Best Background Check Companies
Whether you’re hiring someone for a job or screening a potential tenant before they move into your rental property, getting a background check can offer peace of mind and lessen the risk of taking on someone who might not be an appropriate fit.
Background check companies compile information on the background and history of individuals, such as their employment, criminal and education history, as well as previous addresses and a credit report. However, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has specific requirements for companies that do background checks, and you should be diligent in ensuring the company you hire complies with all relevant laws.
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Specializes in online search services and search records. Through its public record search engine provides consumers with explanations about where information was collected and found. Mobile app available. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
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| Founded in 2015, TruthFinder gives you access to millions of public records. By using machine learning and complex algorithms, Truthfinder searches data all over the web to give you background information on just about anyone. |  | Get Started | |||
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| Background check and person search generator. Accesses criminal records, social media accounts, property records and more. Free basic searches. Trial memberships. Membership provides unlimited reports and thorough searches. |  | ||||
Offers background checks and pre-employment screenings for businesses of all sizes. Plans starting at $29.99 per month. Provides access to a large database. Extensive resources. Online portal. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
PeopleFinders offers users the ability to search for public records by name, email address or phone number. It also offers special services for businesspeople who want to do a large number of background checks. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
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| Offers data from public records, including criminal records, real estate deeds, commercial business records and phone directories. Starts at $24.86 per month for memberships. Gives access to unlimited records. |  | ||||
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| Searches numerous public records from federal, state, and county government databases. Offers two subscription plans with unlimited reports for $35 or less per month. All search inquiries are confidential and secure. |  | ||||
PeopleSmart offers users a way to easily search for people by name, email address or phone number. With this service, users can connect with long-lost friends or relatives as well as conduct background searches. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
Uses public data to search for people. Search anyone in the U.S. by name, phone, email and more. Organizes white page listings and public records into personal profiles. Aggregates data using deep web crawlers. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
MyLife is a website offering a service for people concerned about information on their background reports. For a fee, MyLife monitors your background report and allows you to enhance or correct publicly available information. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions helps landlords find out critical information about their tenants. Reports include information such as rental history, criminal background and other relevant details for landlords. |  | Chat with a ConsumerAffairs decision guide Live agent | ||||
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| Background check company available in all 50 states. Works with individuals and companies of any size. Prices start at $29.99 with options for add-on services. Criminal, education and employment verification. |  | ||||
What is a background check?
Background check companies offer screening services, often specializing in certain categories of information.
While you can conduct online searches yourself, a screening company can access databases and public records that are too time-consuming for most people to go through on their own. Plus, a background check company can typically access more private information not readily available to the public.
Background investigations are most commonly used by employers or landlords for vetting applicants. Background checks can contain an array of information on a person, like their credit history, driving record, criminal record and social media history.
» MORE: How to check your credit score
How does a background check work?
Background checks pull information from databases, public records and the internet. If you’re undergoing a background check while applying for a job, it starts with validating your identity through your Social Security number. From there, a background check company uses databases or public records to gather information like:
- Where you’ve lived
- Where you’ve worked
- Your criminal record
While background check services can access a lot of personal information, there are strict regulations about what type of information they can disclose. Because some background checks are officially considered consumer reports, they are covered in the FCRA, which states you must give written consent before a third-party company conducts a background check on you.
While a company reserves the right to withhold employment based on certain information in your background check, there’s a requirement to provide you with specific documentation of the incident. If inaccurate information shows up on your background check and causes you to miss a job opportunity, you have the right to dispute it within 60 days of receiving the report.
Some companies offer background checks not falling under the consumer reports category and do not require written permission. These companies search criminal records, social media and other databases for information. These checks do not access any information governed by the FCRA, and they cannot be used for purposes like employment screening, lease applications or credit eligibility.
These services are ideal for someone looking for friends or relatives they have lost touch with or gathering information on potential romantic partners they met on online dating sites.
» MORE: How to find a lawyer
Types of background checks
Not every person is looking for the same information when conducting background searches, so the information pulled by background check companies differs based on the type of service they provide and the records they access.
The information they check will be related to the situation — a landlord would likely check to make sure you don’t have an eviction history, a potential employer would be more interested in verifying your work history and someone looking for information about a potential date may be more interested in criminal records.
Credit checks
Criminal background checks
Background check companies can research court, police and other records to determine whether you have a criminal history. For employers, this information is especially important if the position is with a law enforcement agency or another government office. To access this information, background check companies frequently use county, state and federal records.
Driving records
Drug testing
Employment and education check
Employment background check companies have specific laws and regulations they must follow, so it’s essential to work with a company that’s accredited and complies with the FCRA and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA).
Sex offender registry check
Social media and internet check
While someone’s social media accounts can provide context or information on their hobbies or personality, protected information cannot be used in an employers’ hiring decision and is protected by the EEOA.
Reference checks
Background check services
Background check companies offer multiple services, including specialty services that may not be available with all providers. Different companies may specialize in certain types of background checks, like the following:
- Employment background check companies provide employment history and verification on job candidates.
- Household employee background check companies are for those looking to hire people to work in their households.
- Tenant background check companies are for landlords who want to screen potential tenants.
- Comprehensive background check companies offer full reports that include criminal history, driving history, credit history and more.
- Online background check companies provide fast and immediate results and are typically used by those trying to find people or check the history of neighbors or potential dates. These searches generally do not provide information governed by the FCRA.
Background check companies also offer different levels of support when it comes to collecting and analyzing the results of a check:
- Strictly testing companies simply run background checks and compile the results. These companies generally are run fully online, making them accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
- Testing and consulting companies run checks on candidates and offer advice to clients about how to interpret the results.
- Full-service companies learn about a company's recruiting strategy and desired employee type and help clients understand test results and further develop a recruiting plan. Larger corporations with a high number of job candidates may want to use a full-service company.
Pros and cons of background check companies
Choosing and hiring a background check company requires both time and money. Before making your final selection, consider the advantages and disadvantages it can mean to your company when you use the information gathered by a background check company.
Pros
- Enhances safety for workplace or rental property
- Ensures stronger job candidates or more responsible tenants
- Protects your company brand
Cons
- Background checks can contain false or outdated information
- Background checks take extra time and expense
- Employment laws constantly change, making it more difficult to stay FCRA-compliant
How to choose a background check company
If you decide to move forward with a background check company and need full service (versus a DIY, basic online search), the first step is narrowing down what exact services you need. Whether it’s employee or education verification or drug testing, select a company specializing in your preferences.
Next, discuss with the company how it adheres to the legal requirements for your state and county and remains FCRA-compliant. You never want federally protected information (such as a person’s race, age, religion, gender or any other protected characteristic) used as part of a background check.
Lastly, a company should be transparent about the costs and turnaround times for your background screenings.
FAQ
Are online background checks accurate?
Online background checks are usually accurate if there’s no case of mistaken identity and the provider uses the right sources. Before hiring a background check company, ask about its credentials, such as accreditation from the Professional Background Screening Association, and whether it verifies the information it gathers. Check that the company has a physical address and phone number, as well.
How much do background check companies cost?
Monthly costs for a background check service start at $28, but most companies offer add-ons and extra screenings for an additional cost. Fee amounts and types vary significantly between companies, often based on the types of checks done and the scope of services required. Some companies offer a la carte background checks, while others charge custom fees or bill you based on the number of searches required.
What shows on a background check?
It depends on the company and service you choose. A background check may produce some or all of the following personal information:
- Full name
- Age and date of birth
- Contact information
- Relatives
- Criminal and arrest records
- Driving records
- Drug testing
- Educational and employment history
- Social media profiles
- Credit history
How long does a background check take?
A background check can take anywhere from a day to a month, depending on the intensity of the check and the information a company or employer is seeking. Online background checks that do not search for information governed by the FCRA may take minutes, but a basic background check takes approximately one to two days. Very thorough background checks, such as those conducted by the FBI, can take 30 days or more.
Can you do a background check on someone without their permission?
It depends. You can run a background check on romantic partners, roommates or coworkers without that person’s consent if the search does not provide information governed by the FCRA. Employers, lenders and landlords must obtain permission and follow strict regulations.
Are background checks anonymous?
If you are performing a background check for personal reasons, then it’s typically anonymous. But in certain situations, it is against the law to run a background check without the subject’s consent. Employers, for example, must get permission before running a background check on a job applicant.
Guide sources
- Federal Trade Commission, “ What Employment Background Screening Companies Need to Know About the Fair Credit Reporting Act .” Accessed Sept. 5, 2023.
- Department of Justice, “ National Sex Offender Registry List .” Accessed Sept. 5, 2023.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “ Social Media Is Part of Today's Workplace but its Use May Raise Employment Discrimination Concerns .” Accessed Sept. 5, 2023.
- Federal Trade Commission, “ Employer Background Checks and Your Rights .” Accessed Sept. 5, 2023.
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Background check company reviews
Instant Checkmate searches public records to provide information about DUIs, arrests, driving convictions, sex offenses and other criminal records. Their services cannot be used for employment screening, including household workers or tenant screening. They also cannot be used to assess professional services or determine qualifications for education-related financial assistance, credit or insurance eligibility.
- Comprehensive checks: Instant Checkmate checks over 30 data points, which means they offer a wide range of information about the person under investigation.
- Unlimited checks for a low fee: Instant Checkmate offers customers unlimited checks and reports for a low monthly fee.
- U.S.-based customer service: Instant Checkmate offers high-quality customer service to clients, via the Internet and the phone. The customer service representatives are all based in the United States, so they have a firm grasp of language and culture and can communicate easily.
- Utilized by reputable clients: Reputable and trustworthy clients use Instant Checkmate.
- Three membership plans: Instant Checkmate offers three membership levels, so customers can choose how much they want to spend and how often they want to utilize the site.
- Important Disclaimer: Unlike many background check web-based businesses, Instant Checkmate is not a consumer reporting agency and does not furnish consumer reports as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This means that it is unlawful for consumers to use Instant Checkmate and the information it provides for (a) evaluating a person for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention (including employment of babysitters, nannies, cleaning personnel, gardeners or other contractors); (b) establishing a person's eligibility for personal credit, loans, insurance or assessing risks associated with existing consumer credit obligations; (c) evaluating a person in connection with leasing, renting or sale of a house, apartment or other dwelling; (d) evaluating a person for educational opportunities, scholarships or fellowships; or (e) any other purpose subject to FCRA. Any such use is strictly prohibited by Instant Checkmate and is strictly prohibited by federal law. Instant Checkmate further prohibits use of its site and the information it provides by businesses or other organizations. As a condition to use Instant Checkmate and the information it provides, a subscriber must expressly agree to these terms and must expressly agree that he or she is acting solely in his or her personal capacity for exclusively personal (i.e., non-business related) purposes.
Been Verified is a people search site based in New York, NY. It aggregates public records into an easy-to-read report. According to the laws of the Fair Credit and Reporting Act (FCRA), BeenVerified is not a consumer reporting agency. This means there a number of restrictions in the way you can use BeenVerified. Consumers are restricted from using BeenVerified for: employment screening, hiring of household workers, tenant screening, educational qualification, credit or insurance and business transactions initiated by an individual customer.
Truthfinder is an online public record search service. Use it to find information about neighbors, sex offenders, friends, online buyers and sellers and more. Price depends on which membership package you choose but the Truthfinder website says you can get unlimited background check reports for less than $20 per month.
- People search: Truthfinder lets you search public records for free. This free service lets you find peoples name, location, phone number, current and previous addresses, occupation and more. People search integrates with your voice activated device like Siri and Echo. For example, you can tell Siri, “Truthfinder John Smith” and it will automatically look up the spoken name.
- Criminal records: Use Truthfinder to look up criminal records such as felony offenses, misdemeanors traffic court records, sex offenders and more. The most common crimes Truthfinder looks up include property crime, larceny, burglary and violent crimes.
- Reverse phone search: Truthfinder lets you input a persons phone number to get personal information such as social media accounts and location. Once you input the phone number, Truthfinder gathers a report that can be emailed to you once you put in your name and email address.
- Pricing: Truthfinder offers a one-month membership for less than $30 per month. This lets you run unlimited standard background reports. A three-month subscription breaks down to about $26 per month. Truthfinder also has a plan that lets you look up an unlimited number of phone numbers for $2 per month. You can pay using a credit card or PayPal.
Spokeo operates as a search engine for people. Individuals and companies can use Spokeo and Spokeo Enterprise to find and validate people, including potential employees. They do not provide financial information, so users cannot use Spokeo to screen individuals for credit checks or insurance.
PeopleFinders is a Data-as-a-Service company that has access to public records on nearly every adult living in the United States. They also offer reverse phone lookup services and criminal record search. Based in Sacramento, California, the company has been in operation since 1988.
CoreLogic provides a variety of services related to the real estate industry, including background checks, property tax management, loan modification, foreclosure audits and more. CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions acts as an advisor for multifamily property owners, including offer screenings for potential tenants.
Intelius was founded in 2003 as an information commerce company. They offer businesses cloud-based background check solutions that can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices.
- Specialized screenings: Intelius offers specialized employee screenings, which allow employers to find all necessary information about potential candidates. The company also provides screening services for landlords and employers of nannies.
- Technologically advanced: Intelius is a cloud-based company, and they offer clients access to the site and their information via a desktop site and mobile application. This means customers can take advantage of services anywhere they have access to the Internet.
- Community focus: In addition to providing background checks for customers, the company is also philanthropic and generous, donating dollars and time to community organizations.
- SSN-based search: The company uses a SSN based search, which provides fast, accurate results.
- Free trial offered: Intelius offers customers a free trial for seven days after sign-up, giving users a chance to test drive Intelius's services.
- Important disclaimer: Intelius is not a consumer reporting agency as defined in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and the information in the Intelius databases has not been collected in whole or in part for the purpose of furnishing consumer reports, as defined in the FCRA. This means it is unlawful to use Intelius’s information as a factor in (1) establishing an individual's eligibility for personal credit or insurance or assessing risks associated with existing consumer credit obligations, (2) evaluating an individual for employment, promotion, reassignment or retention (including employment of household workers such as babysitters, cleaning personnel, nannies, contractors, and other individuals) or (3) any other personal business transaction with another individual (including, but not limited to, leasing an apartment).
US Search offers several services, including people search, background checks, criminal record search, social network search, property record search and reverse phone lookup. Individual reports can be garnered instantly for under $3 each. US Search is not a Consumer Reporting Agency and should not be used to make decisions related to employment, tenant screening or other purposes outlined in the FCRA.
- Fast results: People who run background checks on US Search can get the results of their checks within 24 hours of their search. Results are delivered via email.
- Regularly updated information: People move regularly, and US Search updates regularly to ensure the information shared is as recent as possible.
- Range of services offered: Customers utilizing US Search can take advantage of a range of services. The site includes things like criminal background, reverse phone lookup, background check, property records, social networks search and more.
- Flat rate pricing: Individual reports cost as little as $3 per report. Those needing more reports can choose an unlimited package for $19.95 per month, or they can pay quarterly for $49.85 to receive unlimited searches for three months at a time.
- Social media search: Find every social media profile using US Search’s social network search. This service quickly locates all social networking profiles for an individual and can be used to reconnect with friends and relatives.
PeopleSmart is an online search engine of public records, and it specializes in reuniting lost friends and family members. They also offer reverse phone lookup and access to public records.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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