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Intelius vs BeenVerified

Friday, March 21st

2025 Background Check Service Reviews

Intelius Review 3 Star Rating

Intelius

3 Star Rating
  • $25.11 per month for unlimited monthly reports
  • $42.69 for 2 months of unlimited monthly reports
  • 5-day trial for $1.99
  • Single report for $29.95
  • "A+” rated and accredited by the BBB

As one of four services offered under the PeopleConnect umbrella, Intelius is one of the better of that bunch. Initial search results are more accurate than two of its sister platforms, and customer service seems to be more responsive. You'll still have to wade through an unreasonably long process to get to your reports, and many users say you should expect disappointment in the results once you've paid for them. However, an "A+” rating and accreditation from the BBB is enough to keep Intelius off the bottom of the barrel.

BeenVerified Review 1 Star Rating

BeenVerified

1 Star Rating
  • $36.89 for a 1-month membership
  • $71.94 for a 3-month membership
  • Get up to 100 reports per month on either membership
  • $1 for a 7-day trial membership
  • Satisfaction guaranteed
  • Customer support available by phone 7 days a week
  • In business since 2007

BeenVerified has been providing background checks for almost 20 years from its headquarters in NYC. In theory, you'll have access to the standard panorama of information here: addresses, criminal records, reverse phone searches, property records, and so on. However, BeenVerified requires you to pay for a week-long trial or a monthly plan before showing you anything they might have about the person you're searching for. Those costs have gone up recently, and many people have complained to the BBB about being roped into a long-term subscription while getting lackluster (or inaccurate) information in the reports. BeenVerified remains at the bottom of our list for 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).

The Best Background Check Services Compare Background Check Services Compare Background Check Service Reviews What are the best Background Check Services Best Background Check Service Reviews

Background Check Service FAQ

The information provided by a background check is determined by the service you select. Common details include traffic offenses and arrest records, known addresses and phone numbers, property ownership and court cases. Some of the more thorough services even attempt to track social media profiles and look for the individual's presence on the Dark Web.
That also depends on which provider you use to run the check. Most services make it more affordable to pay for a month of access than to run a one-off report. For example, one service charges $29.95 for a single background check, but $29.89 for a month of unlimited reports! You can take advantage of the longer subscription terms to research to your heart's content!
There are lots of reasons you might want to do a background check. Maybe you're in charge of a membership list that has outdated information and you need to track down the new contact details for a few people. Or you might be curious about your new neighbors and want to get some insights before you reach out (though, honestly, that might be a little creepy!). Background checks can also give you some peace of mind if you're into the online dating thing, to make sure that seemingly nice man or woman really is who they say they are before you meet in person.
Usually just a few minutes. You'll enter the information you have, like name and any known addresses, and then you might be asked to provide other details or confirm preliminary results as a match.
Absolutely! It's a great way to determine what someone else might find if they check YOU out! It can also give you a heads-up if you're going to have a background check done for some official purpose, like applying to be a foster parent or for a job that requires one. If you find something in your results that's inaccurate, it gives you time to get it fixed or to prepare an explanation for your agency or prospective employer.
Yes. You may not use consumer background check services to gather information to make decisions about tenant screening, insurance, employment or consumer credit. These all require FCRA-compliant platforms, which typically involve the consent of the person being screened. If you need a background check for any of these purposes, be sure to choose a service specifically designed to be legal and compliant.
This varies widely by service. Some providers really go to great lengths to return accurate results, while others seem to just scour the internet and dump every remotely-possible match they find. It's a good idea to read reviews and check out a background check provider's reputation before paying to run reports.
Most of the time, there isn't. However, many background check services give you a free trial, ranging from a day or two to a full week. Who knows, you might even be able to get the information you were looking for in that timespan and not need to continue on as a paid subscriber!
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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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