We reviewed ten of the best online background check websites to help give get peace of mind and ensure you have the full picture before trusting anyone.
So many fraudsters, imposter scams, and Identity theft are flooding the job market. Fortunately, employers can take precautions to avoid becoming victims by doing due diligence before hiring a new employee or going into business with a new partner.
Online background checks will give you peace of mind that those you trust are not lying about their identities.
Furthermore, these checks can be used for various purposes, including reconnecting with long-lost relatives, identifying repeat scam callers, and vetting a potential date.
Best Online Background Check Websites
Here are 10 of the best online background check websites:
1. TruthFinder
A popular and highly-rated option, TruthFinder offers a variety of background check reports to suit your needs.
They have a reputation for fast, comprehensive reports covering criminal records, properties owned, bankruptcies, liens, etc. Their reports are very affordable, starting at around $30.
2. GoodHire
GoodHire is a trusted background check service that provides accurate and compliant reports.
They offer criminal record checks, education and employment verification, motor vehicle records, and ID authentication.
Goodhire has over 10,000 5-star reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
3. Intelius
Intelius is one of the largest background check websites, with over 300 million records available and thousands of new records added daily.
They provide many reports, including criminal checks, address history, property, and court records.
Intelius gets excellent reviews for report accuracy and fast turnaround times. Basic reports start at $19.95.
4. Checkr
Checkr is a modern background check company that provides streamlined and compliant services to small and midsize businesses.
They offer criminal record searches, driving record checks, education/employment verification, and more.
Checkr has a clean, easy-to-use interface and gets high praise for their customer service. Most reports are in the $30 to $50 range.
5. Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate has been providing online background checks since 2010.
They offer reports covering criminal records, civil judgments, property ownership, relatives & associates, etc.
Instant Checkmate gets over a million searches annually and has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Reports start at $34.95.
6. BeenVerified
BeenVerified is an affordable background check service with over 1 billion records in their database.
They provide a variety of single reports as well as monthly subscription options.
Their reports include criminal records, contact information, property records, bankruptcies, liens, and court records.
BeenVerified has excellent reviews and an A+ BBB rating. They offer Single reports for $19.95.
7. Everyone
Everyone Backgroundcheck is a socially driven company that aims to provide transparency and fairness in the background check industry.
Their service searches over 350 million records and scans everything from criminal files to vehicle histories, business licenses, eviction records, and more.
Everyone Kudos browser extension allows you to request a report on anyone directly from the social media profile. Their reports start at $13.
8. PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders searches over 5 billion public records to compile their background check reports.
These include criminal records, contact info, property ownership, business affiliations, marriages & divorces, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments.
PeopleFinders has been in business since 1997 and has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. A Single report starts from $24.95.
9. Spokeo
Spokeo is a large people search engine with over 12 billion records in their databases.
In addition to personal information like phone numbers, email addresses, and property records, Spokeo provides background check reports covering criminal records, business affiliations, and social networks.
Spokeo also has an A rating from the BBB. Their background check reports start at $19.95.
10. US Search
US Search has been providing online background checks since 1993. They search over 4.7 billion public and private records to compile reports.
The reports cover criminal records, social profiles, property ownership, vehicle records, business affiliations, and more.
US Search is also a private company with an A+ rating from the BBB. Their reports range from $19.95 to $49.95, depending on the level of detail.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Background Check Websites
Here are some essential things to consider before choosing a background check website:
Report accuracy
The most important factor is the accuracy and completeness of the reports. Look for sites with a proven track record of providing detailed, up-to-date information.
Also, check independent reviews and ratings to determine the most reliable sites.
Comprehensive reports
Look for a site that offers a variety of reports to meet your needs, such as criminal records and education.
Also, they should offer employment verification, motor vehicle records, social profiles, etc.
Furthermore, some sites offer bundled packages with an array of report types.
Turnaround time
If you need results quickly, focus on sites that deliver reports in 1-3 days.
Some promise instant or same-day results but check reviews to ensure they follow through.
Also, give the process at least a week for more in-depth searches.
Compliance
Choose a background check company that follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and any other employment and tenant screening regulations.
They should obtain proper consent and authorization before conducting a background check.
Customer service
Look for a company with a reputation for providing helpful, responsive customer service.
They should be available to answer any questions about the background check process, reports, or results.
Cost and value
Compare costs between sites to find one that fits your budget. Fees will vary depending on the type of report.
Look for sites that provide affordable, high-value reports. Some companies offer volume discounts and monthly memberships.
Privacy
If you’re conducting sensitive background checks, look for a company that highly values privacy and data security.
They should have measures in place to keep personal information confidential and protected.
Subscription options
If you need frequent or high-volume background checks, consider sites that offer monthly subscription plans.
Subscription options can be more budget-friendly than paying for single reports. Look for packages that match your needs.
Ease of use
Look for an intuitive site with an interface that makes ordering, paying for, and accessing background check reports accessible.
The process should be straightforward and hassle-free.
Conclusion
Online background check websites have made it easier and more accessible to conduct background checks for various purposes.
We have identified some of the best websites that offer accurate and reliable information.
However, it’s essential to use these websites responsibly and within the boundaries of the law and to keep in mind that background checks may have limitations.
Furthermore, conducting a background check can provide valuable information and peace of mind.