Background Check Services Reviews

Who's better?

SpyFly vs Info Tracer

We've analyzed the best Background Check Services to help you find the right solution for your needs.

2025 Background Check Service Reviews

Here you can see how SpyFly and Info Tracer match up head-to-head in a battle for the Best Background Check Services in 2025.

Winner

SpyFly

  • Monthly fee of $29.97 includes unlimited basic reports (people, property, phone)
  • Account includes proactive monitoring and email alerts for your own public data profile
  • Very fast searches

SpyFly is everything you could want in a background check service: the pricing is straightforward, the search interface is quick and accurate, and over 1,000 people have given this company a 5-star rating. Even more, SpyFly doesn't make you wade through screen after screen of progress bars or try to draw you in with what "might" be on your target's report. "A" rated by the Better Business Bureau, SpyFly has a reputation we can get behind, and we're pleased to give this background check platform our own perfect score.

Info Tracer

  • 7-day trial of unlimited access for $2.95
  • $24.95 per month for unlimited reports
  • 24/7 customer service

Reputation-wise, InfoTracer is a great option for background checks. You won't find hundreds of people rushing to the BBB to claim that this is a scam: you'll get what you pay for, and lots of users have praise for the helpful, available 24/7 customer service team at this company. However, when it came to the subject of our background check, InfoTracer fell flat on its face when almost every other service on our list correctly identified the individual (and some even found him under both known aliases). You could try InfoTracer for $2.95 and see if it delivers what you need during that one-week trial, but our results (or lack thereof) have resulted in a below-average rating from us.

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).

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:

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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Background Check Service FAQ

What is included in a background check?
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.
How much does it cost to run a background check?
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!
Why would I pay for a background check?
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.
How long does it take to get the results?
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.
Can I do a background check on myself?
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.
Are there any circumstances where I shouldn't run a background check?
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.
Are background checks accurate?
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.
Is there any kind of satisfaction guarantee?
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!

Compare Any 2 Products

SpyFly
Find Out The Truth
US Search
Intelius
Truthfinder
Info Tracer
Spokeo
Instant Checkmate
PeopleFinders
BeenVerified
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The Popularity of Background Checks

Daters are doing it. Neighbors are doing it. Even someone you know may be doing it.

So what is the "it" we're referring to here? Background checks.

With the top three online dating websites making background checks a requirement for using their service, the popularity of conducting such searches continues to grow. Even the government is considering tighter background checks for the purchase of firearms as part of a broader package on gun safety.

Not even social media is exempt from the long-reaching arm of the background check. While a person can make their social media accounts private, and be cautious of what they post about themselves, what they cannot control is what other people post about them. Embarrassing photos from last summer's pool party - where you were holding a beer in each hand as you belly-flopped into the pool - easily can surface on someone else's website or social media account. So even if you think you're being discreet, there is always the chance that someone else is not.

We already know that conducting background checks is becoming popular. But what kind of information frequently is sought out during a background check?

It's important to understand that sometimes background checks contain inaccurate and misleading information. This can be incredibly frustrating for someone who may be confused with another person of a similar name who has committed a crime. Just as ordering an annual credit report to check for errors is a good idea; it is advisable to occasionally conduct a background check on yourself for the same purposes.

Only the Best Reviews

CBS News on MSN

NYPD cannot fire officers who allegedly failed background checks for ...

More than two dozen New York City Police officers who allegedly failed background checks will stay on the job for now. A judge ruled Tuesday the NYPD cannot fire the officers for at least another two ...

Tue, 15 Jul 2025

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Yahoo

NYPD officers who allegedly failed background checks can keep jobs ...

More than two dozen NYPD officers who allegedly failed background checks will stay on the job for now. A judge ruled the department cannot fire the officers for at least another two months. CBS News ...

Tue, 15 Jul 2025

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Newsday

Judge allows NYPD cops facing termination over background questions ...

A judge upheld a temporary restraining order, keeping the officers on the job as the legal fight over their employment status grinds through the courts.

Tue, 15 Jul 2025

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Techno-Science.net

Quick Ways to do a Person’s Background Check Before Dating

Alternatively, background check services are quick, but they will require payment to use them. Social Media Websites It is very common for people to share a great deal of personal data on their ...

Wed, 23 Jun 2021

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Houston Chronicle

Problems With a Background Check - Chron.com

Problems With a Background Check. Businesses, small and large, use background checks as a precautionary measure when hiring employees. Running a background check produces information about the ...

Thu, 13 Aug 2020

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USA Today

How to do a free online background check

If you are performing a background check as a landlord or employer — or for credit, medical or insurance reasons — you can't use just any service. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, ...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013

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