Tuesday, March 25th
2025 Background Check Service Reviews
Instant Checkmate
- $29.95 for a single background report
- $35.47 for 1 month of unlimited reports
- $85.13 for 3 months of unlimited reports
- $1 for a 5-day trial offer
- Search by name, reverse phone, criminal records or inmate name
Instant Checkmate is in the same family of sites as US Search, Intelius, and TruthFinder, but winds up lower on our list. Why? Despite offering an enticing 5-day trial for just $1, this particular platform has earned more than 1,000 one-star reviews, and people say that it's almost impossible to cancel before the trial ends. The reports aren't thorough enough, and the process of even running the initial search can take up to 20 minutes. We've dropped Instant Checkmate even further in our ratings.
PeopleFinders
- $1 for a 3-day trial, then $29.95/month after
- $19.95 for the first month, then $29.95/month after
- $38.85 for a 3-month membership
- Good previews of preliminary information
- In business since 1999
PeopleFinders used to be one of our favorite background check services. There's no arguing that they've been around a long time (since 1999) and they give you a good preview of each person that might be a match to the one you're researching, including known aliases, relatives, age, and location. But, not only did PeopleFinders fail to identify our test case individual, but it also has a really bad reputation (including an "F” from the Better Business Bureau) for shady billing tactics. We strongly recommend looking at the more reliable background check platforms in our evaluation and skipping PeopleFinders.
More Background Check Service Reviews
The 10 Best Background Check Services
Where Can You Get the Best Background Checks ?
In today's digital age, having access to reliable background checks can be incredibly valuable. Whether you're curious about a new neighbor, considering a potential romantic partner, or verifying the credentials of a childcare provider, a background check can provide peace of mind. But first, let's get on the same page about what background checks are.
Background checks are comprehensive reports that compile various public records and data about an individual. These checks can include information such as identity verification (names, aliases, relatives), contact information (current and previous), social media profiles and activity, criminal records, court records, employment history (past and current), and education verification (degrees earned and schools attended).
Background Check Service FAQ
Continued from above...
Accessing these reports has never been easier. There are many services that pull from a wide range of databases, including criminal records, court documents, and public records. The more sources they check, the more accurate and thorough the report will be, and it goes much further than what you'll get with a basic Google search.
But, these searches don't come for free. The cost of running a background check can vary widely depending on the depth of the information and the service provider. Basic checks that include identity verification and contact information can be relatively inexpensive, often ranging from $10 to $30. More comprehensive checks that include criminal records, court documents, and employment history can cost between $50 and $100. Fortunately, many services offer subscription plans, allowing you to run multiple checks per month for one monthly fee (usually under $30).
While background checks can be incredibly useful, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. First, take results with a grain of salt. Public records can contain errors, and common names can lead to incorrect matches. Always verify critical information through multiple sources if possible. There are also legal limitations to be aware of: the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts the use of background checks for employment, tenant screening, insurance underwriting, and other purposes without explicit permission. Be sure that you are using background checks legally and ethically.
With all of that in mind, are you ready to start digging? Here are some helpful criteria you can use to choose a background check service:
- Comprehensive data sources. Make sure that the service pulls from a wide range of databases, including criminal records, court documents, and public records. The more sources they check, the more accurate and thorough the report will be.
- Accuracy and reliability. Look for reviews and ratings to gauge the accuracy and reliability of the provider. Some services are known for more accurate data, while others may have outdated or incomplete information.
- User-friendly interface. The background check service should have an easy-to-navigate website or app that allows you to quickly input information and receive reports.
- Cost and value. Some background check platforms may advertise low initial costs but have hidden fees for accessing full reports or premium features. Read the fine print and understand the total cost before committing.
To help you get the right background check service and avoid any potential pitfalls, the super-sleuths at Top Consumer Reviews have tested out some of today's most well-known providers. Investing in a good background check platform can be a worthwhile expense to give you that added peace of mind in your personal and professional life. Now get out there and see what you can find out!
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