Checkr vs First Advantage

Both Checkr and First Advantage are well-known consumer reporting agencies (CRA). However, there are some key differences for employers to consider when choosing a background check partner.

Launched in 2014, Checkr is a modern background company that speeds up the key steps in the background check process through AI-powered data reporting, compliance-focused automations, and a centralized dashboard. Checkr’s direct, unique access to federal, state, and local data also enables more comprehensive screenings, accurate results, and faster turnaround times.

With Checkr, employers experience a fully streamlined background check process that has customizable packages, built-in compliance workflows, an intuitive employer dashboard, and a mobile-friendly candidate portal. Plus, Checkr provides more than 200 ATS/HRIS integrations. With Checkr’s personal background checks, candidates can also preview what employers may see during a hiring screening.

First Advantage was founded nearly 20 years ago in 2003 and offers a wide range of screening services, domestically and globally. However, First Advantage’s search scope is more limited than Checkr’s, potentially reducing reporting accuracy. And turnaround times are reported to be slower, perhaps because only 75% of First Advantage’s screenings use automation, compared to nearly 99% at Checkr.

The company also doesn’t rate as high with customers for ease of use as Checkr. With First Advantage, pricing also isn’t as clear, API capabilities are limited, and screening packages can be challenging to adjust and may come with additional fees. However, First Advantage does offer a dedicated pay-as-you-go screening service for small businesses.

Checkr and First Advantage both provide comprehensive background checks, are leaders in the industry, and are known for accurate reporting. But Checkr has a 62% higher hit rate compared to First Advantage, according to recent benchmark studies.

Checkr uses its proprietary, real-time data network to access multiple data sources—delivering reliable results that other background check providers, like First Advantage, often miss. Additionally, Checkr’s use of AI and machine learning further enhances accuracy by automating nearly 99% of key processes, like Checkr’s intelligent record-matching system. Using automation, it easily classifies, sorts, and assigns records.

This allows Checkr to complete reports faster and with a higher degree of confidence that the correct record is matched to the right individual. And in the event a background check requires human review, Checkr’s expert quality assurance team is available to answer questions from candidates and hiring managers.

Both Checkr and First Advantage have a strong presence in regulated industries, like financial services, healthcare, and transportation. Additional industries that may benefit from background checks from Checkr and First Advantage include retail, hospitality, manufacturing, staffing, non-profits, and—with Checkr—the gig and on-demand marketplace.

More than 100,000 organizations trust Checkr to run 35 million employment background screenings annually. And 99% of the gig economy uses Checkr for background checks.

Checkr earned an 85% G2 rating for quality of support from customers. Its expert customer support team provides responsive support and proactive guidance that saves its customers’ HR teams valuable time. Educational resources, including articles and videos for both customers and candidates, are accessible through Checkr’s online Help Center.

By comparison, First Advantage reviews only earned the company a 73% G2 quality of support rating. The company has been reported to have a long response time, and customers find the process of getting support frustrating. The company also requires customers to log in to a separate portal to receive customer service—with different credentials—adding to some customers’ support woes.

Checkr offers pre-bundled, customizable packages that start at $29.99 per report. Customers can optimize their background checks with optional add-on searches and screenings. Checkr’s flexible pricing allows companies to easily scale their background checks based on hiring needs and to benefit from large-volume discounts. Small businesses that only run a handful of background checks a year can access pay-as-you-go pricing.

Like Checkr, First Advantage offers pre-built packages that can be customized. Its packages are typically industry-specific for the needs of different verticals. Packages also start at around $29.99, and additional searches are extra. Small businesses can use First Advantage’s dedicated small business platform to run pay-as-you-go checks.

Both companies have turnaround times ranging from a few minutes to several days, depending on the type of screening ordered.

But Checkr’s turnaround times are some of the fastest in the industry—with 97% of customers reporting quicker turnaround times than the competition. Turnaround times are also 16% faster than First Advantage background checks, according to recent benchmark studies.

Checkr’s use of AI and automation helps speed up its background check process, meaning 89% of criminal background checks, including county checks, complete in under one hour.

Employers that choose to partner with a CRA like Checkr or First Advantage must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as well as other federal, state, and local hiring regulations.

Checkr is an FCRA-certified and Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) accredited company. And its built-in compliance workflows are designed to help organizations remain compliant. Plus, automated adverse action workflows generate pre- and post-adverse action emails and manage waiting periods.

Additionally, Checkr’s adjudication tools deemphasize records that aren’t relevant—helping employers expand hiring pools and shorten fill positions faster. Candidates can share information about a record or circumstances to give hiring managers a more complete look into their background and comply with fair hiring laws.

First Advantage offers background check packages tailored to meet the compliance needs of highly regulated industries. The company also has decades of experience handling complex global recommendations, and it may be a secure choice for multinational organizations that require consistent background check processes worldwide.

Many organizations need reliable, comprehensive background checks to vet candidates and mitigate risk. A top background check provider, like Checkr, offers robust background screening options for employers and candidates. With a modern, easy-to-use background check platform, built-in compliance workflows, and 200+ ATS/HRIS integrations, Checkr helps employers get accurate results faster and make more informed hiring decisions.