Confident hiring for growing small businesses
Run background checks in minutes with an easy-to-use platform built for small businesses. No complexity, no delays—just confident hiring.
- Get accurate results quickly and hire faster without the unnecessary back-and-forth.
- Run checks, track progress, and manage everything in Checkr’s AI-powered platform.
- Streamline your hiring process by integrating with 200+ ATS and HRIS tools—or use Checkr on its own with minimal setup.
JOIN 140K+ TEAMS WHO RELY ON CHECKR
Background checks that don’t slow you down
Run background checks without adding extra work. Checkr helps you move faster, reduce manual tasks, and keep candidates engaged.
Easy-to-use from day one
Make it simple for your team to run checks, track status, and keep hiring moving—no training required.
Pay only for what you need
Run pay-as-you-go screenings with no contracts or minimums, so your costs scale with your hiring needs—from a few checks a month to busy spikes.
Built-in guidance for every hire
Get recommended screenings tailored to each role to reduce risk without deep expertise.
How it works
See how easy it is to get started
Run background checks in minutes — no contracts or expertise required.
How Park Cities Pet Sitter sped up hiring while vetting every candidate with Checkr
Dallas-area small business Park Cities Pet Sitter needed faster, more reliable background checks so they wouldn’t lose great candidates to delays. With Checkr, they cut turnaround times, ensured everyone entering customers’ homes is properly vetted, and gave candidates a smoother experience.
Ready to hire faster? Start with the right process.
Background checks work best when they're part of a clear, repeatable hiring workflow. This free guide gives small teams a practical framework to move quickly and make decisions they can stand behind.
Recommended products for growing small businesses
Built-in integrations with the platforms you already use
With 200+ integrations across the industry's top ATS, HRIS, and payroll platforms, Checkr simplifies the hiring process, making it easy to initiate, track, and manage background checks without switching platforms.
97%
of customers say Checkr’s turnaround time is faster than their previous provider.
75%
of customers rate Checkr as easier to use than other screening solutions.
95%
of customers have experienced a simplified screening workflow.
"Checkr makes running background checks of any kind simple”
“Our turnaround time is now often just minutes—significantly faster than what we experienced with previous providers. If you're considering implementing background checks or thinking about switching providers, I highly recommend Checkr.”
Terra Masock
HR Manager, CMC Rock
“Checkr makes running background checks of any kind simple. The interface is easy to navigate for employees and candidates, and the process of setting up a background check is quick and easy.”
Amanda Woehrel
HR Specialist, Med Bill, L.L.C.
“Checkr has allowed us to automate most of the background check process and allows us to remain compliant with all labor law requirements in a much easier way.”
Nahed Khairallah
Chief People Officer, Accumulus Synergy Inc.
“It has simplified our processes, established consistency in the candidate experience and seamlessly fits into our hiring/onboarding steps. It has removed manual processes that were timely and confusing to both HR and hiring managers.”
Shannon Hansen
Texas Dental and Braces
“Checkr has been a valuable partner in supporting our hiring process. The seamless integration with our ATS and user-friendly platform has made background checks more efficient and easier to manage.”
Kendall Sara Schultz
Chief People Officer, Triumph ABA
“I was new to the hiring process and was unsure about a lot of things. Checkr helped me make sure things were done right and efficiently, improving mine and the candidate’s experience.”
Craig Dacy
Admin, Financial Coaching LLC
Build a custom background check package
Answer a few quick questions to find the right background check package for your business.
There's more to Checkr than employee background checks
Run real-time risk intelligence for your marketplace
Instantly screen customers and users to protect your marketplace from bad actors.
For businesses that need to screen customers: short-term rentals, caregiving, and more
Income and employment verification that keeps deals moving
Automate borrower verifications and close loans faster with accurate data from 97% of the US workforce.
For small lenders, credit unions, and independent mortgage brokers
Know who you’re renting to before you sign a lease
Run criminal, income, and credit checks on prospective tenants in minutes. Fill vacancies faster and with confidence.
For independent landlords, property managers, and anyone renting out a space
Let your credentials speak for themselves and win more business
Create a free Checkr profile to share your verified credentials with employers, customers, and anyone you work with.
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Topics
- How do small companies do background checks?
- What would disqualify you on a background check?
- Can you run a full background check on yourself?
- How do small businesses verify employment history?
- How does Checkr support high-volume retail hiring?
- What types of background checks do small businesses need?
- Are background checks required for small businesses?
Ready to run background checks the modern way?
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about small business background checks
How do small companies do background checks?
Small companies typically use background check services, like Checkr, to streamline the screening process and view information about their potential hires. These services help small businesses access criminal records, motor vehicle reports, employment history, education verification, and professional references, all through a single platform.
By partnering with a background check provider, small companies can make more informed hiring decisions while complying with federal and state regulations, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Modern background check platforms are designed specifically for small businesses, offering pay-as-you-go pricing, easy-to-use dashboards, and integrations with popular HR software, which helps simplify the hiring workflow.
What would disqualify you on a background check?
Several factors can disqualify a candidate during a background check, though it ultimately depends on the employer's hiring policies and the requirements of the specific role:
- The most common disqualifying factors include crimes related to the position, such as theft for a financial role or violent offenses for positions involving vulnerable populations.
- Driving violations like DUIs or suspended licenses can disqualify candidates for driving-related positions.
- Falsified employment history, education credentials, or professional licenses often raise questions about a job candidate.
However, note that employers must always follow the guidelines set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act before making a negative hiring decision. This includes providing candidates with an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information on their background check before any final hiring decisions are made.
Can you run a full background check on yourself?
Yes, you can run a personal background check on yourself. This is often a helpful step before applying for jobs or rental properties. Personal background checks typically cost between $20-100 and allow you to see the information that employers, landlords, or other organizations will also see when they screen you. Running a background check helps you identify any errors or outdated information that might appear on your record so you can address them proactively. This is particularly valuable if you have a common name, have lived in multiple states, or already suspect there might be inaccuracies in your criminal, employment, or credit history.
Checkr offers personal background check services that provide comprehensive reports, including information like criminal records, employment verification, education verification, and driving record checks. By reviewing your own background check in advance, you can prepare explanations for any issues, dispute inaccuracies, and enter the hiring process with confidence.
How do small businesses verify employment history?
Small businesses verify employment history through several methods, with the most efficient being instant payroll connections that automatically pull verified employment data directly from payroll providers. This method immediately confirms work dates, job titles, and sometimes salary information. When instant verification isn't available, small businesses may contact a candidate’s previous employers directly via phone or email to confirm their employment information.
Some small businesses also use third-party employment verification services that specialize in contacting former employers and gathering this information on their behalf. Additionally, businesses may request pay stubs, W-2 forms, or offer letters as supporting documentation.
How long does a background check take for small businesses?
Background check turnaround times for small businesses typically range from a few minutes to a week, depending on the type and scope of the screenings being conducted:
- Instant verifications can return results in minutes. These can include employment verification through payroll connections, education verification through database searches, and some criminal database searches.
- County criminal searches, which involve checking records at local courthouses, usually take 1-5 business days but can take longer in jurisdictions with slower processing times or manual record-keeping systems.
- Motor vehicle record (MVR) checks typically return within 24-48 hours.
- Professional license verifications and reference checks may take 3-5 business days depending on the responses from licensing boards and references.
- International background checks can take 2-4 weeks due to varying processes and regulations in different countries.
Using a modern background check platform, like Checkr, can significantly speed up the process through automation, real-time status updates, and AI-powered tools that help small businesses track progress and identify any delays quickly.
What types of background checks do small businesses need?
The types of background checks small businesses need depend on your industry, the specific roles you're hiring for, and any regulatory requirements you must follow:
- Most small businesses start with criminal background checks, which search county, state, and federal criminal records to identify any convictions or pending charges.
- For positions involving driving, motor vehicle record (MVR) checks are useful for reviewing driving history, license status, and traffic violations.
- Employment verification confirms previous work experience and helps validate that candidates have the skills and experience they claim.
- Education verification is important for roles that require specific degrees or certifications.
- For regulated industries like healthcare, finance, or education, professional license verification checks that candidates hold active, valid licenses in good standing.
- Identity verification helps prevent fraud by confirming a candidate's identity before the background check process begins.
Some small businesses also conduct credit checks for positions involving financial responsibilities, drug testing for safety-sensitive roles, or reference checks to gather insights from previous employers or colleagues. The key is to tailor your background check package to the specific requirements associated with each position while complying with all applicable laws and regulations.
Are background checks required for small businesses?
While background checks aren't universally required by law for all small businesses, certain industries and positions do have legal requirements for employee screening:
- Healthcare facilities must conduct background checks on employees who work with vulnerable populations.
- Childcare centers are required to screen employees in most states.
- Financial institutions must screen employees under federal banking regulations.
- Transportation companies must conduct Department of Transportation (DOT) background checks for commercial drivers.
Even when they’re not legally required, background checks are considered a best practice for small businesses. They help reduce workplace risks, protect customers and employees, verify candidates’ qualifications, and demonstrate due diligence in hiring. Background checks can also help small businesses avoid negligent hiring claims, reduce employee turnover by hiring qualified and honest candidates, and cultivate a safer work environment. Many small businesses choose to implement background check policies as part of their standard hiring process.