Best Background Check Companies and Services for 2026

Background checks are reports that list specific parts of an individual’s history, like their criminal record, driving record, or education and employment verification. They’re beneficial during the hiring process for both employers and individuals. This guide covers the best background checks for businesses, including small businesses and enterprises for 2026. We’ll also take a look at the best background checks for personal and individual use.

Employers commonly use background checks pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to run pre-employment screenings to determine a candidate’s eligibility and qualifications for a role. Background checks can also be used to screen volunteers or contractors. Working with a consumer reporting agency helps streamline the background check process and may help organizations comply with hiring regulations.

For employers, the best employment background check service:

Another type of background report is the personal background check. These are used by individuals, not companies, to verify information. Additionally, running a self-check can also help job candidates preview what an employer or landlord might see on a background check.

For individuals, the best background check service provides a variety of search options, an easy-to-use platform, and transparent pricing.

Enterprise organizations often run large quantities of background checks frequently. Partnering with a third-party background check service provider to conduct your pre-employment screenings can save time and help your team comply with local, state, and federal hiring laws.

Here’s a closer look at the four best background check providers for enterprises.

Checkr’s optimized enterprise background checks are available across a wide range of industries. Checkr’s technology allows your organization to hire faster, automate manual tasks, and easily connect with your existing ATS and HRIS systems. With Checkr’s background checks, customers are able to unlock 168% ROI, faster turnaround times, and advanced background check decision technology.

Checkr offers several preset packages with popular search selections, with the option to customize with add-on screenings. Mobile-first workflows give candidates a more flexible experience, while an FCRA-knowledgeable customer service team and built-in compliance tools support adherence with local, state, and federal background check regulations.

First Advantage provides globally-focused enterprise background check services. Enterprises can choose from industry-specific packages designed to meet the needs of specific verticals, while compliance management tools help reduce organization risk.

First Advantage also offers enterprise-level reporting tools that allow organizations to gather valuable insights into the background check process. It provides dedicated account management support to help enterprises stay on top of their background check program and evolving global privacy and data usage laws.

HireRight has been in business for more than 30 years and offers “99.98% dispute-free” background checks. The company provides workflow-driven background checks to organizations of all sizes, including screening solutions for enterprises. Comprehensive reporting helps employers gain valuable insights and streamline decision-making. Plus, the HireRight platform provides comprehensive compliance support and more than 70 ATS integrations.

Contact for quote.

Accurate offers enterprises bulk ordering options, built-in compliance tools, and advanced reporting. The Accurate platform is designed to maintain consistency across the organization through a unified platform that integrates with popular ATS and HRIS platforms. API integrations are customizable to accommodate in-house workflows, and Accurate’s industry-specific screening packages can be tailored to your organization’s specific hiring needs.

Contact for quote.

Conducting background checks can be time-consuming and expensive, especially for small businesses that may have limited HR resources or staff who need to focus on day-to-day business operations. Partnering with a third-party background check provider can save small businesses time while also supporting compliance with local, state, and federal hiring laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Here’s a look at the four best background check companies for small businesses.

Checkr is a highly-ranked, FCRA-compliant provider that offers background checks for businesses of all sizes, including thousands of small businesses.  With Checkr’s platform, it’s easy to sign up and order checks the same day. There’s no charge to set up an account, so you only pay for the checks your company needs.

All packages for small business include criminal record checks and can be customized with additional screenings. Employers can quickly access Checkr’s mobile-friendly dashboard to place an order and review results. Checkr’s built-in compliance workflows help small businesses stay on top of regulations, while 24/7 support is available by live chat or email.

Packages start at $29.99 per report, with pay-as-you-go pricing and no charge for account setup.

First Advantages offers a dedicated small business background check service. The company makes it easy to sign up for background checks, and reports can be delivered in minutes. Pricing is pay-as-you-go, so your small business only has to pay for the checks it needs. First Advantage’s background checks offer an “applicant-centric” process, and small businesses can order checks using its convenient online, mobile-friendly platform.

Pay-as-you go, starting at $29 per check, with additional searches costing extra.

Based in Canada, Certn offers a self-service option specifically designed for small businesses. The company provides a suite of screenings through its all-in-one screening platform and a mobile-first candidate portal for candidates to submit information. Certn helps small businesses manage regulatory risks and offers customer support for employers and candidates.

BackgroundChecks.com is an FCRA-compliant background screening provider for small and mid-sized businesses, offering criminal checks, employment verification, and education verification. Built-in compliance tools and applicant self-entry help small teams screen quickly while supporting compliance with hiring regulations.

Background checks can be conducted on yourself or other individuals. Information in individual background reports commonly includes criminal history, address records, and property information. Keep in mind that if a personal data lookup solution is not FCRA compliant, then it should not be used to decide whether to hire individuals, or for other FCRA permissible purposes.

Here are four of the best personal background checks for individuals.

Checkr offers personal background checks, allowing individuals to run background checks on themselves. Running a background check on yourself lets you preview what employers and landlords may learn about you during background screening. It can also help you anticipate questions and spot and proactively correct potential errors or inaccuracies.

It only takes a few simple steps to order your personal background check report, and you can view the results in Checkr’s user-friendly online candidate portal. Personal background checks may include a Social Security number trace; federal, national, county, and state criminal records check; a global watchlist search; and sex offender registry check.

Starting at $29.99 per report, with additional options to include more comprehensive search results

TruthFinder is a leading personal background check platform that combs billions of public records to help you learn more about yourself or specific individuals. With TruthFinder, you can search a person’s name, phone number, email address, and more to find information about their background. TruthFinder can also search police records and perform dark web scans. Follow TruthFinder's instructions for using a background check for purposes other than general information.

Starting at $28.33 per month for unlimited people searches

PeopleFinders offers access to 6,000 data sources and over 120 billion public records to help you find information about yourself or others. The site is free to use for basic public record searches, but paid members get access to more detailed reports and real-time updates.

With PeopleFinders, you can search by name, address, or phone numbers. You can also check someone’s criminal history, property records, and potential relatives, though keep in mind that PeopleFinders should not be be used for hiring purposes. Searches can be conducted online or through the free mobile app.

Starting at $24.95 a month for a basic membership.

Intelius searches millions of public records to provide information about a person, phone number, or property address. With Intelius background checks, you learn more about yourself or other individuals. However, Intelius should not be used for hiring or certain other purposes.

Intelius offers trial paid subscriptions. You can also sign up for ongoing identity monitoring for an additional monthly fee.

Starting at $25.35 per month for unlimited people searches

Background checks can provide comprehensive information about a potential employment candidate or individual. However, what’s included in a background check report varies based on the individual you're running the check on and why. It also depends on the specific screenings you request.

Employment background screenings vary based on an organization’s background check policy and any applicable laws, such as the FCRA. However, it’s common to run criminal background checks, driving record checks, employment or education verification, and credit checks. For employers, it's often best to choose a background check platform that offers multiple search options, so you can customize screening by role.

Personal background checks aren’t typically as comprehensive as employment background checks. However, they may include an individual’s criminal records and civil judgments, property records, contact information, and social media profiles.

Employers may be able to conduct free background checks since public records are commonly available for request directly from law enforcement agencies or educational institutions. For instance, Texas criminal background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), and California criminal records can be requested through the California Department of Justice’s automated service. Both searches are initially free, but you’ll typically need to pay a fee to obtain a full, formalized criminal background check from those departments.

Individuals may be able to perform limited personal background checks at no cost. Certain states offer public access to online criminal records. Additional records may also be available for free, including court, arrest, and inmate records.

Free background check sites, such as Instant Checkmate and TruthFinder, offer simple people searches. However, if you need more details, you typically have to upgrade to a paid service. Additionally, many people search sites prohibit using their data to make employment decisions or for other FCRA permissible purposes, so you’ll be limited in how you may use that information.

When choosing a background check platform, the right fit depends on your needs and whether the search is for personal or employment purposes. The best background check service providers offer a range of screening options and have quick turnaround times, knowledgeable customer service teams, and an easy-to-use platform with a straightforward signup process.

For employers, look for a partner that offers the following:

If you’re an individual looking for the best background check service, consider options that offer affordable and transparent pricing, extensive search results, and customer support. Choosing a personal background check platform that offers unlimited personal searches may also make sense, depending on your needs and budget. Also decide based on whether you’re using the background check to hire another individual or to just learn information about another person, as that will determine whether you use an FCRA-compliant reporting agency.

Running background checks can provide small businesses, enterprises, and individuals a wealth of information—whether for employment or personal use. For employers, partnering with a third-party background check provider is often especially beneficial. Working with a top background screening provider can help employers maintain compliance with complex laws and regulations.

Checkr’s modern platform delivers fast and accurate screenings that can help your organization make informed hiring decisions. Time-saving automated workflows with built-in compliance help employers adhere to local, state, and federal background check guidelines and reduce risk. Get started today.

Many employers run criminal background checks as part of their standard screening process, often combined with employment verification and education verification to confirm candidates’ qualifications. Depending on the role, organizations may also conduct driving record (MVR) checks for positions requiring vehicle operation, credit checks for financial roles, and drug testing for safety-sensitive positions.

Many employers customize their screening packages based on job requirements. For example, healthcare organizations typically include professional license verification and sanctions checks, while transportation companies prioritize DOT background checks. The specific screenings you choose should align with your industry’s requirements, job responsibilities, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Background check costs vary based on the type of screening you conduct and how in-depth it is. Basic criminal background checks typically start around $29.99 per report, while more comprehensive packages that include employment verification, education verification, and additional screening cost more.

Enterprise organizations often receive volume discounts, with customized pricing based on their specific needs and the number of background checks. Pay-as-you-go options work well for small businesses with occasional hiring needs, while subscription or bulk pricing may be more cost-effective for organizations that conduct frequent screenings. Additional factors that affect cost include turnaround time requirements, the geographic scope of criminal searches, and specialized screenings like international background checks or continuous monitoring. Most providers offer customizable packages so you only pay for the screenings you need.

Background check turnaround times often depend on the type of screening and the provider's technology. With Checkr's advanced platform, 89% of criminal background checks are completed in just one hour. However, more comprehensive screenings that include employment verification, education verification, or international checks may take several days since they require manual verification from third parties.

Factors that can affect turnaround time include the responsiveness of previous employers or educational institutions, the number of jurisdictions you’re searching, and whether records must be retrieved from courthouses that don't offer electronic access. Most modern background check providers offer real-time status updates through candidate portals, allowing both employers and candidates to track progress throughout the screening process.

Yes, you can run a background check on yourself through personal background check services, like Checkr's personal background check platform. You can also search state and county records yourself, although you’ll probably need to pay multiple fees if you’re searching multiple jurisdictions. Running a self-check helps you preview what employers or landlords might see during their screening process, allowing you to identify and correct any potential errors or inaccuracies before they affect your opportunities.

Personal background checks may include a Social Security number trace, criminal records from federal, national, county, and state databases, global watchlist searches, and sex offender registry checks. Checkr's personal background checks start at $29.99 per report and provide results through a secure online portal. This proactive approach gives you the opportunity to address any concerns, prepare explanations for information that may appear, and see whether your record is accurate and up-to-date.

Checkr consistently ranks as a top background check provider across industries, delivering 89% of criminal checks in just one hour. Our platform offers advanced AI-powered screening technology that helps organizations achieve 169% ROI while maintaining compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Checkr's modern approach combines machine learning functionality with built-in compliance tools, making it easier for businesses to hire faster and more efficiently. The platform integrates with popular ATS and HRIS systems and offers dedicated customer support to help organizations navigate complex hiring regulations. With transparent pricing starting at $29.99 per check and customizable packages for businesses of all sizes, Checkr provides enterprise-grade service with the flexibility small businesses need.

The best background verification company depends on your organization's specific needs, size, and industry. For enterprises, Checkr provides optimized background checks with machine learning functionality, dedicated customer success managers, and seamless ATS and HRIS integrations. Screening starts at $29.99 per check, with volume discounts available.

Small businesses benefit from Checkr's pay-as-you-go pricing with no setup fees, while the mobile-first candidate portal streamlines the screening process. When your business is evaluating background check providers, consider factors like turnaround time, compliance tools, integration capabilities, customer support, and pricing structure to find the right fit for your hiring process.

Background checks are not universally required by law for all employers, but certain industries and positions do have legal requirements for screening. For example, healthcare facilities, childcare centers, financial institutions, and transportation companies are often required to conduct background checks to comply with federal or state regulations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how employers must conduct background checks when using a consumer reporting agency. This federal law requires written consent from candidates before conducting background checks, and employers must provide adverse action notices if the results of a check lead to a negative hiring decision.

Some states and localities have Ban the Box laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history. Even when they’re not legally required, many employers choose to conduct background checks as part of their risk management and due diligence practices to protect their organization, employees, and customers.

Employment background checks can include various types of information, depending on what the employer requests and what's permitted under applicable laws:

The specific information included depends on the employer's screening package, the position's requirements, and compliance with the FCRA and state-specific regulations that may limit what can be considered in hiring decisions.

The lookback period for background checks varies by state law, the type of screening conducted, and employer policies. For criminal background checks, many states follow the seven-year reporting rule under the FCRA, which limits reporting of most criminal records to seven years for positions that pay less than $75,000 annually. However, some states like California, New York, and Texas have different laws, and certain serious offenses may be reportable indefinitely.

Employment and education verification typically covers the timeframes that the candidate provided on their application. Credit checks generally report information from the past seven to ten years, depending on the type of information. Some states have enacted fair chance hiring laws that further restrict how far back employers may look or what types of records they can consider. It's important to work with a background check provider that understands these requirements and helps ensure your screening program remains compliant.

A criminal record check is one specific type of screening that focuses solely on an individual's criminal history, including felony and misdemeanor convictions, arrests, pending charges, and sometimes incarceration records. A background check is a broader term that can include criminal record checks but also may include additional screenings, such as employment verification, education verification, driving record checks, professional license verification, and reference checks.

When employers say they're conducting a "background check," they typically mean a comprehensive screening package, which can include multiple verification types customized to the position's requirements. For example, a background check for a delivery driver might include a criminal record check, driving record check, and employment verification, while a background check for a financial advisor might include a criminal record check, credit check, and professional license verification.

About the author

Sarah writes about small business topics and corporate communications. She has written on a wide range of topics, including background checks, hiring trends, company culture, and employee training and development. Her work includes educational articles, press releases, newsletters, and employee onboarding collateral.