8 Best Background Check Services – Compare and Choose Easily

(Ad) Whether it’s for the well-being of your family or out of your sheer curiosity about an ex, the best background check services can be extremely handy. There are many factors for using such services, and the best background check services can give you the answers you’re seeking in a matter of minutes.

So what actually is a background check, how much will it cost, and which are the best background check services that provide prompt, convenient, and of course, private results? 

There are several background check services, ranging from expensive to budget-friendly, and you want to be sure that you’re getting the best value for your money without being deceived. Read on to discover all the information you need to know.

We’ve carefully considered a variety of elements when determining the best background check services. Access to confidential information, cost, speed, customer observations, and specifications are the most important components of our rating process. Please take a look at the sections below to get an in-depth look at our ranking procedure. 

With that being said, here are the best background check services and why they made it onto our list of top picks.

• If you pay 3 months in advance, you’ll get a discount
• Software is compatible with both the iOS and Android platforms
• Data from a wide range of sources

• Background checks aren’t thorough 
• There isn’t a centralized search engine

BeenVerified is a great background check service because it grants a court runner service, in which a BeenVerified worker physically goes to courts to acquire records that haven’t been uploaded to the website yet. There are apps available for both Android and iOS. 

You can start your investigation with any data points that you want. If you pay in advance for three months, you can get a discount. The website doesn’t allow single searches; rather, a subscription is required. After you have finished with all the “loading” windows, you’ll be able to view the prices.

Customers aren’t pleased as the reports give less information than those provided by other background check services.

With an active BeenVerified membership, people are able to gain access to background checks, mobile phone details, communication data, email searches, address checks, and criminal history. Furthermore, users have the choice of seven diverse search techniques to locate the needed information.

Even though BeenVerified typically provides reliable information, it isn’t always spot-on. For example, consumers have noticed email addresses linked to them that they have never had or used.

Obtaining the search results should take approximately six minutes, which is slow.

You can reach customer service by either calling the toll-free number 866-885-6480 during the hours of 6:00 am to 11:30 pm Eastern Time, seven days per week, or by sending an email to [email protected].

• Simple to use
• Comprehensive search reports
• Excellent customer service
• Includes social media and genealogy search

• Doesn’t offer single reports

PeopleLooker is an online platform that provides comprehensive information on individuals by gathering data from various sources such as public records, social media, and online directories. It’s an easy-to-use website that offers a range of services, including reverse phone lookups, address lookups, and background checks. 

With PeopleLooker, users can quickly and easily search for people and access their contact information, criminal records, and other personal details. Although the accuracy of the information provided by PeopleLooker may vary, it’s a valuable tool for those who need to find information on individuals for personal or professional reasons.

PeopleLooker offers a variety of checks and screenings, including:

• People Search: Users can search for individuals and access their contact information, address history, and related individuals.
• Background Checks: PeopleLooker can perform comprehensive background checks that include criminal records, sex offender records, arrest records, and court records.
• Reverse Phone Lookup: With this feature, users can enter a phone number and find out the name, address, and other available details of the person associated with that number.
• Address Lookup: Users can enter an address and find out the name of the property owner, the value of the property, and other information about the area.
• Social Media Search: PeopleLooker can search social media platforms and provide information on an individual’s social media profiles, including their activity and public posts.
• Email Lookup: This feature allows users to enter an email address and find out information such as the owner’s name, location, and social media profiles.

The accuracy of information provided by PeopleLooker may vary depending on several factors, including the source of the information, the individual’s privacy settings, and the accuracy of the data in the public records. While PeopleLooker makes efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, there may be cases where the information is incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. 

Additionally, certain types of information, such as criminal records, may be restricted or unavailable in some jurisdictions. Therefore, it’s essential to use the information obtained from PeopleLooker as a starting point and verify it through other means before making any decisions based on that information. Overall, PeopleLooker can be a valuable tool, but users should approach the information with caution and carefully consider its accuracy before making any decisions.

The turnaround time for obtaining results from PeopleLooker may vary depending on the type of check or screening being performed. For simple searches, such as a people search or an address lookup, the results may be available almost instantly. However, more comprehensive checks, such as a background check, may take longer to complete. 

The time it takes to obtain the results also depends on the availability of the data, which can vary depending on the location and the source of the information. In general, PeopleLooker provides very fast searches, and users can expect to receive the results within seconds. 

Subscribing to their service offers unlimited access to background reports, contact information, arrest records, phone lookups, and email lookups, as well as more search options and faster searching capabilities. Customers can cancel their subscription at any time by contacting customer service via phone or email. However, we found the customer support team lacking as the agent we spoke with provided only generic information and did not appear overly helpful.

PeopleLooker offers customer service through various channels to address any issues or concerns users may have. Users can contact PeopleLooker customer service via email, phone, or support tickets. The customer service representatives are available seven days a week from 6 am to 11:30 pm EST. Users can also access the help center on the PeopleLooker website, which contains frequently asked questions and other resources to assist with common issues.

PeopleLooker strives to provide excellent customer service and aims to resolve any concerns or issues promptly. The customer service representatives are knowledgeable and can assist with a range of issues, including billing, account access, and technical support. Additionally, PeopleLooker has a robust privacy policy and takes user privacy seriously, so users can be assured that their personal information is secure when using the service.

• Members may do searches on the dark web
• Available as an app for both Android and iOS
• Capabilities for autonomous monitoring
• With your membership, you may generate as many reports as you want
• Includes a reverse phone lookup feature

• Functions only in the USA
• There’s a fee for downloading reports
• There’s no trial version available

TruthFinder is among the best background check services out there, and when you subscribe, you get access to infinite reports each month without paying anything more. Every background check you do includes a search on the dark web. 

You can manage background inquiries on the go with the mobile apps available for iOS and Android phones. 

TruthFinder offers up-to-date reverse phone inquiries and provides self-monitoring capabilities so that you can have a look at what information about you would show up in a background check. 

Unfortunately, you cannot make a single inquiry. To gain access to the database, you need to pay for a subscription every month. If you want to save your reports in PDF format, you’ll have to pay an additional fee for that.

This service for checking backgrounds is only an option for people who are either US citizens or have permanent residency. Read our TruthFinder review to find more information about its services.

TruthFinder offers you the opportunity to access an extensive variety of details, from someone’s age and aliases to the cars they own and permits they may have for carrying firearms. 

More than 40 distinct types of data are available, including Amazon wishlists, social media accounts, hunting licenses, and permits for concealed weapons.

Consumers have given glowing reviews to TruthFinder’s background check services for their precision. For instance, Jim F. gave four stars to the leading background check website on Sitejabber, remarking, “Truthfinder.com was speedy and precise! Absolutely nothing was missed.”

It’s possible to get the data you need in a short amount of time, and with reports ready in two or three minutes, it’s the third fastest option available. Note that with a subscription, you can get results quicker.

If you pay for TruthFinder for one month at a time, it’ll cost you $28.05. If you opt to pay for the service every two months, the cost is reduced to $23.28 per month.

The customer support phone line is available from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (Pacific Time), and can be reached at 800-699-8081. In addition, assistance is provided by sending an email to [email protected].

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 is the top-rated best background check service that gives users speedy searches and reports. This service, which was founded in 2003, is reliable and provides fast investigations into criminal histories and geolocation data. 

It also uses a secure connection with 256-bit encryption to guarantee that your search for someone’s records will remain confidential. With Intelius, you can access millions of public records. Check out our review of Intelius to see if it’s the best fit for your needs.

Intelius is considered to be among the best background check services when it comes to uncovering property records since it offers a reverse address lookup, a reverse phone lookup, a background check, a search of public records, and a search of criminal records.

Intelius’s customers have reported that the firm’s reports are more precise than its competitors, making it one of the best background check services.

As an example, Fred from Bunnlevel, North Carolina, posted a review of Intelius on consumer affairs, pointing out that he found the person he was looking for “like magic!” after using the service.

It can take longer than five minutes for Intelius to supply the information from their loading pages, which is the third slowest rate of the top background check services that we’ve evaluated.

A fee of $24.86 is charged to access a people search every month. When two months are prepaid, the cost drops to $21.13 per month. The amount of a single search may vary depending on what’s needed.

On weekdays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, customers can get in touch with customer service by dialing the toll-free 888-245-1655. Furthermore, they can also contact the customer support team by sending an email to [email protected].

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.

• Quick and easy assistance
• Extremely accurate
• Thorough documentation
• Best for researching land titles
• App for smartphones that’s easy to use

• It might be time-consuming to load reports
• It isn’t possible to generate individual reports

User feedback reveals that Instant Checkmate’s search results are much more accurate than those of its competitors, earning it the reputation of being one of the best background check services available. It’s very straightforward to use, particularly if you’re looking for details from social media. 

The reports given by Instant Checkmate include quite a lot of information. Nevertheless, it takes some time for the website to load up the report. As with other services, there’s a monthly subscription option, with no option to purchase individual reports. 

When running a background check, it’s possible that the individual will have to provide information such as their professional qualifications, court rulings, any unpaid taxes, hunting or fishing permits, proof of being registered to vote, and documents related to owning a firearm.

Instant Checkmate has proven to be a great background check service due to its accurate results. When compared to other top background check services, customers have found Instant Checkmate to be more precise. 

Cynthia from Pflugerville, Texas, is a perfect example; she said that the services were “very exact and informative, especially as a single woman who is constantly being approached by men from different nations on social media!”

Registering for a subscription to get your document will take 10 minutes, with several loading processes that need to be completed in the meantime. Compared to other firms on our list of best background check services, the waiting period at this organization is notably longer.

Customers can dial the toll-free 800-222-8985 to contact customer care from Monday until Friday between 7 am and 4 pm Pacific Time. Another way to get help is to send an email to [email protected].

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. 

• Payment terms available on a monthly basis
• Excellent mobile apps
• There’s one search option
• Wonderful service to customers

• No information available from social media platforms
• Only US data is included in searches
• High cost for cancellations

PeopleFinders is an amazing background check service, and their customer service is truly excellent. It offers users the option of making a one-off search or subscribing to a plan with recurring payments. It also features some of the most cutting-edge mobile applications.

The company’s customer service continually gets outstanding ratings from its customers. If you choose to cancel your membership before the set period, you may be subject to a hefty early termination fee.

The searches available are only for the United States, there’s no search feature for social media, and the help options are quite limited.

The initial search will only yield a restricted amount of data, including name, current residence, age, earlier address, email address, and phone number. 

PeopleFinders is widely acknowledged as one of the best background check services, with customers and critics commending its accuracy. Keisha from Winterset, Iowa, for instance, gave the website a positive review, declaring, “The information provided was accurate and legitimate.”

PeopleFinders can produce your report in a remarkably short period. This speed has earned PeopleFinders its place among the highest ranking background check sites.

Cost of single searches varies from 95¢ to $9.95. A subscription fee of $29.95 is mandatory for members.

Clients can get help by calling 800-718-8997 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm EST from Monday to Friday and from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Additionally, customers can reach out using the contact form available on the website.

Spokeo – Best for Reverse Email Lookup

• Make a one-time payment
• Webpage updated often
• Functionality geared to ease of use
• Several zero-cost options
• It allows you to completely remove all of your data

• Customer concerns about accuracy
• Plans that allow for limitless searching aren’t available

Spokeo is recognized as one of the best background check services because it doesn’t ask for payment just to access the basic information it furnishes, such as research through email. 

If a more comprehensive background check is requested, then a minimal one-time fee is required. Individuals can also opt to remove their data from its listings at any time. The user interface is easy to understand, and the website often updates its content.

Conversely, a lot of consumers have voiced their unhappiness with the findings as they either were incorrect or there was very little information available.

Spokeo searches through a massive amount of public documents to provide search results that potentially give a person’s contact info, personal info, past locations, financial information, family members, criminal records, associates, and social media profiles.  

These billions of records comprise property, social media, business, and consumer information.

The majority of people who used the service have been satisfied; however, some people have been vocal about their disappointment, asserting that the data provided is incorrect. For example, Buddy R. posted a review on Sitejabber and commented that “providing wrong information puts you in the same category as a fraudster.”

Out of the best background check services that we have highlighted, this one is the second quickest at providing results.

A decrease of $1.95 can be enjoyed when purchasing the full name report, resulting in a final cost of $0.95.

Customers can connect with customer service by dialing 888-271-9562 from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time. Additionally, individuals can get in touch with Spokeo by sending an email to [email protected].

• Guaranteed refunds
• Many search criteria are available
• More search options than almost all the other services

• Virtual assistants move at a snail’s pace & provide little practical value
• Low-cost searches don’t give too much information

US Search is a search engine that provides customers with the best background searches and has been around since 1998, so it’s considered one of the most established sites. PeopleData is the technology that runs this service, and it can be used to look up a name by phone number for a low price of $1.99 or you can pay $19.86/month for unlimited searches. 

This service has been featured in popular platforms, so many people are familiar with this service. It’s fast and efficient when it comes to looking up criminal records, including sexual offenders, felonies, and misdemeanors. 

You can use this website to search local databases, state registers, or even access databases from all over the United States depending on your requirements.

US Search is renowned for supplying the most options for searches. This makes it possible to acquire a wide variety of data, hence making it stand out among the list of the best background check services. If you select the all-in-one search, you’ll additionally receive searches for social media platforms. 

The detailed background search is the most thorough search you can get, but it’ll cost about $19.86. This check will include a criminal history and significant economic facts, like a bankruptcy declaration.

Along with a thorough investigation of one’s history, other forms of background investigations comprise:

• An examination of criminal records
• A search of social network sites
• An email search
• A search of property records
• A reverse phone lookup

Although you may not have taken advantage of this famous service before, you might be aware of its reputation because it has been featured as one of the premier background check companies on renowned news programs.

It’ll require you to wait through loading screens for approximately five minutes prior to signing up for a membership and obtaining your report. The waiting time with this company is much more than the other best background check services on our list.

It’s possible to purchase single name searches from the business for a cost of $2.45, or customers can opt for an unlimited amount of lookups for a monthly fee of $20.

To get in touch with customer service, you can dial (888) 712-0108, Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm PST. Additionally, you can also send an email to [email protected].

USSearch 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 USSearch site or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, insurance, employment, housing, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.

When searching for a comprehensive background check site, it’s essential to have access to confidential details. Credit headers are the top part of a credit report and don’t include any personal financial or employment history. 

Credit headers can be used to verify essential specifics, such as the most up-to-date address, contact number, and job information.

A few states allow people to do a free or inexpensive search if the application is filled in digitally or by hand. However, it’s much more straightforward to pay for a premium search that includes state records that may be of interest. 

This premium search can also validate confidential details, such as a valid license in the state where the person practices, academic degrees, marriage records, death records, traffic violations, and other essential information that can confirm a person’s identity and accomplishments.

In today’s world, employers and other organizations often use social media as part of their screening sessions when vetting potential candidates. A standard Google search usually only looks at public names and links. 

However, some best background check services employ software that combs through trends, names, and profiles to uncover more detailed information. BeenVerified takes it a step further by performing a deep web search, providing quality results.

Specialized background searches may involve different tests as a bundle and could also have more detailed evaluations that are connected to a job opportunity or specific contract work ― for example, babysitters or housesitters.

Certain companies that conduct background searches promote themselves as being accredited. The requirements for obtaining this designation may include ensuring that the rights of the people being investigated are safeguarded and that all applicable laws are followed.

Faulty accounts can block you from accomplishing your goals and can also result in expensive consequences. The most dependable background check services will have a track record of exactness and expertise that’ll enable you to make a knowledgeable judgment.

It’s beneficial to search extensively, but not all best background check services are identical. It’s beneficial to be more particular and concentrate on former employment or financial details, and it’s essential to find an organization that can precisely narrow down outcomes to what is wanted. A respected background check service will have various levels of investigations so that the necessary information for the situation can be obtained.

Even if you aren’t a private investigator, you don’t need to be an expert in technology to use the best background check services. Ideally, the best background check services should be uncomplicated to use and present the data in a straightforward manner. The best online background check will make the process as effortless as possible and get you the results you need quickly.

The most reliable background search providers have a helpful customer service team that knows the intricacies of the industry and can answer any questions you have. If your research keeps hitting dead ends, they should be able to explain why. 

Additionally, background search services should be focused on giving the best outcome for customers and not attempting to peddle searches that may not be related to your requirements.

Paid background searches are a great way of obtaining the data you need but cannot find alone. If you opt for a paid service, the information will be given to you in a neat and straightforward format.

When an enterprise, association, or single person desires to acquire data about someone prior to forming a business or personal connection, background search services are a straightforward and suitable resource. This guide will explain precisely what a background check is, how it works, and the details it can uncover.

A background search service that is available online will thoroughly explore the entire internet for details about the individual you’re looking for.

The records that these services can reach are the ones that you could technically find on your own, but it could take you a long period to acquire the data you need. The background check services can browse through vast quantities of data and generate a comprehensive report for you quickly. 

Furthermore, these online background checks aren’t limited to criminal records. They’re also able to uncover credit reports, past employment, and financial reports, along with other details that give you an insight into the life of the person and also confirm their identity.

It’s important to recognize that there are various kinds of background checks, as this can assist with ordering the correct one and interpreting the results more aptly.

• Level 1: Identity verification (name, addresses, phone numbers, DOB, SSN, etc.)
• Level 2: Criminal background checks (via the local police or federal authorities)
• Level 3: Credit history and score checks
• Level 4: Motor vehicle record
• Level 5: Educational and professional background checks
• Level 6: Fingerprint checks
• Level 7: Verify legal work status 

Different levels of background checks can be conducted, ranging from basic to highly specific. The extent of the investigation will depend on the purpose of the background check. 

For instance, if someone is monitoring an ex-partner, they may not investigate as much as if they were doing a background check for a position within a security firm. Generally, the most common background check companies give the following info:

• Universal background checks
• Social media scans
• Professional licenses background checks
• International background checks
• OIG background checks
• Personal background checks
• E-Verify background checks
• Criminal background checks
• Education verification
• Reference check
• Credit background checks
• Social Security number trace
• Background checks for employment

A background check can provide a plethora of particulars concerning a person, such as their contact information, age, and birthdate. 

Furthermore, it can also contain more intricate specifics, like criminal and arrest reports, job history, and educational background. Moreover, further items that may feature in a background check include:

• Weapon permits
• References
• Driving history
• Wikipedia pages
• Military records
• Liens
• Relatives 
• Credit 
• Photographs
• Other types of licenses (professional)
• Blogs 
• Social media profiles
• Personal websites
• Sexual offender registry listings
• Marriage licenses
• Civil records
• Aliases 
• Bankruptcies

And background check services can provide more, depending on the background check company and policies you’re working with.

Our list is dedicated to providing personal or preventive searches to guard the consumer, so we won’t evaluate the following companies. However, we do advise you to look into their standing on TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau. These firms don’t provide services to regular customers with personal problems but rather offer credit reporting and other confidential government documents for qualified industry-to-industry intentions.

• Checkr
• GoodHire
• Sterling
• Universal Background Screening
• EBI

People who are trying to safeguard themselves are also looking for the same type of records and are legally allowed to access much of the same information. A basic search on Google will bring up a decent list of legitimate background check sites, yet it’s still important to look at several elements before selecting which one would be the best fit.

The ability to access public records online is a fairly recent development. Years ago, people would depend on personal references to validate a resume. Over time, it became very beneficial to have an impartial source of information, especially for commercial and residential searchers who wanted to avoid theft and crime.

Currently, when employers or federal government personnel do a background check, they’re looking for the same basic facts.

• Felony charges
• Debt and severe monetary difficulties
• Administrative or legal proceedings
• Intoxication with drugs

BeenVerified is the best background search service. It contains highly private information such as countrywide criminal background searches, addresses, contact numbers, real estate records, civil judgments, images, and some other court documents.

The best background check services will take a comprehensive look at someone’s past and current situation to provide the most exact details possible. 

When conducting a background search, they will begin with public documents, including data taken from papers that can be accessed by the public, like police records, birth certificates, and titles of ownership.

Then, the premier background check services will search secondary sources, which could include articles or news stories located on the web, profiles on social media networks, and telephone books.

Eventually, they’ll look into other online sources like Amazon and the magazines one has subscribed to. They’ll also try to find information about voting registration, permits for hunting or fishing, and any occupational certifications or associations one is part of.

To decide on the best background check service for your needs, you must do some research. Consider all of the available options and what characteristics are most important to you, such as the type of background search that can be done, the accuracy of the reports sent, and the time it takes to get the report. 

When doing a background search, you should also take into account the cost of the service, customer support, and any other pertinent details. Eventually, you may conclude that BeenVerified and PeopleLooker are two of the best background check services for you. However this may not be true in all cases.

Investigating someone’s history is what is known as a background search. This is often used when you meet someone new, and you want to ensure that the individual has no criminal record or any other legal issues. 

This type of background search also confirms the person’s job experience, marital status, and any other information that could be related to the job they’re applying for. The expression “background search” covers both criminal and non-criminal reports.

The time it takes to finish a background search could range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the service provider. The process is usually managed by a third-party company that has access to public and court archives. 

The turnaround time will be determined by how fast the report is needed and if there are any extra costs associated with the background check. There are certain background searches that can give immediate results, but this isn’t always an option for all types of reports.

In the majority of states, it’s permissible to carry out background checks. Each state has regulations and policies that must be followed when conducting these searches. Additionally, background checks are also authorized for most federal roles and quite a few state roles. 

In some areas, there may be rules about who can use the background check services and what data can be obtained. Consequently, it’s essential to talk to an attorney if you have questions regarding the background check laws of your state. 

It’s wise to inquire with your state’s unemployment office and the HR department of your company before settling on anything regarding the recruitment of a new worker.

The best background check services have a complex encryption process to keep the individual’s history you’re examining from being seen on the web. There’s absolutely no chance of them realizing that you did a search on them. 

Your name, email address, and payment card data are all kept safe within your customer profile, just like any other confidential information. The best background check services will only give out your personal information in extraordinary circumstances, such as when you make a payment for your subscription or have to comply with a legal situation. 

Additionally, the best background check services make sure that your details will never be shared.

The most reliable best background check services offer a great deal of security, even allowing users the opportunity to remove their information if desired. 

With today’s advanced technology, accessing data isn’t a challenge, but it’s hard to know which reports are valid. Applications and sites that provide background checks can make it much easier to get a sense of security.

It’s almost impossible to keep certain secrets hidden when you conduct background checks. With these checks, you can safeguard yourself from any suspicious scenarios. You can even use a reverse phone lookup to thwart scammers.

Not only can you run checks on other people, but you can also check yourself on the background check services. As the internet is an extensive place, you may not be aware of what kind of information is out there. By examining yourself, you’ll get prepared for interviews and secure your profile.

Generally, BeenVerified captivated us the most, as it provides not only criminal history and sex offender searches but also searches of the surface web, dark web, deep web, and other records that weren’t included in the free WhitePages type searches. 

If you’re remotely concerned about a new companion, talkative colleague, family associate, or anyone who’s around your house, why not carry out a background check right now?