Hiring new employees is a big decision for any company. A background check report can give employers insights into a candidate’s past.
However, not all background check companies meet the same standards. If you want to use these reports for hiring purposes, they must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
In this guide, we will discuss how the law affects the background check process and help you find some of the best FCRA-compliant background check companies.
Why Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Matter in Background Checks?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets rules to protect candidates during the hiring process. It demands companies conduct background checks fairly and accurately.
Employers must notify candidates in writing if they will be conducting pre-employment background checks. The applicant will then give written consent if they agree.
They must also provide accurate data, such as criminal records and education verifications.
The FCRA allows candidates to dispute inaccuracies in the background report if it affects the hiring decision, promoting fairness and trust during pre-employment screening.
7 Best FCRA Compliant Background Check Companies
Selecting the top background screening companies involves carefully considering the services offered, pricing structures, and how well they meet specific business needs. Here are the top seven choices:
1. Stellar Background Checks
Stellar Background Checks offers the best background check services with quick turnaround times. The platform is ideal for prioritizing speed without compromising on the quality of our background checks.
Among over 1,000 vendors, Stellar has consistently reported some of the fastest results, delivering checks within one to three days. This can benefit businesses looking to fill positions quickly.
We currently provide five distinct pricing packages to accommodate different levels of screening:
- Standard Package ($35): Includes SSN trace and criminal background searches.
- Bronze Package ($54): Adds education and employment verification to the Standard package.
- Silver Package ($99): Includes a 10-panel drug screen for more comprehensive screenings.
- Gold Package ($104): Adds driving history and financial background checks.
- Platinum Package ($119): Includes a federal criminal search.
Stellar offers a pay-as-you-go option, allowing businesses flexibility without long-term contracts or hidden fees.
The client portal provides access to real-time results so users can manage and track their background checks efficiently.
Experience swift and accurate background check results with Stellar Background Checks. Fill out this form to get started.
2. HireRight
Source: Hireright.com
HireRight offers a wide range of services, including criminal background checks, employment and education verifications, drug testing, and motor vehicle reports.
HireRight is known for its global reach, providing services that comply with both U.S. and international laws. This makes the platform useful in multinational hiring.
HireRight offers three main pricing packages:
- Instant Criminal+ ($36.47): Includes criminal record checks, sex offender registry searches, and SSN validation. This package does not include county-level searches.
- Instant Criminal+ Local County ($54.95): Includes criminal record checks, sex offender registry searches, SSN validation, and one county-level search.
- Instant Criminal+ All Counties ($76.95): Covers multiple county-level searches, along with criminal record checks, sex offender registry searches, and SSN validation.
The platform also offers industry-specific solutions such as in healthcare, finance, and transportation. HireRight’s tools for compliance management and risk assessment are also suitable for dealing with complex hiring processes.
Pros: Global compliance support, adaptable screening options, industry-specific tools.
Cons: Setup may require more time for smaller businesses; costs can increase with complex screenings.
3. Sterling
Source: Sterlingcheck.com
Sterling focuses on comprehensive screening services, offering solutions such as criminal record checks, drug testing, motor vehicle reports, and identity verifications.
It operates globally, serving businesses across multiple industries, including healthcare and finance.
The platform also offers specialized services, such as workforce monitoring, which allows employers to keep track of any post-hire changes in an employee’s background.
Pricing for Sterling varies depending on the business’s specific needs and the screening’s complexity. Sterling’s platform integrates with various HR systems which is useful for ongoing compliance monitoring.
Pros: Global coverage, workforce monitoring, HR system integration.
Cons: Higher costs for smaller companies and setup complexity.
4. Checkr
Source: Checkr.com
Checkr is a technology-driven background check provider that offers fast, automated processing, making it efficient at screening candidates at scale.
Checkr’s platform integrates with a wide range of HR systems, simplifying the management of background checks for businesses that require volume-based screenings.
Checkr offers three pricing tiers:
- Basic+ ($29.99 per check): Covers SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist, and national criminal search. It also includes an automatic county criminal search for an additional $15 if needed.
- Essential ($54.99 per check): Adds a detailed county criminal search.
- Professional ($79.99 per check): Includes all features from the Essential plan, plus education and current employment verification.
Checkr’s adjudication tools also help employers understand the context behind any criminal records found, which can assist in making informed hiring decisions.
The continuous workforce monitoring feature helps track any updates in an employee’s background after they’ve been hired.
Pros: Fast processing, automation, integration with HR systems, and adjudication tools.
Cons: Primarily geared toward employment checks, less coverage for specialized screenings.
5. GoodHire
Source: Goodhire.com
GoodHire is known for its transparent pricing and flexible screening options. The platform uses straightforward solutions without needing any complex setup.
It offers customizable packages that include criminal background checks, drug testing, and reference verifications.
GoodHire’s applicant portal allows candidates to view their own reports, which can create a transparent hiring process.
The platform also offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the management of background checks.
GoodHire offers three package options:
- Basic+ (starting at $29.99 per check): Includes SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, and national criminal records.
- Essential (starting at $54.99 per check): Provides everything included in the Basic+ package, along with unlimited county criminal searches.
- Professional (starting at $79.99 per check): Adds education verification and employment background check to the features offered in the Essential package.
Pros: Clear pricing, easy-to-use platform, strong customer support.
Cons: Advanced features are only available in higher-priced packages.
6. First Advantage
Source: Fadv.com
First Advantage provides a wide range of services, including criminal background checks, employment and education verification, credit history checks, and industry-specific screenings.
The company also offers a range of onboarding solutions, including Form I-9 compliance and drug testing. First Advantage’s ability to scale its services according to the size of the business and the difficulty of the screening makes it useful in addressing specific business needs.
First Advantage has a flexible pricing model, with prices starting at $29 per report, depending on the checks to be conducted.
Pros: Scalable solutions, comprehensive onboarding features, wide range of checks.
Cons: Costs can rise significantly with more complex screenings.
7. Accurate
Source: Accurate.com
Accurate provides a versatile screening platform, offering a variety of packages that cater to different business needs. They offer options ranging from basic checks to more detailed screenings.
The platform also allows you to place orders manually, view results, and request additional services as needed. The platform’s real-time metrics help track turnaround times and monitor order volumes.
Accurate offers three packages:
- Basic+ ($32.23 per report): Includes SSN trace, county criminal search, national criminal check, and sex offender registry.
- Standard ($64.53 per report): Covers the same features minus education and employment verification.
- Premium ($80.68 per report): Includes seven-year criminal history, county verification, education, employment verification, and global watchlist.
Accurate’s built-in compliance controls and multilingual support also make it an appealing option for businesses with international hiring needs.
Pros: User-friendly platform, real-time metrics, compliance tools.
Cons: Higher costs for more advanced screening features.
How to Choose the Best FCRA-Compliant Background Check Services
Choosing the right FCRA-compliant background check company involves following a clear and thoughtful process.
By approaching this step-by-step, you can identify a provider that suits your business needs while complying with legal standards.
Define Your Screening Needs
First, clarify what specific screenings are required for your roles and industry. Some positions may need criminal background checks to review legal history, while others may call for credit reports or motor vehicle records.
Depending on the job, you may also need education verification, employment history, automated reference checking, or professional license verification.
Research Background Check Companies
Start researching companies that specialize in FCRA-compliant background checks. Focus on those with a solid track record following Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines.
It is helpful to choose companies with experience in conducting employment background checks, international background searches, and related services. Check their reputations and see how they rank in your industry.
Verify FCRA Compliance and Legal Expertise
Ask each provider how they handle compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and local fair hiring laws. You should inquire about how they:
- Obtain candidate consent
- Disclose background checks
- Manage disputes
It is important to confirm that they have clear procedures in place for following FCRA regulations, protecting both your business and job applicants.
Assess Turnaround Time and Accuracy
Inquire about the provider’s typical turnaround time for different types of background checks, such as criminal records, employment verification, or credit reports. Quick delivery is important, but accuracy is a must.
Companies should be able to explain to employers and other users how they verify data and correct any errors found in background check reports. You want a provider who balances efficiency with a high level of accuracy.
Compare Pricing Structures
Review the pricing models offered by each background check site. Costs can vary depending on the depth of screening, the number of checks performed, or additional services like international background checks.
Some companies offer packages, while others may charge per report. Make sure to choose a provider that fits within your budget while covering all the services you need.
Evaluate Data Security and Privacy Protections
Ask the provider about their security measures for protecting sensitive data, such as criminal records, basic personally identifying information, or credit reports. Data protection is integral to prevent breaches and misuse.
Confirm that the company complies with relevant data protection laws when conducting background screenings. They should be using secure systems to handle the information safely.
Review Customer Support and User Experience
Evaluate the customer support offered by the provider, both for employers and candidates.
A well-organized system that allows easy access to background check reports is important. Request a demonstration of their platform to determine its ease of use.
You can also do this to know whether they offer prompt support for any issues that arise during the process.
Request Case Studies or References
Ask for case studies or references from companies in your industry that have worked with the provider. Their experiences will give you a better understanding of how the company:
- Manages background checks
- Resolves disputes
- Enforces FCRA compliance
Make Your Decision
After completing your research and comparing the options, decide based on the provider’s ability to meet your requirements.
Choose a company that offers reliable pre-employment screening services and delivers accurate data within your required timeframes.
You can protect your business from legal risks while making informed hiring decisions by selecting the right FCRA-compliant background check company.
Make the Winning Hire With Stellar Background Checks
Stellar Background Checks helps companies make safe and legally compliant hiring decisions with our FCRA-compliant background check services.
We prioritize accuracy, fairness, and adherence to legal standards, giving you reliable results that protect both your business and job candidates.
Hire confidently and stay compliant fill out our form or call us at 1-800-301-4140 today.
FAQs About FRCA-Compliant Background Check Companies
What is an FCRA-compliant background check?
An FCRA-compliant background check adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s rules, ensuring accurate, fair, and legally obtained information while protecting the rights of candidates.
Who is the best background check company?
The best background check company depends on your needs, but Stellar Background Checks offers comprehensive services that are accurate, FCRA-compliant, and tailored for employers.
Is Backgroundchecks.com FCRA compliant?
Yes, Backgroundchecks.com is an FCRA-compliant background check website, following the necessary regulations to ensure accurate and fair reporting.
Is GoodHire FCRA compliant?
Yes, GoodHire is FCRA-compliant and provides background checks that meet the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
