Best background check sites

In this blog, we showcase the 5 best background check sites for recruiters, whilst highlighting why they are important and advice on how to choose one.

What is a Background Check Site?

A background check site is a platform that provides employers and recruiters with additional information about candidates’ or employees’ backgrounds. They give a fuller picture of an individual to help them assess their suitability for a position.

  • Criminal records
  • Employment history
  • Education verification
  • Credit reports
  • Sex offender registry
  • Drug screenings
  • Driving history
  • and More…

Why Are Background Checks Important?

Well, conducting a background check is important for a couple of reasons. When hiring, you might conduct background checks on potential employees to ensure they are qualified and trustworthy. According to Veremark, the four reasons to why a background check is important are:

  • Improve workforce quality
  • Protecting an organization’s reputation
  • Prevent/reduce criminal activity
  • Law/regulation requirements

Choosing a Background Check Site

When selecting a background check site, it is important to consider the following factors:

  • Scope of information: Ensure the site offers the types of information you need, such as criminal records, employment history, and education verification.
  • Accuracy and reliability: Look for a site with a proven track record.
  • Ease of use: Choose a site that is user-friendly.
  • Turnaround time: Consider how quickly you need results and select a site that can deliver in that window.
  • Cost: Compare pricing options and choose a site that fits within your budget.

A good place to start when looking at different options is reading reviews of people who have used the site’s services. If there are any obvious red flags then steer clear.

Best Background Check Sites for Recruiters

To make your life easier, I have compiled a list of the top 5 best background check sites:

1. Checkr

Checkr is a background check platform that helps businesses hire more efficiently and fairly. It provides a cloud-based solution for managing employee and job applicant background checks, streamlining workflows, and adding new users.

Where Checkr’s uses AI and smart technology, it makes background checks easy. It’s fast, accurate, and follows all the rules. Whether you need to check someone’s medical history, ID, or education, Checkr is a great option.

Key features:

  • AI-powered background checks: Checkr uses artificial intelligence to interpret and analyze background check data, providing faster and more accurate results.
  • Fair chance hiring: The platform helps businesses comply with fair chance hiring laws and avoid discrimination based on criminal records.
  • Data privacy and security: Checkr prioritizes data privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly

Suitable for: All business sizes

Ratings:

Free trial: Available

Pricing: Starting from $29.99/check

Also read: 5 Best Freelance Recruiting Platforms in 2024

2. GoodHire

GoodHire is another popular background check platform that offers similar services to Checkr. It provides a cloud-based solution for businesses to manage employee and job applicant background checks, streamlining workflows and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

GoodHire is recognized for fast, accurate results and excellent customer service. With over 100,000 employers using GoodHire with their background checks, you’re in safe hands.

Key features:

  • Comprehensive background checks: GoodHire offers a wide range of background checks, including criminal records, employment verification, education verification, and drug testing.
  • Quick turnaround times: The platform is known for its fast turnaround times, helping businesses make hiring decisions efficiently.
  • Integration with applicant tracking systems (ATS): GoodHire integrates seamlessly with popular ATS platforms, streamlining the hiring process.
  • Data security: The platform prioritizes data security and compliance with industry standards.

Suitable for: All business sizes

Ratings:

Free trial: Not available.

Pricing: Starting from $29.99/check

Also, check: Best Free Applicant Tracking Systems

3. Xref

Xref is another background check platform that provides businesses with a comprehensive solution for managing employee and job applicant background checks. It offers a variety of features to streamline the hiring process and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Key features:

  • Global reach: Xref operates in multiple countries, making it suitable for businesses with a global presence.
  • AI-powered verification: The platform uses artificial intelligence to automate and speed up the verification process.
  • Customizable reports: Xref allows businesses to customize background check reports to meet their specific needs.
  • Integration with HR systems: The platform integrates with popular HR systems, streamlining the hiring process.
  • Data privacy and security: Xref prioritizes data privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly.

Suitable for: All business sizes

Ratings:

Free trial: Not available.

Pricing: Starting from $70/month based on an organisation size of 1–75 employees.

Also read: Best Recruitment ATS Systems for Small Recruitment Companies

4. HireRight

HireRight is a leading global background check provider that offers a comprehensive suite of services to help businesses make informed hiring decisions. They provide a variety of background checks, including criminal records, employment verification, education verification, and drug testing.

Key features:

  • Global reach: HireRight operates in over 200 countries and territories, making it suitable for businesses with a global presence.
  • Customizable background checks: Businesses can customize background checks to meet their specific needs and compliance requirements.
  • AI-powered verification: HireRight uses artificial intelligence to automate and speed up the verification process.
  • Integration with HR systems: The platform integrates seamlessly with popular HR systems, streamlining the hiring process.
  • Data privacy and security: HireRight prioritizes data privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly.

Suitable for: All business sizes

Ratings:

Free trial: Not available.

Pricing: Starting from $36/check

5. ClearStar

ClearStar is another background check platform that offers a comprehensive suite of services to help businesses make informed hiring decisions. They provide a variety of background checks, including criminal records, employment verification, education verification, and drug testing.

Key features of ClearStar include:

  • Global reach: ClearStar operates in over 200 countries and territories, making it suitable for businesses with a global presence.
  • Customizable background checks: Businesses can customize background checks to meet their specific needs and compliance requirements.
  • AI-powered verification: ClearStar uses artificial intelligence to automate and speed up the verification process.
  • Integration with HR systems: The platform integrates seamlessly with popular HR systems, streamlining the hiring process.
  • Data privacy and security: ClearStar prioritizes data privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information is handled responsibly.

Suitable for: All business sizes

Ratings:

Free trial: Not available.

Pricing: Available on request.

Summary

From reading this blog, you will now be aware of the 5 best background check sites for recruiters. When selecting a background check site, consider your specific needs, budget, and the size of your business. Here is an overview of the 5 we showcased in this blog:

  • Checkr: Known for its AI-powered background checks and commitment to fair chance hiring. 
  • GoodHire: Offers quick turnaround times and seamless integration with applicant tracking systems. 
  • Xref: Provides global reach and AI-powered verification. 
  • HireRight: Offers a comprehensive suite of services with a global presence. 
  • ClearStar: Provides customizable background checks and AI-powered verification.