Checkr vs. HireRight: Faster, more accurate background checks

Both Checkr and HireRight are leading consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) that offer background check services for employers of all sizes. But there are several key differences when comparing Checkr vs. HireRight.

Checkr launched in 2014 as a modern technology company, building a new background check platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to automate and speed up key steps of the background check process. Checkr serves a diverse range of industries and companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Checkr’s mobile candidate portal allows for transparency and easy candidate access, while its proprietary data technology and 100+ pre-built integrations with leading ATS, HRIS, and onboarding systems streamline the process and ensure fast, accurate reporting. Checkr also offers a personal background check solution that allows candidates to run background checks on themselves and see what employers may see during a hiring screening.

HireRight, on the other hand, has been around for more than three decades and launched as the first internet-based background screening solution. HireRight defines itself as the only “unified platform in the industry” and provides global coverage. But the company only offers 70+ ATS integrations for its customers.

If you’re looking for personal background checks, you’ll have to consider some HireRight alternatives. HireRight doesn’t offer personal background checks, but does have a separate self-service product for small and medium-sized businesses.

Checkr and HireRight both provide comprehensive, accurate background screenings that use high-quality data from a variety of local, state, and federal sources. But their processes and accuracy tools differ.

When conducting screenings, Checkr uses its proprietary, real-time data network to access multiple data sources and deliver reliable results. Additionally, Checkr utilizes machine learning and AI to automate key processes, enhancing accuracy. For instance, Checkr’s intelligent record-matching engine classifies, sorts, and assigns records to candidates, enabling Checkr to complete reports quicker and with a higher degree of confidence that the right record is matched to the right person.

Plus, nearly 99% of all of Checkr’s background checks are fully automated after data retrieval using algorithmic matching and machine learning—delivering the most accurate results every step of the way. And when a background check requires human review, Checkr’s expert quality assurance team is on hand to answer any questions candidates or hiring managers may have.

HireRight is also committed to accuracy and claims to deliver “99.98% dispute-free, fast, accurate results.” For a streamlined screening experience, customers get access to HireRight’s “unified global system, QA processes, and real-time dashboards for reporting.” Candidates also have access to resources such as regional support teams and multilingual candidate assistance.

Industries that commonly run background checks for employment may benefit from partnering with screening providers like Checkr and HireRight. The industries best suited include healthcare, hospitality, retail, staffing, entertainment, food service, transportation, retail, gig and on-demand marketplaces, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, technology, and more.

Checkr is trusted by more than 100,000 organizations, delivering 35 million background checks annually. Customers range from small businesses that conduct only a few yearly background checks to mid-market and enterprise companies that conduct thousands of screenings annually. Checkr’s advanced technology allows for fast turnaround time and its easy-to-use platform, candidate portal, and built-in compliance tools help employers streamline the background check process, stay compliant, and hire faster.

Employers that partner with Checkr have access to the company’s FCRA-trained customer support team via email, online chat, and phone. Checkr also offers a robust online Help Center with educational resources and articles for both customers and candidates. Additionally, candidates can access Checkr’s dedicated, multilingual candidate support team for assistance with background checks.

HireRight offers both customers and candidates access to resources, such as articles, through their online support hub. Help with HireRight background checks is also available by live chat, email, or phone. But real customers that have left HireRight reviews online have mixed feelings about how responsive the company is to solving issues.

Checkr customers can choose from pre-built or customizable packages that are designed to meet the screening volume needs of a wide range of industries and roles, and that can support employers hiring at any scale. Employers of all sizes easily customize and save background check packages from the Checkr dashboard or contact the support team for assistance.

Checkr’s customization options, like the ability to save and access previously used packages, help hiring managers choose the right background screening package for each role. This leads to more informed hiring decisions, improved efficiencies during the screening process, and reduced overhead.

With HireRight, organizations can also choose from customizable screening solutions to meet different hiring requirements. Larger customers must work with HireRight support to set up and customize background checks. Small- and medium-sized businesses, on the other hand, can use HireRight’s self-service site, backgroundchecks.com to customize candidate background checks.

Checkr delivers some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry thanks to a real-time, proprietary data network and extensive partnership with court runners across the US. Unlike a large percentage of background check services that rely on time-consuming manual processes and human analysis, Checkr leverages advanced technology and automated processes to speed up turnaround times.

With Checkr, 99% of all background checks are fully automated after data retrieval—using machine learning and algorithmic matching to deliver faster, more accurate results. Turnaround times vary depending on the type of screening, information requested, and data sources. But generally, employers can expect turnaround times that range from a few minutes to a day or more.

According to Checkr’s data, 89% of criminal background checks, including county checks, complete in under one hour. 97% of Checkr customers rate Checkr’s turnaround time as better compared to previous solutions.

HireRight background checks can take two to four business days, on average, according to the company. However, turnaround times could be longer in some cases.

Companies that work with a consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr or HireRight must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and related state and local laws.

Checkr is a Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) accredited company, and its platform includes built-in compliance workflows that help customers maintain compliance. Some of the features include:

HireRight offers customers compliance-related services that support FCRA compliance needs during the pre-employment screening process, including providing candidates with appropriate disclosures, applying adjudication guidelines to report results, and simplifying the adverse action notice process. HireRight also helps companies stay compliant with local and state regulations by generating communications and documents.

Hiring teams need reliable, comprehensive background checks. Partnering with a leading background check service provider, like Checkr, offers many benefits to employers, including more accurate reporting and quicker turnaround times. In today’s increasingly crowded market, choosing the right background check partner is vital.

Checkr stands out from HireRight with more HR integrations plus a modern, easy-to-use background check platform, built-in compliance workflows, and mobile-first candidate portal. Employers that choose Checkr are able to offer candidates a positive background experience while improving hiring outcomes, reducing risk, and getting accurate background check results faster.