Background checks have become a necessary part of hiring, renting, and even personal inquiries.
Whether you’re an employer trying to hire a new team member or a landlord screening potential tenants, a reliable background check company can provide valuable insights.
Many companies offer fast, thorough, and compliant background checks, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
In this post, we’ll explore what background check services are and the factors to consider when choosing a provider. We will also review the top background check companies in 2024.
What to Look for in a Background Check Company
Selecting the best background check company requires careful consideration of key elements like accuracy, legal compliance, pricing, and turnaround time.
Each of these factors impacts the effectiveness of the online background check services.
Accuracy
Accuracy is the foundation of any reliable background check service. Inaccurate reports can lead to costly mistakes, including hiring the wrong candidate or rejecting qualified applicants. Background check companies that pull data from verified sources such as:
- Criminal records
- Employment history
- Education verification
The best background check companies prioritize offering up-to-date and thorough data, which can help employers and landlords make informed decisions during the hiring process.
Legal Compliance
For companies conducting background checks for employment purposes, compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a must.
FCRA-compliant background check companies follow federal guidelines that protect job candidates’ privacy while allowing employers to access necessary information.
FCRA-regulated companies also provide dispute processes, enabling individuals to correct inaccurate information in their reports.
This compliance is particularly important for businesses involved in employment background screening, as it helps avoid legal issues while making hiring decisions.
Flexible Screening Options
The best background check companies offer flexibility to meet various screening needs across different industries. Employers or landlords may need to assess potential employees or tenants through checks such as:
- Drug and health screenings
- Employment history checks
- Education verification
- Tenant background checks
- Criminal background checks
Some background check services also offer specialized searches like sex offender registry searches, global watchlist searches, or even healthcare sanctions checks for more sensitive roles.
This flexibility allows businesses to customize background checks based on their specific needs without adding unnecessary searches.
Pricing
Background screening companies offer different pricing models, ranging from one-time background check services to subscription-based models.
For example, companies may offer multiple unlimited search offerings through a subscription.
On the other hand, individuals or small businesses may prefer the pay-per-report option, paying only for the background checks they need.
Whether for employers, landlords, or personal use, finding a pricing structure that matches the volume and depth of checks required is key to staying within budget.
Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is another important factor to consider, especially for businesses under tight hiring deadlines.
Some of the most reliable background check sites provide results for basic checks like criminal background checks or SSN traces within 24 hours.
However, more detailed searches, such as education verification or international background checks, may take several days.
Balancing speed with the thoroughness of the background check is important. Fast but inaccurate checks could lead to missed information or poor hiring decisions.
Finding a service with a reliable turnaround time that meets the urgency of your screening process can prevent unnecessary delays in the hiring process or other important decisions.
6 Best Background Check Companies for Employers
Finding the best background check company depends on the services you need. Below is a list of seven highly-rated background check providers, highlighting their services, pricing, and key features.
1. Stellar Background Checks
Stellar Background Checks provides a variety of options designed to meet specific needs and prioritize quick results.
Our criminal background screening allows quick access to hundreds of criminal databases, helping to provide a thorough overview of an individual’s history.
Driving records are available for roles requiring vehicle operation, such as truck or delivery drivers.
We also offer employment and education verification to confirm work history and degrees. For health-related requirements, our drug and occupational health screening covers nationwide testing.
Additionally, professional license verification, social media screening, and international screening are available for broader checks.
Our system handles high-volume orders, processing up to 20,000 background checks monthly with a strong emphasis on accuracy.
We offer five distinct packages, ranging from the Standard Package ($35), which includes SSN trace and criminal background checks, to the Platinum Package ($119), which includes federal criminal searches.
Stellar’s services deliver results within 1-3 days, which can suit businesses requiring faster turnarounds.
We also use a pay-as-you-go model, offering flexibility without long-term contracts, and our client portal allows users to track background check results as they are processed.
Key Features:
- Focus on accuracy for high-volume processing
- Pay-as-you-go service model with no hidden fees
- Real-time client portal for tracking results
Fill out this form and get the top talent with Stellar Background Checks now!
2. HireRight
Source: HireRight
HireRight is known for offering a wide variety of screening services, including criminal background checks, employment verification, and drug testing.
Their services are available in both the U.S. and international markets, which is important for hiring internationally.
HireRight’s pricing starts at $36.47 for the Instant Criminal+ package, which includes criminal record checks and SSN validation.
Their higher-tier Instant Criminal+ All Counties package, at $76.95, adds county-level searches for a more in-depth background check.
Key Features:
- Global screening capabilities
- Multiple pricing packages for varied needs
- Industry-specific solutions available
3. Sterling
Source: Sterling
Sterling offers to conduct background checks for all business sizes. Their solutions include criminal record checks, drug testing, and motor vehicle reports.
Sterling’s platform integrates with existing HR systems, which can help speed up background check management.
One unique feature of Sterling is their workforce monitoring, which allows employers to track changes in an employee’s background after hiring.
Pricing for Sterling’s services depends on the complexity of the background check. It also comes with customized options available based on business requirements.
Key Features:
- Integration with HR systems for easier management
- Workforce monitoring for post-hire checks
- Global reach with customizable options
4. GoodHire
Source: GoodHire
GoodHire offers a clear pricing structure and an easy-to-use platform. Their services start at $29.99 with the Basic+ Package, covering criminal background checks, SSN trace, and sex offender registry searches.
The Professional Package, priced at $79.99, adds education verification and employment verification.
GoodHire offers a unique feature through its applicant portal, where job candidates can review their own background check reports, creating a transparent experience.
The company also provides strong customer support for managing their background checks more efficiently.
Key Features:
- Transparent pricing and clear package details
- Applicant portal for candidate reviews
- Customizable packages to meet different needs
5. First Advantage
Source: First Advantage
First Advantage delivers a wide array of screening options, from criminal background checks to credit history checks. They offer solutions suited to specific industries, including healthcare, education, and finance.
Pricing for First Advantage starts at $29 per report. The platform also includes features like Form I-9 compliance and drug testing, which can be useful for more extensive onboarding processes.
First Advantage provides scalable options that accommodate companies of various sizes.
Key Features:
- Industry-specific screening solutions
- Onboarding tools like Form I-9 compliance
- Scalable services for businesses of any size
6. Accurate
Source: Accurate
Accurate offers a versatile platform with flexible screening options, starting from $32.23.
Their services include basic background checks such as SSN trace and county criminal searches, as well as more in-depth screenings with global reach.
For extensive checks, the Premium Package at $80.68 includes seven-year criminal history reports and global watchlist searches.
Accurate’s platform allows businesses to monitor the progress of their background checks in real-time and offers compliance tools for international hiring.
Key Features:
- Real-time tracking of background check progress
- Built-in compliance tools for global hires
- Flexible packages to meet various business needs
7 Best Background Check Services for Individuals
Here’s a detailed list of some of the best background check sites for personal use, with each offering a range of features to suit different needs:
1. BeenVerified
Source: BeenVerified
BeenVerified provides various search tools for individuals, offering access to people search, vehicle history, contact information, and property details.
Users can choose between a 1-month membership for $36.89/month or a 3-month membership at $23.98/month.
Both plans allow users to run up to 100 reports per month. Membership benefits include background reports, phone and email lookups, criminal records, and faster search results.
Additionally, users can opt for notifications when reports change.
Key Features:
- Multiple membership plans
- Access to background reports and criminal records
- Up to 100 reports per month
2. Checkr
Source: Checkr
Checkr provides background check services that are FCRA-compliant for businesses but also offers personal checks for individuals.
While personal checks cannot be used for employment purposes, they allow users to preview what others may see.
The Basic Package at $29.99 includes a Social Security Number trace, national criminal record search, and global watchlist search.
Results are accessible through an online portal, making it easy to review the report and identify any inaccuracies.
Key Features:
- Online candidate portal for easy report access
- Simple, transparent pricing
- Global watchlist search included
3. Instant Checkmate
Source: Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate is designed for people who want access to public records data. It provides contact information, criminal records, and reverse phone lookups.
Though not FCRA-compliant, it helps users gather information about others or themselves for personal use. A subscription model provides continuous access to public records with tools like reverse phone and email lookup.
Key Features:
- People search and reverse phone lookup options
- Inmate and death record searches available
4. TruthFinder
Source: TruthFinder
TruthFinder offers a people search tool that lets users find details from public records, including criminal records, property records, and employment history.
It also features a reverse phone lookup tool. While it’s not FCRA-compliant, it helps individuals understand what information about them is available in public records.
Users can correct any inaccuracies found in their personal data.
Key Features:
- Ability to correct personal information
- Public records search, including criminal data
5. US Search
Source: USSearch
US Search provides a service for individuals looking to search public records, such as employment history, property records, and criminal data. Originally designed to find lost relatives, it now offers information about others.
The platform also has a professional tool, US Search Pro, for legal professionals needing in-depth background data.
Key Features:
- Search by name, phone number, or address
- Legal research tool available for professionals
6. Intelius
Source: Intelius
Intelius provides a user-friendly search engine that accesses public records, allowing users to find people, addresses, and phone numbers.
It aggregates data from multiple databases to provide comprehensive background information.
While not FCRA-compliant, it helps individuals find and verify information about themselves or others with add-on options like identity protection and downloadable reports.
Key Features:
- People search and reverse phone lookup
- Mobile app for easy access
7. PeopleFinder
PeopleFinder is a public record search tool that compiles data on criminal and court records, civil cases, and more. It is especially useful for finding long-lost relatives or researching potential neighbors.
It offers both a website and a mobile app, allowing users to search by name, address, or phone number. Though not FCRA-compliant, it provides a basic free search.
Key Features:
- Reverse phone search and mobile app access
- Criminal records and civil matters available
How Can You Perform a Free Background Check?
Free background check sites offer basic information, but they often come with limitations.
Accessing public records through government websites or using free people search tools may provide details like criminal history or address information.
However, deeper background checks, such as motor vehicle reports or employment verification, usually require a paid service.
Free background check services may work for personal use but may lack the thoroughness needed for the legal or hiring process.
Which Background Check Works Best for Property Owners?
Landlords screening potential tenants need comprehensive and accurate information. Services such as SmartMove by TransUnion offer checks on credit history, rental background, and criminal records.
These tools help landlords decide whether a tenant meets their requirements while maintaining compliance with legal regulations.
Other providers offer more specific checks depending on what the property owner wants to investigate.
What Background Check Service Works for Small Companies?
Small businesses need flexible options for checking applicants. Screening services such as Stellar Background Checks provide packages that include criminal background checks, employment history, and education verification.
These tools help businesses make decisions without committing to long-term contracts or subscriptions.
Stellar also offers individual reports. It gives smaller companies the chance to assess candidates without needing to sign up for more complex services.
Verify With Stellar Background Checks
Stellar Background Checks helps companies make the winning hire with our comprehensive background check services.
We prioritize speed, accuracy, and compliance when generating background check reports to ensure you make confident hiring decisions.
Onboard top-tier talent quickly by filling out this form or contacting us at 1-800-301-4140.
FAQs About The Best Background Check Companies
How long does it take to get background check results?
Background check companies vary in how quickly they deliver results. For basic checks, such as SSN trace or national criminal searches, results can be available within 24 hours. More detailed checks, such as employment verification or education history, might take several days to complete.
The company’s internal processes and the difficulty of the search affect the time needed to compile the report.
Are all background check companies FCRA-compliant?
Not all background check companies follow the standards set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Companies that provide checks for employment purposes must comply with these regulations to protect the rights of job candidates.
Some services, like Stellar Background Checks or Sterling, are compliant, while others, such as consumer-focused platforms like TruthFinder or Instant Checkmate, are not intended for employment or tenant screening.
Can background check companies access court records?
Yes, many background check services include court records as part of their criminal history searches. These records may cover local, state, or federal levels depending on the package chosen.
Can I run a background check on myself?
Yes, many background check companies offer self-check services. These allow individuals to review their own records, such as criminal background, employment history, and education verification, to confirm accuracy before applying for jobs or housing.
How do background check companies handle disputes or incorrect information?
Most reputable companies provide a way for individuals to dispute incorrect information. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to dispute any inaccuracies and request corrections.
