(Ad) Are you looking to reconnect with an old friend, or perhaps you want to know the whereabouts of an estranged family member?
If so, then this list of the best background check services is for you.
A good background check site can help you dig up tons of information about a person of interest, from an online date’s marital history to a roommate’s criminal records.
But with so many background check services around, finding one that suits your unique needs can prove daunting.
Fortunately, that’s where we come in.
Not all background check services are equal, though. For this article, we’ve spent over 30 hours researching every type of background check service and sorted them according to what they’re best at.
Ready? Then let’s dive right in.
Best Background Check Services:
- Truthfinder: Most thorough criminal record report
- Intelius: Best for reverse phone look-ups
- Instant Checkmate: Great for finding social media, dating profiles, and photos
- GoodHire: For businesses looking to hire employees
1. Truthfinder: Best Background Check Service Overall
Truthfinder is one of the most detailed background check services we tested. It provides quality and accurate data through its easy-to-use interface.
The website features thorough explanations on how to use the background reports as well. We tested this service using real people, and it returned correct, updated information accordingly, including phone numbers and email addresses.
This company goes beyond your standard public record inquiries and presents the findings in a digestible form. This includes location history, education, social media profiles, assets, and associates.
You’ll also find features like free dark web monitoring, which scans the depths of the internet to see if any cybercriminals are taking advantage of you and your data.
Pros
- Wide variety of filters and search parameters
- Quick results
- Full disclosure instructions around using the obtained information
- Free dark web monitoring service for subscribed users
Cons
- Subscriptions are on the expensive side
- No trial period available
2. Intelius – Best for Reverse Phone Lookups
Intelius provides similar services to Truthfinder, including reverse phone and address look-ups. People noted success with locating lost friends and family members, and potential employers were able to obtain detailed education backgrounds of future employees.
When we tested Intelius, we also found information on people’s property and some limited financial data too.
Intelius works best for first-time users who need background checks on just one person, as the business offers a single report payment plan. This is in contrast to many other services, which require you to pay a (sometimes hefty) monthly fee. It’s completely confidential, too, so you don’t have to worry about your search query becoming public.
Pros
- Single report subscriptions available
- Budget-friendly monthly plan option
- Identity theft protection comes with membership
Cons
- Customer service might be slow
- Some users report inaccurate results
3. Instant Checkmate – Great Mobile App Background Check
Instant Checkmate is an easy-to-use service suitable for anyone looking for data like police records, social media profiles, photos, or someone’s contact information.
Despite its name, Instant Checkmate is annoyingly slow. During the search functions, it has multiple unnecessary warnings that cause a delay. Other than that, the interface is simple to manage, even for first-time users.
Pros
- Extensive results from a single search
- Mobile app available
- Multiple search methods
- Good value for money
Cons
- Report loading can be slow
- Inconsistent phone data
- No individual report option
4. GoodHire – Top Service for Small to Medium Businesses
GoodHire prides itself in maintaining top FCRA (Federal Credit Reporting Act) compliance, indicating it’s a reliable business with a reputation for quality. Anyone can take advantage of the services, but it’s tailored for small to medium businesses, e.g., healthcare and construction companies and nonprofit organizations.
When we tested the site, we found it simple to use with an organized online portal. There’s a
one-time set-up fee and multiple package options depending on your company’s screening needs.
All records are conveniently stored online for future reference.
Pros
- Mobile-friendly website
- Top option for hiring purposes in various fields
Cons
- No single check option available
5. InfoTracer – Background Check Service for Facial Recognition
InfoTracer is a highly versatile background software service that provides a one-stop-shop for public records. It has an organized reporting structure that’s easy to navigate.
This allows quick, hassle-free data searches. Special options include political contributions, assets, and dark web scans. One standout feature is the facial recognition search, where you can identify someone using a photograph.
Other information available includes reverse phone and address look-up, birth and death records, arrests, and warrants. For a simple search, the site is completely free; otherwise, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version.
We found InfoTracer to be responsive on both the mobile and desktop apps, and these performed better than the web version.
Pros
- Up-to-date database
- Great value for money
- Highly secure
- Special features
Cons
- Some users report receiving incomplete reports
- No social media option available
6. Spokeo – Designed for Reverse Email Lookups
Spokeo is one of the most popular background check companies in the US—mostly with people searching for friends and family.
This site is loaded with plenty of features for completing standard background searches, including a social media search, criminal records, dark web monitoring, and reverse look-ups.
We tried to dig up information about an old friend who severed connections with everyone in our circle. Happily, our search attempt on Spokeo returned positive results, which led us to the person’s updated contact details.
Some Spokeo users complain their searches came up dry or inaccurate, though.
Pros
- Basic services are free of charge
- Popular for finding lost connections
- The site is up to date
Cons
- Unlimited search plans unavailable
- Some received sparse reports lacking credible information
7. US Search – Affordable Background Check
US Search is the best background check service for people on a budget. Despite its drab web layout, this site provides accurate background reports and useful search tools at affordable prices.
For our research, we purchased reports for three people, and the data was correct and reliable. It contained important details such as criminal history, assets data, and addresses that were up to date. However, this service was unable to find the subjects’ marriages and email addresses.
The company offers a wide range of subscription services that give members access to unlimited background reports and extended data searches. It also has a basic one-off “People Search” report that provides age, address, and publicly listed numbers.
Pros
- Accurate and reliable
- Affordable reporting
- Trial membership available
Cons
- No marriage data available
- Boring website design
8. PeopleFinders – Background Check for Professionals
PeopleFinders provides some of the best standalone search options, allowing you to run that one-off background check on a person without needing a membership plan. There’s a three-day trial for less than $1, but results are limited—no criminal records, for example.
Users report impressive customer service with PeopleFinders. According to the company, their strong point is what they have to offer for professionals, with special enterprise data packages available.
Unfortunately, this site doesn’t provide social media profiles, and the service options are available only for those within the United States.
Pros
- Cheap three-day trial
- Tailored plans for businesses
- No membership required
Cons
- Hefty cancellation fee
- Not available outside the US
- Lacks social media data
9. BeenVerified – Top Background Check for Specialized Data
An easy-to-use service, BeenVerified provides unlimited background checks for their paid members. It also has a special court runner service that crawls through records that aren’t yet digitized.
During our tests, BeenVerified returned a report with closely connected people such as neighbors, family members, and friends. You can also find criminal and court records, vehicle records, and a caller identification feature, among other options.
On the website, you’ll find extensive details regarding the legal use of the information you obtain.
Pros
- Apps available for Android and iOS
- Special court runner service
- Membership comes with unlimited use
- Transparency around legality
Cons
- Membership is mandatory; no one-off checks
10. Universal Background Screening – Top Check for Drug Testing
Universal Background Screening is a leading background check service that you can also use to run health and drug tests for potential employees. The site has an intuitive e-consent tool that allows candidates to grant permission for the check electronically.
This solution covers everything from credit reports to county court records, verification of past employment, professional licenses, and more.
All fees are transparently listed on the company’s website, and employers can conduct a minimum of one screening, which means you’re not automatically stuck with a high monthly charge. The site is accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS).
Pros
- Drug and health screenings available
- High reputation and accredited
- Customizable search templates.
Cons
- Not geared towards personal searches
11. Peopletrail – Most Reputable People Finder Service
Peopletrail is a preferred employee screening solution that’s suitable for enterprises of all sizes. According to users, it offers a fast screening process and accurate results.
The company uses employees versus an automatic system to verify data is as reliable as possible. Options include criminal and credit checks and education background.
Users praise the customer service team for professionalism, efficiency, and friendliness.
Pros
- FCRA compliant and NAPBS accredited
- Highly accurate
- Great customer service
Cons
12. EBI Inc – Designed for International Searches
Employment Background Investigations (EBI) provides screening options for employers with extensive search options. Some features include basic identity recognition, criminal records, tax and health information, as well as drug screening.
This company isn’t US-centric, unlike many other services on our list, making it suitable for businesses that hire on a global scale. It’s helpful for bigger companies for this reason.
There are vague customer complaints online stating dissatisfaction with the service, but specific details aren’t provided.
Pros
- Global search options
- Accredited with NAPBS
- Compatible with multiple HR management systems
Cons
- Not ideal for individuals or smaller businesses
13. Sterling – Runner-up for Small Business Services
Sterling is a global leader in employee background checks that helps employers eliminate guesswork from the hiring process. Businesses can access credit reports, SSN traces, criminal records, civil court records, and other pertinent hiring data.
Like EBI, one benefit of Sterling is that the platform offers seamless integration with popular HR third-party systems. It adds to an efficient and organized hiring process.
Packages differ in pricing, according to the needed search and service depth.
Pros
- Tailored for small businesses
- Global recognition
- HR software-friendly
Cons
Best Background Check Service: FAQs
What Does a Simple Background Check Include?
A simple background check includes:
- Credit history
- License and motor vehicle checks
- Employment history
- Education
- Basic contact information
- Criminal record
What Looks Bad on a Background Check?
The following data on a background check may make an individual look bad: incarceration, drug charges, long stretches of unemployment, poor credit history, experience or education inconsistencies, multiple short-term jobs.
What Are the Best Background Check Services?
The best background check services will provide you with exactly what you need, either as an individual or a business. Personal options include locating a missing person in your life or trying to dig up someone’s past, for example.
For a business, it’s beneficial to opt for a background check service that coincides with your human resource software. This helps you maintain a database more easily and efficiently.
Best Background Check Services in Conclusion
If you or your enterprise need to run a background check on an individual, the best background check services make it a simple task. These services provide you with a surefire way to obtain the required information before hiring someone.
A transparent service business like Truthfinder provides quality, accurate data, which is why it comes in at the top spot on our list. The website is easy to navigate and allows you to access someone’s social media profiles, assets, location history, and more.
Truthfinder also provides you with free dark web monitoring and disclosure information necessary for using the collected data legally.
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