We’ve vetted 16 background check companies based on over 100 data points and reviewed the extensiveness of their searches, pricing and customer reviews. We also personally tested many of the sites on this list to assess user experience and accuracy of the results. Using this research, we picked the top nine background search sites, which include Checkr, HireRight and First Advantage.
Why We Chose It
First Advantage is the best overall background check site because results are quick, and it offers international background checks along with several other types of background checks. The company manually reaches out to candidates if they need additional information, so you don’t have to contact them yourself.
Pros & Cons
Providing background checks in the vast majority of countries and territories, First Advantage offers services for small businesses and international organizations. It’s the best background check site because most results come back in less than 24 hours. It offers drug testing and can even order fingerprint-based background checks from the FBI.
Pre-employment screening requires a one-time setup fee, which is usually $175. Discounts are sometimes available. This fee is in addition to fees charged for background checks.
Background checks typically come back within minutes, but that timing can be significantly longer depending on the country or county. If you are interested in the company's services, you can click the get started button and provide your information. A representative will then contact you about plans, services offered, and pricing.
First Advantage was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It has locations in 19 countries.
Background Check Information
A First Advantage background check may include:
Why We Chose It
We chose Rentberry as the best value background check site because it offers both a credit report and background check for a low price paid by the tenant. Rentberry is free for landlords. The comprehensive report is available immediately online, helping ideal tenants move in quickly.
Pros & Cons
Rentberry background checks are only available in the U.S., but landlords can list properties worldwide. This is the best value background check site because it doesn’t cost a landlord anything to use, and they can list properties to rent at no cost, making it an attractive option whether the landlords are new or seasoned rental property owners.
Once a potential tenant locates a property and wants to apply to rent it, they fill out an online application and pay $39.99. This covers both the background check and the credit report, which is instantly available to the tenant and landlord.
After selecting a tenant, landlords can send an offer electronically and e-sign rental agreements. Tenants can even make online rental payments.
RentBerry was founded in 2015 and is based in San Francisco, California.1
Background Check Information
The credit report comes from TransUnion. It verifies the tenant’s identity, collections, credit score, public information, creditworthiness, rental history, and employment background. The background check looks at state and national databases, driving and civil records, and criminal history records.
Why We Chose It
While you’ll pay more to hire a good candidate, GoodHire offers one of the most comprehensive background checks we reviewed. It provides the standard criminal background check, but you can also purchase additional reports to include data such as credit history, education and employment verification, and healthcare sanctions.
Pros & Cons
GoodHire provides the most detailed reporting among all background check services—access comprehensive reports like federal, state, and global courts, plus add-on reports such as healthcare sanctions, professional license verification, and reference checks. It launched in 2013 and works exclusively with employers and candidates.2
The available plan packages are Basic, Essential, and Professional. Background checks have different fees depending on the package: $29.99 for Basic, $54.99 for Essential, or $79.99 for Professional.
GoodHire's headquarters are in San Francisco, California.
Background Check Information
Social Security number trace and identity verification are instantaneous, while criminal record searches take one to three business days. Civil record background searches may take longer, depending on the county and case. GoodHire offers several add-ons. It lists its most popular as:
Why We Chose It
Aside from its rave reviews from both candidates and employers, Checkr is the best background check company for employers because it’s easy to use. Invite up to 25 candidates in a single go, and access simple reports to make hiring decisions quickly.
Pros & Cons
Checkr launched in 2014 and has headquarters in both Denver and San Francisco. It’s the best background check site for employers because you can bulk-invite candidates and simplify court jargon all in one easy-to-use interface. With over 1,300 employees in 2022, Checkr works solely to provide background checks to employers. It also has some of the best reviews across all of the background check sites we examined.
84% of Checkr’s background checks come back within 15 minutes, allowing employers can make hiring decisions quickly.
Several plans are available:
Background checks include the following reports:
Why We Chose It
In 2018, Apartments.com owner, CoStar Group, purchased Cozy, and by mid-2021, all eligible accounts were moved over to the Apartments.com platform.34 We picked Apartments.com as the best background check site for landlords because the background check cost is included in the renter's application fee, and tenants can make online rent payments that are directly deposited into their landlord's account.
Pros & Cons
Apartments.com is one of the easiest background check sites for landlords because it's all done online and at no cost to the landlord. Potential tenants pay an application fee of $29 that includes the cost of their credit report and background check. They can also share their screening reports with up to 10 potential landlords for 30 days without incurring additional fees.5
Apartments.com uses TransUnion for the credit report and background check, providing a ResidentScore that considers a potential tenant's payment history, eviction record, and comprehensive credit history (including credit card information). The credit report is a soft pull, so it won't impact a potential tenant's score.
The background check report includes address history, any evictions, and a criminal report compiled with data available to the general public by searching public records, national databases, and county court records.
Once landlords have selected a tenant, they can create an online lease agreement that the tenant can also sign online. Tenants can then set up automatic rent payments that are deposited directly into the landlord's bank account.
Apartments.com was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.6 CoStar Group is based in Washington, D.C.; it was founded in 1987.
Background Check Information
An Apartments.com background check includes:
Why We Chose It
If you’re looking for instant background check results, Intelius provides its report in mere minutes. Compared to other background check sites we reviewed, this is by far the fastest available.
Pros & Cons
While you can’t use it for tenancy, insurance, employment, or credit because it doesn't provide FCRA-compliant background checks, Intelius can give you instant insight into someone’s criminal background. Some people use this to look into potential business partners or even a love interest. It’s the best source for a online background checks if you want instant results—your report is available immediately.
You don’t need a Social Security number to access the report, but you’ll need the person’s name, city, and state. For a more accurate report, Intelius will ask questions to help further narrow down results, such as, “Is this person over 30?” and, “Has this person ever lived in Madison, Wisconsin?” You may have a hard time finding the right person if you don’t know much about them or if they have a common name.
Subscription packages start at $24.86 per month for unlimited reports, and you cannot purchase a standalone background check. If you don’t want to continue the trial or subscription, you can cancel online or by calling 888-245-1655.
Intelius was founded in 2003 and is based in Seattle, Washington.
Background Check Information
An Intelius background check includes:
Most background check results come in days, but the most comprehensive reports can take weeks, particularly with international records. You’ll also pay more for these background checks, but it can save money in the long run.
Overalll, we recommend First Advantage for your background check needs because it’s fast, hands-off, and offers international checks. But our other top picks are good options if you're looking for a great value, detailed reports, tenant background checks, or other features.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: First Advantage
- Best Value: Rentberry
- Best for Detailed Reporting: GoodHire
- Best for Employers: Checkr
- Best for Landlords: Apartments.com
- Best for Instant Results: Intelius
Best Overall First Advantage
Why We Chose It
First Advantage is the best overall background check site because results are quick, and it offers international background checks along with several other types of background checks. The company manually reaches out to candidates if they need additional information, so you don’t have to contact them yourself.
Pros & Cons
- ProsMost results clear in less than 24 hours
- Offers international background checks
- 10% reduction in employee turnover reported
- ConsComplaints of sloppy or inaccurate work
- Common names and aliases delay results
- Employment gaps must be listed
Providing background checks in the vast majority of countries and territories, First Advantage offers services for small businesses and international organizations. It’s the best background check site because most results come back in less than 24 hours. It offers drug testing and can even order fingerprint-based background checks from the FBI.
Pre-employment screening requires a one-time setup fee, which is usually $175. Discounts are sometimes available. This fee is in addition to fees charged for background checks.
Background checks typically come back within minutes, but that timing can be significantly longer depending on the country or county. If you are interested in the company's services, you can click the get started button and provide your information. A representative will then contact you about plans, services offered, and pricing.
First Advantage was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It has locations in 19 countries.
Background Check Information
A First Advantage background check may include:
- Driving records
- Criminal records
- Resume information
- Social media account screening
- Negative media searches
- Licensing and credentials
- Employment history
- Education history
- Immigrant status
- Tenant screening
Best Value Rentberry
Why We Chose It
We chose Rentberry as the best value background check site because it offers both a credit report and background check for a low price paid by the tenant. Rentberry is free for landlords. The comprehensive report is available immediately online, helping ideal tenants move in quickly.
Pros & Cons
- ProsFree background checks for landlords
- Instant access to results
- 100% online—no paperwork necessary
- ConsEvictions not listed if tenant moved before the court date
- Prospective tenants still pay for the report if they’re not chosen
- Collections aren’t detailed
Rentberry background checks are only available in the U.S., but landlords can list properties worldwide. This is the best value background check site because it doesn’t cost a landlord anything to use, and they can list properties to rent at no cost, making it an attractive option whether the landlords are new or seasoned rental property owners.
Once a potential tenant locates a property and wants to apply to rent it, they fill out an online application and pay $39.99. This covers both the background check and the credit report, which is instantly available to the tenant and landlord.
After selecting a tenant, landlords can send an offer electronically and e-sign rental agreements. Tenants can even make online rental payments.
RentBerry was founded in 2015 and is based in San Francisco, California.1
Background Check Information
The credit report comes from TransUnion. It verifies the tenant’s identity, collections, credit score, public information, creditworthiness, rental history, and employment background. The background check looks at state and national databases, driving and civil records, and criminal history records.
- TransUnion credit report
- Credit score
- Collections and delinquencies
- Car loans
- Revolving and installment accounts
- Current and previous addresses
- Employment history
- Rental history, property records, foreclosures
- Criminal history
- Driving and civil records
Best for Detailed Reporting GoodHire
Why We Chose It
While you’ll pay more to hire a good candidate, GoodHire offers one of the most comprehensive background checks we reviewed. It provides the standard criminal background check, but you can also purchase additional reports to include data such as credit history, education and employment verification, and healthcare sanctions.
Pros & Cons
- ProsIdentity verification is instant
- Monthly monitoring available
- Option to purchase healthcare sanction reports
- ConsSome states and counties charge additional fees
- More comprehensive reports cost more
- Add-ons available only with package
GoodHire provides the most detailed reporting among all background check services—access comprehensive reports like federal, state, and global courts, plus add-on reports such as healthcare sanctions, professional license verification, and reference checks. It launched in 2013 and works exclusively with employers and candidates.2
The available plan packages are Basic, Essential, and Professional. Background checks have different fees depending on the package: $29.99 for Basic, $54.99 for Essential, or $79.99 for Professional.
GoodHire's headquarters are in San Francisco, California.
Background Check Information
Social Security number trace and identity verification are instantaneous, while criminal record searches take one to three business days. Civil record background searches may take longer, depending on the county and case. GoodHire offers several add-ons. It lists its most popular as:
- Education verification
- Current employment verification
- Previous employment verification
- Motor vehicle records search
- International criminal records search
Best for Employers Checkr
Why We Chose It
Aside from its rave reviews from both candidates and employers, Checkr is the best background check company for employers because it’s easy to use. Invite up to 25 candidates in a single go, and access simple reports to make hiring decisions quickly.
Pros & Cons
- ProsMass-invite candidates by email
- Easy-to-navigate user interface (UI)
- Limits inconsistencies in court record terminology
- ConsSome background checks can take weeks
- Aliases and common names delay results
- Fees can vary depending on the county
Checkr launched in 2014 and has headquarters in both Denver and San Francisco. It’s the best background check site for employers because you can bulk-invite candidates and simplify court jargon all in one easy-to-use interface. With over 1,300 employees in 2022, Checkr works solely to provide background checks to employers. It also has some of the best reviews across all of the background check sites we examined.
84% of Checkr’s background checks come back within 15 minutes, allowing employers can make hiring decisions quickly.
Several plans are available:
- Basic +: $29.99/check; includes SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, and national criminal records
- Essential: $54.99/check; includes unlimited county criminal search
- Professional: $79.99/check; includes education verification and employment verification
Background checks include the following reports:
- Criminal Records (which may reveal sex offender registry status)
- Education Verification
- Employment Verification
- Civil Search
- Drug and Health
- Motor Vehicle Reports
- And more
Best for Landlords Apartments.com
Why We Chose It
In 2018, Apartments.com owner, CoStar Group, purchased Cozy, and by mid-2021, all eligible accounts were moved over to the Apartments.com platform.34 We picked Apartments.com as the best background check site for landlords because the background check cost is included in the renter's application fee, and tenants can make online rent payments that are directly deposited into their landlord's account.
Pros & Cons
- ProsFree for landlords—tenants pay for background checks
- 26 million people visit site each month
- ConsPoor user reviews on some sites
- Commercial properties cannot be managed on Apartments.com
Apartments.com is one of the easiest background check sites for landlords because it's all done online and at no cost to the landlord. Potential tenants pay an application fee of $29 that includes the cost of their credit report and background check. They can also share their screening reports with up to 10 potential landlords for 30 days without incurring additional fees.5
Apartments.com uses TransUnion for the credit report and background check, providing a ResidentScore that considers a potential tenant's payment history, eviction record, and comprehensive credit history (including credit card information). The credit report is a soft pull, so it won't impact a potential tenant's score.
The background check report includes address history, any evictions, and a criminal report compiled with data available to the general public by searching public records, national databases, and county court records.
Once landlords have selected a tenant, they can create an online lease agreement that the tenant can also sign online. Tenants can then set up automatic rent payments that are deposited directly into the landlord's bank account.
Apartments.com was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.6 CoStar Group is based in Washington, D.C.; it was founded in 1987.
Background Check Information
An Apartments.com background check includes:
- Personal information
- Credit report information
- Total reported debt and payment history
- Residential history
- Eviction information
- Criminal report
- Employment history
Best for Instant Results Intelius
Why We Chose It
If you’re looking for instant background check results, Intelius provides its report in mere minutes. Compared to other background check sites we reviewed, this is by far the fastest available.
Pros & Cons
- ProsReceive instant access to the background check report
- Report includes education history
- Multiple packages available depending on the records you need
- ConsResults may not be as accurate
- Report purchase automatically enrolls you in a monthly subscription
- Is not FCRA-compliant
While you can’t use it for tenancy, insurance, employment, or credit because it doesn't provide FCRA-compliant background checks, Intelius can give you instant insight into someone’s criminal background. Some people use this to look into potential business partners or even a love interest. It’s the best source for a online background checks if you want instant results—your report is available immediately.
You don’t need a Social Security number to access the report, but you’ll need the person’s name, city, and state. For a more accurate report, Intelius will ask questions to help further narrow down results, such as, “Is this person over 30?” and, “Has this person ever lived in Madison, Wisconsin?” You may have a hard time finding the right person if you don’t know much about them or if they have a common name.
Subscription packages start at $24.86 per month for unlimited reports, and you cannot purchase a standalone background check. If you don’t want to continue the trial or subscription, you can cancel online or by calling 888-245-1655.
Intelius was founded in 2003 and is based in Seattle, Washington.
Background Check Information
An Intelius background check includes:
- State and local criminal records
- Date of birth
- Education history
- Employment history
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Relatives
- Marriage/divorce records
- Arrest records
- Court records
- Social media profiles
- Email addresses
The Bottom Line
Background check sites help you find the best candidates and tenants by identifying high-risk criminal records and credit history. They can also verify personal information, past employment, education, and personal and professional references.Most background check results come in days, but the most comprehensive reports can take weeks, particularly with international records. You’ll also pay more for these background checks, but it can save money in the long run.
Overalll, we recommend First Advantage for your background check needs because it’s fast, hands-off, and offers international checks. But our other top picks are good options if you're looking for a great value, detailed reports, tenant background checks, or other features.
Compare Background Check Sites
