questions about your credit history. If prompted, answer the questions, then click Submit.Credit Monitoring verification form with 3 multiple-choice questions and a green Submit button.
  4. After your identity is validated, you will be taken to a dashboard with your credit score and other features."Credit Monitoring" dashboard showing the "Credit Score" section for Identity Defender.

You can set up Credit Scanner in the Identity Defender apps for iOS or Android. To do so:

  1. Open the Identity Defender app.
  2. Tap the Credit tab.The Identity Defender homepage, highlighting the Credit tab.
  3. You will be asked to enter your personal information. If you have previously set up an Identity Defender service, you won’t have to re-enter the same information, but you will need to input your Social Security number and phone number in order for us to provide your credit details. Select Continue.Identity Defender setup screen, requesting general personal information
  4. The credit reporting agencies will attempt to verify your identity. This may be done in two ways:
    • Via a verification code to your phone. If prompted, enter the passcode you receive and tap Submit.Identity Defender mobile app screen showing the Authentication screen prompting the user to enter a passcode they received.
    • Via a form with questions about your credit history. If prompted, answer the questions and tap Submit.Identity Defender setup screen, showing questions regarding your credit history
  5. Once verified, you will be taken to a dashboard with your credit score and other features.The Identity Defender Credit page, showing the score and various options.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top


Credit Scanner features and how to use them

Credit Alerts

Credit Alerts enable you to view events that could impact your credit. Selecting the plus sign on each item provides more information on each event and why it might affect your score. To view your credit alerts:

In the ExpressVPN+ portal:

  1. Go to Identity Defender > Credit Monitoring.ExpressVPN+ dashboard showing the Identity Defender and the "Credit Monitoring" options on the left-hand side menu.
  2. Click Credit Alerts at the top.Credit Alerts page highlighted on the Credit Monitoring section of Identity Defender.

In the mobile app:

Tap the Credit tap from the menu at the bottom of your screen, then select Credit Alerts.The Identity Defender Credit tab, highlighting the Credit Alerts option.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top


Credit Protection

Credit Protection provides helpful information on how to contact the three credit bureaus to request a freeze on your credit. Freezing your credit will prevent creditors from approving any new credit account in your name, whether it is fraudulent or legitimate. To view the contact information:

In the ExpressVPN+ portal:

  1. Go to Identity Defender > Credit Monitoring.ExpressVPN+ dashboard showing the Identity Defender and the "Credit Monitoring" options on the left-hand side menu.
  2. Click Credit Protection at the top of the tab.Credit Protection page highlighted in the Credit Monitoring section of Identity Defender.

In the mobile app:

  1. Tap the Credit tap from the menu at the bottom of your screen, then select Credit Protection.The Identity Defender Credit tab, highlighting the "Credit Protection" option.
  2. You will be taken to a page where you can view the contact information of the credit bureaus.Credit Protection page highlighted on the Identity Defender mobile app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top


Score Details

Score Details explores the factors that impact your credit score and whether they are affecting you positively or negatively. Each negative item also recommends actions.

In the ExpressVPN+ dashboard:

  1. Go to Identity Defender > Credit Monitoring.ExpressVPN+ dashboard showing the Identity Defender and the "Credit Monitoring" options on the left-hand side menu.
  2. Select Score Details."Score Details" option highlighted at the top of the Credit Monitoring page on Identity Defender.

In the mobile app:

Tap the Credit tap from the menu at the bottom of your screen, then Credit Score Details.The Identity Defender Credit tab, highlighting the Credit Score Details field.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top


Credit Report

Provides a comprehensive view of your credit status. These monthly reports list information like current and past addresses, balances, payments, and accounts in your name.

In the ExpressVPN+ dashboard:

  1. Go to Identity Defender > Credit Monitoring.ExpressVPN+ dashboard showing the Identity Defender and the "Credit Monitoring" options on the left-hand side menu.
  2. Select the Credit report option and you will be taken to the appropriate page.Credit Report page highlighted on the ExpressVPN+ dashboard in the credit scanning service.

In the mobile app:

  1. Tap the Credit tap from the menu at the bottom of your screen, then select Credit Report.The Identity Defender Credit tab, highlighting the Credit Report menu.
  2. The next page will show you relevant information about your credit report, like open accounts, total balance, and inquiries.Credit Report section highlighted in the Identity Defender mobile app.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top


How to cancel Credit Scanner

To cancel your Credit Scanner subscription, turn off auto-renewal of ExpressVPN on the My Subscription page. This cancels all services within your ExpressVPN account, including Credit Scanner.

For more information, read our full guide to canceling your ExpressVPN subscription.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

Back to top

Was this article helpful?

We're sorry to hear that. Let us know how we can improve.

A member of our Support Team will follow up on your issue.