Suppose you’re interested in getting information about a potential roommate, reconnecting with an old friend, or simply satisfying your curiosity about an ex. In that case, online best background check sites offer a quick and convenient solution. However, you might wonder which background check sites are trustworthy and which should be avoided.
There are numerous reasons someone would want to run a background check, and the best background check services can provide answers within minutes. We have carefully assessed the most reputable background check sites to determine which ones offer the most extensive public records while maintaining legitimacy.
During our evaluation process, we considered various factors such as features offered, ease of use, accuracy of results, pricing options, and customer feedback.
If you’re searching for information on someone’s arrest history or conducting a public records search, the best background check services listed below are an excellent starting point. You’ll find various options, ranging from premium to budget-friendly background check sites. It’s important to ensure you’re getting value for your money and avoiding scams.
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12 Best Background Check Sites: At a Glance
- BeenVerified – Best Background Check Site Overall
- PeopleLooker – Best for Quick Results
- TruthFinder – Best for Searching Public Records
- Intelius – Best for Reverse Phone Lookup
- Instant Checkmate – Best for Ease of Use
- PeopleFinders – Best Background Check Site for Dating
- Spokeo – Best for Reverse Email Lookup
- US Search – Best for Affordability
- GoodHire – Best for Recruiters
- DeepSearchPro – Best for Advanced Web Search Engine
- InfoTracer – Best for Real-Time Information Monitoring
- Checkr – Best for Small Businesses
Review of the Best Background Check Services
When selecting the top background check services, we considered various factors. Our ranking methodology focused on access to public record information, cost, speed, customer feedback, and features. To fully understand our approach to ranking, please refer to the detailed sections below.
Now let’s delve into our top picks for the best background check services and what sets them apart.
BeenVerified – Best Background Check Site Overall
BeenVerified is a background check service that sets itself apart with its unique court runner feature. This feature involves the physical visitation of courts by the BeenVerified team in order to obtain documents that are not yet accessible online.
The service provides comprehensive records on individuals through searches of public records, social media platforms, and other online sources. It prides itself on having a user-friendly interface that allows for simple navigation and clear presentation of search results.
Privacy is given utmost importance, with strict measures in place to protect user data using state-of-the-art encryption technology. User information isn’t shared or sold to third parties. However, some users have expressed their dissatisfaction with regard to the level of detail provided in the reports compared to similar services offered by other providers.
To access the services provided by BeenVerified, membership is required, and three-month prepaid subscriptions come with a discounted price. While loading times may be time-consuming at times, rest assured that detailed and up-to-date information will be provided to aid you in your personal searches.
Pros
- A court runner locates non-digitized data
- Applications are available for both Android and iOS
- The diverse range of data sources
- A discount is applicable for payments made three months in advance
Cons
- Absence of a singular search option
- Limited transparency regarding pricing
- It’s not as comprehensive as other leading background check services
Services Offered by BeenVerified
BeenVerified offers the following services:
- People Search: Utilize BeenVerified’s list of potential matches to access updated information about old-school friends, scrutinize online sellers for scams, or conduct a background check on your own name to explore the search results.
- Phone Lookup: If you receive an incoming call or text from an unknown number, use BeenVerified’s lookup feature to ascertain the owner’s ID, location, and spam score.
- Email Lookup: Enter an email address into BeenVerified’s database to verify the legitimacy of an email in your inbox, confirming whether it originates from a genuine individual or business.
- Address Lookup: Gain valuable insights about a property when considering a home purchase or wanting to learn more about new neighbors.
- Vehicle Search: Provide information about your own car or a vehicle you’re contemplating buying, including its listing history, estimated ownership cost, and accident history.
What Information Can BeenVerified Provide?
BeenVerified has the ability to offer a plethora of useful knowledge, including:
- Contact Information: Locate addresses, email addresses, user names, and phone numbers.
- Criminal History and Court Records: Utilize BeenVerified’s database to explore arrest records and conduct a comprehensive criminal record search, encompassing convictions and charges that did not result in convictions.
- Vehicle Records: Input a car’s VIN into BeenVerified to unveil vital details such as estimated value, safety recalls, a history of accidents, and more.
- Caller ID: Safeguard yourself from phone scams or provide information about unidentified callers.
- Property Records: Uncover details about current and former property owners, the property’s value, local safety information, and significant property specifics such as square footage and the year of construction.
Advantages of BeenVerified
BeenVerified is a trustworthy and user-friendly platform that offers exceptional search capabilities and valuable services. However, it’s important to note, as highlighted in numerous reviews of BeenVerified, that this platform is intended solely for personal purposes. It’s strictly prohibited to employ BeenVerified for credit checks or recruitment verification.
There are numerous compelling factors to give BeenVerified a shot, such as:
- Extensive Database: BeenVerified possesses a database containing billions of records, offering a comprehensive and vast information repository.
- Detailed Data Sources: BeenVerified derives its data from reliable and verified public records, ensuring the accuracy of information. It collects public data and consolidates it into a convenient, clear report that can be utilized for self-education or informed purchasing decisions.
- Trusted by Over 1 Million Users: The BeenVerified platform, inclusive of Android and iOS apps, enjoys the trust of more than a million users, with millions of monthly users and over 100,000 subscribers.
Cost
BeenVerified also stands out for its affordability. It provides various subscription plans tailored to different budgets, allowing users to opt for monthly or yearly payments. This makes it an economical choice for individuals who require regular people search.
For those paying every month, the cost amounts to $26.89 per month. However, if you choose to pay for three months upfront, the monthly fee decreases from the standard $24.90 to just $17.48.
PeopleLooker – Best Background Check Site for Quick Results
PeopleLooker is an internet platform that offers a comprehensive range of information about individuals by collecting data from various sources, including public records, social media platforms, and online directories.
The website presents services like reverse phone searches, address lookups, and people search to ensure convenience and user-friendliness. Users can efficiently search for individuals and access their contact details, criminal and traffic records, and other personal information.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the accuracy of the information provided by PeopleLooker may vary. Therefore, it’s crucial to cross-verify the obtained data through alternative channels if accuracy holds utmost importance.
Despite this limitation, PeopleLooker is an invaluable tool for people who require information on others for personal and professional purposes. It streamlines the process of finding relevant details and assists in conducting preliminary research or gathering background knowledge efficiently.
Pros:
- Accessible customer service
- Provides valuable data for sales and marketing
- Designed to integrate seamlessly with platforms such as Gmail, HubSpot, and Salesforce
Cons:
- Limited to individuals within the United States
- Not classified as an individual reporting agency
- The desktop version offers reduced functionality compared to the mobile app
Advantages of Using Peoplooker
Using PeopleLooker as a background check website offers unique benefits. Firstly, it gathers information from multiple sources such as public records and social media to provide comprehensive data.
This extensive range of information allows users to access contact details, criminal and traffic records, and recruitment history, among other relevant details. Additionally, PeopleLooker prides itself on having a user-friendly interface that simplifies the search process and presents results in an organized fashion.
The online platform’s convenience and accessibility enable users to conduct background checks at their own convenience while saving time and effort.
Furthermore, PeopleLooker goes beyond just background checks by offering additional services like reverse phone lookups and address searches – enhancing the overall user experience.
However, users need to exercise caution when utilizing the obtained information by ensuring its accuracy and complying with privacy laws and regulations.
Cost
PeopleLooker functions using a subscription model that operates every month. This allows customers to try out the service for just $1 over 7 days. If users want to continue utilizing PeopleLooker, they have two premium plans: a monthly membership priced at $22.86 per month or a 3-month membership at $18.28 per month.
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TruthFinder – Best Background Check Site for Searching Public Records
This year, our top pick for the best background check site is TruthFinder. With its user-friendly platform, TruthFinder makes searching public records online effortless. Whether you require criminal and traffic records, are trying to connect with long-lost relatives, or want to ensure your safety when meeting someone new, TruthFinder has you covered.
Renowned for its exceptional track record, TruthFinder boasts an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has received over 60,000 five-star reviews.
Pros
- The subscription includes an unlimited quantity of reports
- Membership allows access to dark web searches
- Available on Android and iOS platforms
- Includes Updated report monitoring add-on available
Cons
- No complimentary version is available
- Additional charges for downloading reports
- Operates exclusively within the United States
Advantages of Using TruthFinder
A major benefit of opting for TruthFinder as your go-to background check company is the exceptional caliber of data it offers. This platform equips you with the precise details you desire by harnessing the power of countless public records, state records, criminal and traffic records, and social media information.
Have you ever had someone run a report on you through TruthFinder? If so, and if you wish to eliminate your name and personal information from their database, simply submit an “Opt Out” request to the company. This will effectively remove any reports about you from their website.
According to the website, once you submit a request to delete your personal information, the process typically takes approximately 48 hours to complete. The good news is that even if you opt out, you can still use TruthFinder’s services. Additionally, they have a convenient mobile app allowing you to conduct people searches while moving!
Cost
If you decide to buy TruthFinder every month, it will cost you $28.05. However, if you opt for the bi-monthly payment plan, the price decreases to $23.28 monthly.
TruthFinder does not provide “consumer reports” and is not a “consumer reporting agency” as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You may not use the TruthFinder site or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, insurance, employment, housing, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.
Intelius – Best for Reverse Phone Lookup
Intelius, a well-known service for background checks, provides users with quick and unlimited searches accompanied by reliable reports. Since its inception in 2003, Intelius has gained recognition for its rapid retrieval of records, especially those related to criminal activities and geographical information.
One noteworthy advantage of using Intelius is the company’s dedication to safeguarding user privacy. They understand the importance of keeping individual search queries confidential – a crucial aspect often disregarded by other online search platforms.
To ensure data security, Intelius utilizes a secure connection with 256-bit encryption protocols that protect user information from unauthorized access. By leveraging their platform, users can tap into an extensive database containing millions of public records; this breadth enhances the comprehensiveness and reliability of search results.
Pros
- Diverse subscription plans and pricing options
- Extensive records database
- Outstanding mobile apps compatible with both Android and iOS
- Swift search results
- Intuitive user interface
Cons
- Unclear pricing structure
- Limited customer service availability hours
- Occasional incomplete reports
Advantages of Using Intelius
Intelius offers a range of advantages and distinctive characteristics through its background check site. Firstly, Intelius provides a membership tier that allows for unlimited background checks, which is convenient and cost-effective.
Additionally, users can have peace of mind knowing that their searches are conducted securely and anonymously. To ensure confidentiality, Intelius employs 256-bit encryption, guaranteeing that individuals being searched will remain unaware of the background check activity.
Cost
For people search, the monthly membership fee begins at $24.86. If you pay for two months in advance, the monthly cost decreases to $21.13. The prices for individual searches will differ depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Intelius does not provide “consumer reports” and is not a “consumer reporting agency” as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You may not use the Intelius site or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, insurance, employment, housing, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.
Instant Checkmate – Best Background Check Site for Ease of Use
Instant Checkmate has gained recognition as one of the best background check services because of its detailed search results and user-friendly features. Users highly value the reliability and precision of the information provided by Instant Checkmate.
This service offers a convenient smartphone application and search function, particularly useful for finding social media-related details. The reports generated by Instant Checkmate are comprehensive and contain detailed information.
However, there may be delays in the report preparation stage due to slow website loading times. Like other similar services, Instant Checkmate requires a monthly subscription and doesn’t offer individual report options.
The cost of membership is revealed once the loading process is complete. Despite these minor limitations, individuals still prefer Instant Checkmate as their go-to background check site because of its accuracy, simplicity, and comprehensive reports.
Pros
- Extremely detailed
- Intuitive smartphone app
- Straightforward and user-friendly service
- Comprehensive reporting
- Ideal for property records searches
Cons
- Loading reports may take some time
- The option to generate individual reports isn’t available
Advantages of Using Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate is widely regarded as the top-notch service for conducting comprehensive background checks, encompassing criminal and traffic records. However, its offerings extend beyond that. With a membership, you gain access to unlimited reports and searches. It’s a highly advantageous and cost-efficient choice for individuals who frequently require background reports.
Even if the information is solely intended for personal use, Instant Checkmate remains invaluable in uncovering data, especially in criminal background searches. You can delve into someone’s criminal history throughout all of America, including charges and convictions, arrests made, speeding tickets acquired, or even whether they’re registered sex offenders.
The website utilizes information from specific sources and employs 128-bit encryption to ensure the confidentiality of your search queries. Furthermore, it boasts an exceptional customer service program and proudly backs Together We Bake, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive impact.
Cost
If you pay for a single month’s service upfront, it will cost you $35.12. However, if you opt to pay for three months at once, the monthly fee drops down to $28.09.
Instant Checkmate does not provide “consumer reports” and is not a “consumer reporting agency” as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You may not use the Instant Checkmate site or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, insurance, employment, housing, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.
PeopleFinders – Best Best Background Search Site for Dating
PeopleFinders is renowned for its exceptional customer service. Users can choose from single searches or subscription plans with recurring payments. PeopleFinders takes pride in its innovative mobile applications that greatly enhance the user experience. The company consistently receives positive feedback on its customer service, showcasing its dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction.
It’s important to be aware that terminating a membership before the agreed-upon term will result in a substantial early termination fee. Additionally, it should be noted that PeopleFinders only supports searches within the United States and doesn’t offer a social media search function. The available assistance options are also limited.
However, despite these limitations, PeopleFinders remains highly regarded as a reputable background check company due to its excellent customer service and comprehensive search options.
Pros
- Single search option
- Subscription available every month
- Exceptional mobile applications
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- Substantial cancellation fee
- Limited searches exclusively within the United States
- Lack of social media data
Advantages of Using PeopleFinder
PeopleFinders offers multiple benefits as a background check website. Firstly, it specializes in providing extensive coverage of public records in the United States. This ensures that users can efficiently access relevant and up-to-date information. Moreover, PeopleFinders is renowned for its exceptional customer service, with a responsive support team that promptly addresses inquiries and concerns.
Their user-friendly interface and versatile search options, including individual searches and subscription plans, enhance the overall user experience. The platform consolidates data from various public records, presenting a diverse range of information sources. These advantages establish PeopleFinders as an invaluable resource for conducting comprehensive and trustworthy background checks within the United States.
Cost
The cost for conducting a search on an individual is $1.95. To become a member, there is a monthly fee of $24.95 required.
Spokeo – Best for Reverse Email Lookup
Spokeo stands out as an exceptional background check site due to its access to fundamental information, including reverse email lookups. For a more comprehensive background check, a nominal fee is required.
Additionally, users have the freedom to remove their data from Spokeo’s database whenever they choose. The user interface is user-friendly and the website consistently updates with fresh content.
Conversely, there have been numerous individual complaints regarding inaccurate findings or limited information provided by Spokeo.
Pros
- Allows you to delete your data
- Intuitive user interface
- Frequent website updates
- Requires a one-time payment
Cons
- Customer complaints regarding accuracy
- Unavailability of unlimited search plans without restrictions
Advantages of Using Spokeo
Spokeo provides various benefits to its customers through their services. One advantage is the ability to identify and block unwanted text messages or calls, specifically those coming from telemarketers or scammers.
Additionally, Spokeo can be utilized to verify online businesses’ legitimacy before making any financial commitments. Many individuals also use Spokeo to reunite with long-lost friends or family members.
Moreover, Spokeo offers affordable pricing options for its clientele. For a one-month subscription, the cost is approximately $22.95; however, opting for a three-month subscription reduces the price to $17.95.
Despite the fact that Spokeo doesn’t provide limitless searches, nor do any unused searches carry over to the following month, it remains a practical choice for conducting background check on individuals.
Cost
Spokeo offers a monthly subscription starting at $19.95 per month. For a more cost-effective option, you can choose the quarterly plan at just $14.95 per month, which is billed as $44.85 every three months.
US Search – Best for Affordability
Founded in 1998, US Search is a prominent provider of background check services renowned for its affordable pricing options and innovative phone number lookup feature.
By utilizing a robust public record search engine, the company can deliver comprehensive background checks that have earned it recognition as one of the industry’s finest. These checks offer a quick and efficient means of accessing various criminal and traffic records, including those about sexual offenders, felonies, and misdemeanors.
US Search allows users to explore local sources, state registers, and even nationwide sources for thorough searches. With an array of search options available – including social networking sites – US Search establishes itself as an all-encompassing background check site.
Their formal background check package is competitively priced at approximately $19.86 and provides the most extensive search capabilities covering criminal and traffic records and essential financial information.
Pros
- Greater search possibilities compared to nearly all other top background check sites
- Money-back guarantee
- A comprehensive database of search options
- Accessible reporting for all users
Cons
- Reports’ organization could be enhanced
- The virtual assistant is slow and lacks practical utility
- The most economical searches provide limited information
Advantages of Using US Search
US Search is a reputable and innovative online platform that specializes in conducting thorough background checks. Renowned for its wide range of search options and cutting-edge technology, US Search stands out as one of the pioneers in aggregating comprehensive reports based on personal information.
By utilizing their advanced search algorithms, they’re able to refine search results and provide users with detailed initial data, including address history and familial connections.
This valuable feature greatly facilitates the process of identifying the correct individual. Offering an impressive selection of seven different types of searches, US Search offers unmatched flexibility to individuals who require background check services.
DISCLAIMER: You may not use US Search or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. US Search does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., (“FCRA”), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
Cost
US Search, a website specializing in background reports, guarantees a refund to dissatisfied customers. They offer two membership plans: $14.95 for general searches and $18.75 for nationwide coverage. Their objective is to deliver thorough and dependable background checks to their subscribers.
US Search does not provide “consumer reports” and is not a “consumer reporting agency” as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You may not use the US Search site or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, insurance, employment, housing, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.
How We Chose the Top Background Check Websites
In our evaluation, we considered four key factors to determine the leading five websites. These factors include the accuracy of data, options for customizing searches, user-friendliness, and pricing.
Reliable Data
Data reliability is of utmost importance when it comes to background check websites. This is especially true for individuals conducting criminal background checks, as the accuracy of the results is crucial. It would be pointless to pay for a background check if the information provided isn’t correct.
To illustrate this point, let’s imagine that you have young children and a new person moves in next door. Concerned about your family’s safety, you decide to search their name on a people-finder website.
Shockingly, you discover that they’re listed on the sex offender registry for committing a serious crime. If the website you used didn’t have detailed information, falsely accusing your neighbor of being a sex offender could have severe consequences.
Clearly, data accuracy plays a vital role in assessing the quality of websites that offer background information searches.
Search Customization Options
The top-notch websites for conducting background checks offer exceptional search features that greatly simplify the process of finding desired information.
As an illustration, a background checker equipped with advanced search filters presents multiple input fields allowing users to enter contact details such as birth records, name, address, or any other identifying information. This facilitates a more targeted and precise search outcome.
In addition to this, we prioritized websites that provide user-friendly search functions that are intuitive and simple enough for even beginners to grasp on their initial attempt.
Ease of Use
In our assessment of the top background checker websites, ease of use played a critical role. If you’ve ever encountered a website that was unclear, perplexing, and difficult to navigate, rest assured that you’re not alone.
Specifically for websites offering background checks, simplicity, and clarity are vital. It’s important for such platforms to provide users with a clean interface and clear instructions or information. For instance, BeenVerified incorporates a user-friendly menu that outlines the available features of their website.
Additionally, they offer transparent details about what users can expect from their services. The bottom section of their site also provides valuable resources including guides, articles, and frequently asked questions to assist visitors in navigating through the process smoothly.
Price
When it comes to choosing the best background check services, price is a crucial factor. Whether you’re searching for someone’s criminal and traffic records, or recruitment history, or trying to reconnect with a long-lost person, nobody wants to spend an exorbitant amount of money.
The detailed background check websites on our list provide various pricing options. You can opt for one-time charges if you only need the reverse phone lookup feature. Alternatively, you can choose auto-pay subscriptions that range from $15 to $30 per month for comprehensive membership benefits.
Before committing to recurring subscriptions, it’s important to assess your needs and weigh them against your budget. By doing so, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that meets both your requirements and financial constraints. Remember that finding the right balance between quality and affordability is key when selecting a background check providers.
Social Media Searches
Including social media searches as part of screening processes is becoming more and more prevalent. This is done to identify any potential issues or red flags associated with a person that could impact their work or travel arrangements.
While certain free searches only cover Google indexing of public names and linked pages, other background check services utilize specialized software to search for trends, names, and profiles. BeenVerified goes even further by conducting a deep web search that extends beyond the traditional Google name search, providing high-quality skip trace results.
Customer Support
Top background checks will have a strong customer support team that knows the ins and outs of the field and can answer any questions you may have. If for some reason your search keeps running into walls, they should be able to tell you why. Furthermore, record search companies should be focused on getting the best results for their customers and not trying to upsell searches that may not be relevant to what you need.
A paid search is a great way to find the information that you need but may not be able to find on your own. Most paid companies will collect and send the information to you in a format that’s simple to read and well-organized.
What Are Background Checks Mostly Used For?
There are numerous reasons why websites that provide background check services can be beneficial. Whether you’re feeling anxious about meeting someone from an online dating platform, attempting to reconnect with a long-lost friend, or have had a negative encounter with a previous roommate, conducting a background check on individuals can assist in preventing potential future troubles. Below is an overview of the most common motives behind people’s decision to conduct a background search.
Online Dates
Online dating is undeniably enjoyable, with the excitement of establishing a connection with someone new. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks involved. Before going on blind dates or meeting individuals in person whom you’ve only met online, performing a background check is highly recommended.
One method of conducting a background check involves examining their social media profiles and determining if they have any criminal history or past addresses. Fortunately, numerous background check companies offer affordable and efficient people search services that can be completed within minutes for just a few dollars.
Roommates
If you’ve ever shared a living space with someone who caused issues, you can appreciate why individuals turn to background check services to confirm the reliability of a potential roommate. No one wants to live with an enigmatic stranger. Thus, conducting an online search for additional information is a great method to gain peace of mind about your upcoming living arrangement.
By utilizing a background check service, you can delve into public record, social media platforms, and more. Ultimately, this enables you to uncover whether your prospective roommate has criminal and traffic records or any other hidden secrets that could make cohabitation with them unfavorable.
Lost Contacts
With the advent of social media, it has become increasingly convenient to reconnect with individuals who have fallen out of touch over time. Nevertheless, not everyone is active on social media platforms. In the event that you have lost contact with someone – be it a friend, romantic partner, family member, or colleague – utilizing an online background check service presents an effective means of locating them.
Naturally, possessing more details about the individual in question simplifies the process of narrowing down your search results and obtaining desired information.
Reverse Phone and Email Lookup
A widely used search that individuals often conduct is a reverse phone and email lookup. If you have received calls from unfamiliar phone numbers, it’s likely that you have previously utilized a reverse lookup function, such as the one provided by White Pages.
Nevertheless, the most exceptional background check service will provide an all-inclusive reverse phone and email lookup option that furnishes comprehensive details. This includes identifying the individual’s name, their registered address, any business affiliations linked to the number, or other relevant information.
Guide to Background Checks
When seeking information about someone prior to entering into a professional or personal relationship, background check services become a straightforward and convenient resource. This comprehensive guide offers an explanation of the precise nature of background checks, their functionality, and the range of information they’re capable of uncovering.
How Much Does a Criminal Background Check Cost?
The price range for a background check generally falls between $10 and $500. The specific cost depends on the various elements included in the background report. Reports that only include criminal searches tend to be cheaper than those that also include recruitment and Education history, as well as drug testing. When comparing different vendors, it’s essential to consider both the components or searches included in a report and the overall cost of the report.
If you choose to conduct a criminal background check through BeenVerified, they require users to sign up for a membership before accessing any reports. The monthly fee is $26.89 if paid on a month-to-month basis. However, if you opt for three three-month upfront payments, the monthly charge decreases from the standard rate of $24.90 to $17.48.
What Shows Up on a Background Check?
When it comes to background checks, there are multiple levels of searches available, ranging from basic information to extensive criminal background checks. The extent of your research will typically be determined by the purpose behind the background check.
For instance, if you’re simply snooping on an ex-boyfriend, you may not delve as deeply compared to conducting a background check for recruitment at a top-tier security company.
Today, the most prevalent forms of background checks conducted by companies encompass a variety of options.
- Criminal background checks
- Background checks for recruitment
- Education history
- Reference check
- Universal background checks
- OIG background checks
- E-Verify background checks
- Credit background checks
- Social Security number trace
- Personal background checks
- Professional licenses background checks
- International background checks
- Social media scans
The majority of these reports will encompass basic details regarding the individual, encompassing contact information and residential addresses, as well as their age and birth records. Additionally, the report will provide more in-depth information like criminal and traffic records, arrest histories, recruitment background, and educational accomplishments. Furthermore, there are several other elements that may be incorporated within a comprehensive background check:
- Civil records
- Relatives
- Marriage licenses
- Other types of licenses (professional)
- References
- Driving history
- Sexual offender registry listings
- Credit
- Military records
- Photographs
- Bankruptcies
- Weapons permits
- Aliases
- Social media profiles
- Wikipedia pages
- Personal websites
- Blogs
- Liens
- And more, depending on the background check company and policies you’re working with
How Long Do Criminal Background Checks Take?
If you opt for a reputable background check service like BeenVerified or TruthFinder, you can expect to receive the findings of your criminal background check within minutes. These services are specifically designed to provide quick and effortless results, eliminating the need for lengthy waiting periods.
On the other hand, if you choose to conduct a manual criminal and traffic records check or go through a government or individual reporting agency, the process can take significantly longer.
While many background checks can be processed and produce results in three to five days, there are instances where it may take longer. For instance, FBI checks typically require around 30 days for completion. Although certain federal background checks may be expedited, it’s advisable to prepare for a comprehensive review that necessitates a 30-day wait period.
Furthermore, certain background checks necessitate a combination of various pieces of information, such as criminal and traffic records and credit history. Increasing the number of inquiries in a single background check can extend the duration of the process.
How to Conduct a Criminal Background Check
Running a criminal background check can be done the hard way or the simple way. The hard way involves manually contacting relevant public offices, submitting requests for public records, and then searching through those records for the desired information.
On the other hand, there’s an easier option, using a people search service like BeenVerified to conduct a criminal history check. With this method, all you have to do is enter the name and city or phone number of your target individual.
By simply providing basic information about a person, the background check service will scan its database. Although it may take a few minutes, if it takes longer than expected, rest assured that you’ll receive ample authentic data in return.
Best Background Check Sites: The Takeaway
If you’re in need of information about a potential date, roommate, or long-lost friend, conducting a background check can provide the answers you seek. We have evaluated and compared five of the top background check websites available for personal use (excluding those that comply with FCRA regulations).
These sites include BeenVerified, PeopleLooker, TruthFinder, Intelius, Instant Checkmate, and Spokeo. Each platform offers a convenient and efficient method to search for various types of information such as criminal history and traffic records, addresses and name history, location data and more. By utilizing these services, you will not only gain peace of mind but also equip yourself with valuable knowledge to prevent any potential issues in the future.
All product names, logos, brands, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
DISCLAIMER: You may not use the non-FCRA approved services mentioned in this article or the information they provide to decide about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. These services don’t provide consumer reports and are not consumer reporting agencies. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., (“FCRA”), which are incorporated herein by reference.)
The information available on our website may not be 100% accurate, complete, or up to date, so do not use it as a substitute for your own due diligence, especially if you have concerns about a person’s criminal history. The services we mention do not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy of the information available through our website or about the character or integrity of the person about whom you inquire. For more information, please review each service’s Terms of Use.
