Kroger Background Checks: Hiring Guide & FAQs

Kroger was founded in 1883 by 23-year-old Bernard Kroger, who invested his life savings of $372 to open a grocery store at 66 Pearl Street in downtown Cincinnati. The company's founder ran his business with a simple principle: "Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself." By 1902, Kroger Grocery and Baking Company had been incorporated with forty stores and was the first grocery chain to operate its own bakery.

Today, Kroger operates 2,719 grocery stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia, employing approximately 420,000 associates.  It serves communities primarily in the South, Midwest, and West. The company ranks in the top 50 on the Fortune 500 list with $147 billion in revenue, making it one of the largest general retailers in the country. Kroger's store formats include multi-department stores, combo stores, marketplace stores, and price-impact warehouse stores.

Kroger’s mission is "to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services." In 2017, Kroger also established a goal to end hunger in its communities and eliminate waste across the company.

Kroger offers several programs for its workforce:

Yes. After a contingent offer, Kroger and similar retailers may request a background report from a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA). Screening potential employees can help the company validate information and support workplace safety.

Most employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies with the screenings ordered and the accessibility of records. Database searches can close in minutes, while searches that require manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up paperwork may take more than a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for more general details about report timeframes.

A background check report from Kroger or similar employers may include:

Lookback periods vary by state law, position, and company policies. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, but certain roles may require more in-depth review. Candidates should review state fair chance or Ban the Box laws to understand local reporting limits. Employers like Kroger are required to follow all relevant lookback laws, including federal, state, and local legislation.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires employers to obtain written consent from the candidate before ordering a background report. Employers must also provide the candidate with a copy of the report and a pre-adverse action notice if they may take negative action.  The FCRA also requires employers to give candidates sufficient time to dispute errors, usually around five business days. Guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also recommends an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense occurred, and its relevance to the job.

Running a background check on yourself with Checkr lets you preview what Kroger may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To showcase your credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or families.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and contact information for our support team.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.