--- title: 8 Best Background Check Sites of September 2026 description: We list the best background check sites of September 2026, including TruthFinder, instant Checkmate, Backgrounds Online and Checkr. authors: - name: Gabriel O. Rodriguez Cruz role: Associate Editor url: https://money.com/author/gabriel-rodriguez/ bio: Gabriel Rodríguez is an editor at Money who covers financial technology and digital security. His two main topics of expertise are identity theft protection services and crypto, specifically crypto wallet and crypto exchanges. education: University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras at_money_since: 2018 articles: 99 covers: - Professional Services - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Lifestyle - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Pets - Retirement - Shopping - Taxes - Technology social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-rodriguez-cruz/ editors: - name: José Omar Rodríguez role: Content Manager url: https://money.com/author/jose-omar-rodriguez/ bio: As an editor, José Omar specializes in personal finance topics and in-depth company reviews. His work has been featured in publications such as the Sacramento Bee, the Miami Herald, and the Kansas City Star. education: University of Puerto Rico at_money_since: 2019 articles: 21 covers: - Professional Services - Banking - Business - Career Advice - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Lifestyle - Loans - Mortgages - Pets - Retirement - Taxes - Technology published: '2026-09-02T12:52:41.000Z' modified: '2026-09-02T12:52:41.000Z' section: Professional Services word_count: 2447 canonical: https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![8 Best Background Check Sites of September 2026](https://money.com/content.money.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Best-2022-Background-Check-Site.jpg?crop=0px%2C220px%2C2891px%2C1626px&resize=1012%2C569&quality=85&strip&ssl=1) ## Our Partners ### TOP PARTNER ![Get Started](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22262/medium_e4cc08df-b83e-4404-a8cd-2e08ffcf2487.png) Our Partner [Get Started](https://money.com/go/800923556621?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&bidid=4018724617&ptid=660917558&ptoken=612784c5cf5e1c0e6564b9b8380c9357&zip=20149) People search service - Consistently ranked among top people search services for reliable, up-to-date records - A+ with the BBB - Reverse phone number lookup - Search for almost anyone in the US with millions of public records sources - Criminal and traffic reports to uncover arrest records, contact info, online profiles, and more * * * ![Get Started](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22540/medium_e9bf990b-8892-4af7-94ee-7250628fa4f6.png) Our Partner [Get Started](https://money.com/go/0556f0eef996?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&bidid=4018724619&ptid=660917558&ptoken=49d64a2e64109e0a71e4e1fa19a6dea1&zip=20149) Best for Pre-employment Screenings - Extensive FCRA compliance resources to help employers screen candidates - Criminal records, driving records, credit history, drug testing - Employment, education, and I-9 verification - Over 100,000 customers - Integrates background check results directly into employers’ HR software * * * ![Get Started](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/21900/medium_d62f6c6e-aab5-44c7-96fd-78b554318cbb.png) Our Partner [Get Started](https://money.com/go/c68fada0c849?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&bidid=4018724615&ptid=660917558&ptoken=b194df1f634ef622056b5b38735fce0a&zip=20149) People search service - Find public records quickly and easily - Mobile app for iOS and Android devices - Customer assistance 7 days a week - Search for contacts, social accounts, photos, city/state history, and more * * * ![Get Started](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19709/medium_60f7200a-420a-48ed-ab62-01fbf4142d08.png) Our Partner [Get Started](https://money.com/go/fa928abbdcfd?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&bidid=4018724612&ptid=660917558&ptoken=fb6e98a9d3aa8ecb4924ae22bc8ef5b6&zip=20149) People search service - Paid memberships include unlimited reports - Leading provider of detailed and updated public records reports - Quick Background Checks, People Search, Criminal and Traffic Reports and more! * * * ![Get Started](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/31269/medium_e697b8df-a862-4e76-ade4-c893d64e7b25.webp) Our Partner [Get Started](https://money.com/go/7db368af342a?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&bidid=4018724623&ptid=660917558&ptoken=f4ca80e74c6fd1101dc6458c92133e9f&zip=20149) Run a background check on yourself - Order and access background checks online - Includes SSN trace, criminal records, and watchlist searches - Reports often ready within minutes * * * ![Get Started](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/20212/medium_d7e8f3c8-9e2a-4271-9f7e-2709b21ce4bf.png) Our Partner [Get Started](https://money.com/go/4ec413abba5b?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&bidid=4018724621&ptid=660917558&ptoken=86f0d45534a85ca7ae98a669c6bb0354&zip=20149) **Search billions of public records with confidence** - Find people, phone numbers, addresses, and criminal records - Fast, reliable results in just minutes - Trusted by millions with 25+ years of experience ## Key Takeaways - If your searches need to comply with FCRA standards, Background Online's pricing and breadth of information excels that of the competition. For casual searches, TruthFinder's quick, simple platform makes it the best option. - Only some types of background check are regulated by the [Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)](https://money.com/what-is-the-fair-credit-reporting-act-fcra/), which places limits on the kind of information that you can obtain on others. - People search sites can be a useful tool for finding relatives or doing reverse phone searches. For background checks on potential employees, domestic workers, or tenants, you’ll need to work with an FCRA-compliant company. - We evaluated over 40 data points across 20 vetted background check companies to ensure readers have accurate and helpful information about this type of service. ## Our top picks for the best background check sites ### People search background check sites Unlike FCRA-compliant companies, these background search sites cannot be used for employment or tenancy purposes. You can, however, use them to conduct personal searches. - [TruthFinder](#truth) - Best Background Check Site Overall - [Instant Checkmate](#instant) - Best for Unlimited Reports - [BeenVerified](#been) - Best for Vehicle Searches - [Spokeo](#spokeo) - Best for Budget Searches ### FCRA-compliant background screening sites The following background screening sites all comply with FCRA regulation on consumer reporting agencies, namely the information they can provide and what it can be used for. This means you may use them for employment and tenancy purposes. - [Backgrounds Online](https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/#backgroundsonline) - Best Background Screening Site Overall - [Checkr](#checkr) - Best for Pre-employment Screenings - [TransUnion SmartMove](#TransUnion) - Best for Tenant Screenings - [GoodHire](#GoodHire) - Best for Small Businesses ## Limit your financial and physical risk by doing a Background Check ### Go beyond just looking through public records to acquire the needed information. Click on your state to get started. [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/n062079ae24c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F) ## Best for Comprehensive People Searches: TruthFinder ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22262/large_e4cc08df-b83e-4404-a8cd-2e08ffcf2487.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/mf96d230fee2?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F) **Pros** - Comprehensive reports with detailed personal data - User-friendly interface with mobile app support - Add-on for report downloads and monitoring - Sample report available **Cons** - Flagged for FCRA violations and deceptive marketing practices - Subscription required to access reports - No free trial or single-report option **Why we chose it:** [TruthFinder](https://money.com/pr/ya0a3fd82de7?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) offers highly detailed reports that cover a wide range of information, from personal assets to criminal records and employment history. Its app’s straightforward interface makes starting new searches and viewing existing reports easy. Although the service only offers monthly plans — you won’t be able to pay for one-off reports — the price of TruthFinder’s services is slightly below that of other background check memberships. And for an additional $3.99/mo, it also lets you download reports as PDFs and monitor reports online for updates to their information. It bears mentioning that TruthFinder was one of two background check sites which were fined $5.8 million by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2023 for deceiving users about the accuracy of their reports. The company was asked to implement monitoring, disclose material connections and permanently comply with FCRA guidelines, among other things. **TruthFinder Pricing** | Membership | **Price** | **Benefits** | | --- | --- | --- | | People Search | $28.33 per month, $67.32 for 3 months, or $117.84 for 6 months | Unlimited person reports, unlimited location reports | | Reverse Phone Lookup | $4.99/mo | Unlimited phone reports | | Reverse Email Lookup | $29.73/mo | Unlimited person reports, unlimited email reports | **Reports may include:** first and last name, known aliases, physical address, photos, social media profiles, location history, associated persons, related persons, birth information, phone numbers, email addresses, employment history, educational history, possible associates, business ownership, assets, criminal records, traffic records, court records. \*See disclaimer below for more information. ## Best for Unlimited Reports: Instant Checkmate ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/4863/large_6ee612fa-e734-40da-bc5e-993c2ce82896.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/m78efd3b5cae?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F) **Pros** - Unlimited person or phone reports - Transparent pricing structure - Sample report available - Quick turnaround times **Cons** - Flagged for FCRA violations and deceptive marketing practices - Expensive people search membership - No options for single reports **Why we chose it:** [Instant Checkmate](https://money.com/pr/z816e499ad83?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) offers unlimited searches, making it ideal for anyone who needs to conduct background checks regularly. It’s especially thorough when it comes to criminal information, featuring search functions for inmates and traffic, criminal and arrest records. Another highlight of the platform is its streamlined interface that makes navigation easy — both on browsers and on the handy mobile app. On the other hand, Instant Checkmate’s lack of single-report purchase option means it isn’t as cost-effective for those who only need occasional searches. Like TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate was penalized by the FTC in 2023 for deceptive business practices. It also agreed to settle charges in 2014 for violating FCRA guidelines. While not necessarily a deal breaker — the company was placed under monitoring by the FTC both times — it’s something to consider when choosing a background check site. **Instant Checkmate Pricing** | Membership | **Price** | **Benefits** | | --- | --- | --- | | Person Reports | $35.47/mo or $85.13 every three months | Unlimited person reports, unlimited location reports, report monitoring | | Phone Reports | $5.99/mo | Unlimited phone reports | **Reports may include:** birth information, photos, phone numbers, social media profiles, email addresses, address history, employment history, educational history, business ownership, assets, criminal records, traffic records, court records. \*See disclaimer below for more information. ## Best for Vehicle Searches: BeenVerified ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/20879/large_33241bf2-0bb3-4b54-bc69-34b31a98bda3.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/x6f25fd218a6?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F) **Pros** - VIN, license plate and owner detail lookup - Mobile app designed for vehicle searches - Well-organized reports with multiple data sources - Niche services like unclaimed money search **Cons** - Less comprehensive people searches - Limited to 100 reports per month - Lack of transparency in pricing **Why we chose it:** [BeenVerified](https://money.com/pr/s57f57a81370?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) does VIN and license plate lookups, which provide valuable insight into a car’s past, including accidents, market value, recalls, warranty and ownership history. This makes it a go-to option for used car buyers, automotive professionals and others who may need to run a vehicle history check. Like other popular background check sites, BeenVerified also features a mobile app to search people, phone numbers, emails and physical addresses. However, it also offers an app specifically for carrying out vehicle checks, making it even easier to keep track of several car records at once. **BeenVerified Pricing** | Membership | **Price** | **Benefits** | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 Month Membership | $36.89/mo | Up to 100 reports per month which include: background reports, contact information, phone lookups, email lookups, criminal records | | 3 Month Membership | $71.94 every three months | Same benefits as 1 Month Membership | **Reports may include:** full name, date of birth, city/state history, phone numbers, email addresses, photos, possible relatives and associates, traffic records, criminal records, court proceedings, litigation history, bankruptcy proceedings, education history, employment history, business associations, social media platforms, blogs and websites. \*See disclaimer below for more information. ## Best for Budget Searches: Spokeo ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/20880/large_dc6b8ce1-98f7-4fcc-bee6-15ba63e558e3.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/h462d9b58709?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F) **Pros** - Pay per month or per report - Results from billions of records - Quick searches for basic information - Report monitoring included in membership **Cons** - Less comprehensive searches than competitors - Lack of transparency regarding price - No mobile app **Why we chose it:** Unlike the other people finding services on our list, [Spokeo](https://money.com/pr/ccc41e00174b?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) lets you pay per individual search instead of forcing you into a subscription. This makes it considerably more affordable (and convenient) than the competition for occasional searches. And if you happen to need a large volume of reports, its $29.95/month membership isn’t expensive compared to other sites. But Spokeo’s affordability comes at the cost of depth. Its reports are broad, but not as detailed as those of more premium services — they lack detail in criminal history and financial records, for example — and the platform's short turnaround times can sometimes backfire, leading to inaccuracies. **Reports may include:** names, aliases, phone numbers, email addresses, birth information, marital status, education level, hobbies and interests, current and past addresses, nearby residents, neighbors, property records, lifestyle data, investments, estimated salary, family members, household demographics, social media profiles, usernames, dating sites, music and gaming accounts. Criminal records, DUIs and sex offenses also available for an additional fee. \*See disclaimer below for more information. * * * ***\*DISCLAIMER**: You may not use the non-FCRA approved service mentioned in this article or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. This service doesn’t provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency. (These terms have special meanings under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., (“FCRA”), which are incorporated herein by reference.)* *The information available on this website may not be 100% accurate, complete, or up to date. Do not use it as a substitute for your own due diligence, especially if you have concerns about a person’s criminal history. The service doesn’t make any representation or warranty about the accuracy of the information available through their service or about the character or integrity of the person about whom you inquire. For more information, please review the service’s Terms of Use.* *All product names, logos, brands, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.* * * * ## Best Background Screening Site Overall: Backgrounds Online ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/28254/large_7ca66bb3-8cd5-48f5-a1c5-680fcfb2c7a9.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/sd4ae5bac88c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&url=) **Pros** - Extensive national and international database - Customizable screening packages - Advanced compliance features - Deep ATS integration **Cons** - Requires professional account setup - Limited self-service options **Why we chose it**: [Backgrounds Online](https://money.com/pr/v0bbbcf52aa9?data-trk-company=backgrounds-online-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=v0bbbcf52aa9&encoded_id=&ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) checks all the marks when it comes to a great screening service — comprehensive reports, transparent pricing, position-specific searches and advanced solutions for compliance, to name a few. It also has one of the best reputations in the industry, with positive feedback from customers on several reputable review sites like the BBB. For compliance, the Applicant Self-Submittal feature allows the people you screen to see and approve all necessary compliance documents. Then, Backgrounds Online produces a report for you to make more informed hiring decisions. The platform can sync applicant tracking systems (ATS) with its internal web application, allowing you to request checks while providing the necessary information that is available in its database. **Backgrounds Online Pricing** | Membership | **Starting price** | **Screenings** | | --- | --- | --- | | Basic | $29.95 / report | SSN trace, county criminal court search, national criminal database, sex offender registry search, terrorist watch list search | | Standard | $49.95 / report | SSN trace, 7-year county criminal court search, 7-year federal criminal court search national criminal database, sex offender registry search, terrorist watch list search, wants & warrants search | | Comprehensive | $99.95 / report | SSN trace, 7-year county criminal court search, 7-year federal criminal court search national criminal database, sex offender registry search, terrorist watch list search, wants & warrants search, 3 employment verifications, 1 education verification | For custom packages, Background Online provides an à la carte experience. You can choose between 22 options as you are guided by a dedicated account manager. ## Best for Pre-employment Screenings: Checkr ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22540/large_e9bf990b-8892-4af7-94ee-7250628fa4f6.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/a38d8d54eb83?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&url=) **Pros** - Built-in compliance and HR support - Fast turnaround time on results - Simple, transparent pricing - Configurable workflows **Cons** - Some issues with inaccurate checks - Support only available via email **Why we chose it:** [Checkr](https://money.com/pr/y97ee77d96f4?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) hosts a variety of dynamic compliance features, including candidate assessment, online adverse action and individualized assessment tools. These tools streamline the recruitment process, which is otherwise rife with regulatory requirements that change frequently and vary region to region. Background checks are not only a headache for hiring teams, but can also expose your company to compliance risks — violations and litigation can cost a business millions. Checkr’s “compliance engine” combats this by keeping employers updated with evolving regional laws. **Checkr Pricing** | Tier | **Starting price** | **Screenings** | | --- | --- | --- | | Basic+ | $29.99 / report | SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist search, national criminal search | | Essential | $59.99 / report | SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist search, national criminal search, unlimited county criminal search | | Complete | $94.99 / report | SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist search, national criminal search, unlimited county criminal search, unlimited state criminal search, federal criminal search | The options listed above are only valid for businesses that run less than 300 background checks per year. Custom packages are available for those that run more. ## Best for Tenant Screenings: TransUnion SmartMove ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/21722/large_45ba267a-90af-455d-9ca8-73e763bd7982.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/p5890a27cc3f?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&url=) **Pros** - Specialized tenant background screening - Credit reports directly from TransUnion - Eviction and criminal history checks - Direct tenant invitation process **Cons** - Less comprehensive for commercial properties - Flagged by the FTC and CFPB for inaccurate reports - Potential privacy concerns **Why we chose it:** [TransUnion SmartMove](https://money.com/pr/occ107a23885?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) pulls credit data directly from the credit giant, providing deep financial insights into a potential tenant’s history. The platform’s criminal records and eviction reports help give a fuller picture of an applicant’s risk level, while its pay-per-report pricing model keeps the service free until you decide to fully process an applicant. One of SmartMove’s standout features is the ResidentScore, a number that predicts the likelihood of eviction, making it easier for property managers to process potential renters. Another one is that landlords don’t have to pay for reports — they can ask applicants to cover the cost instead during the process. And although customization options and on the platform are limited, the system is easy to use. **TransUnion SmartMove Pricing** | Tier | **Starting price** | **Screenings** | | --- | --- | --- | | SmartCheck Basic | $25 / report | ResidentScore®, criminal background report | | SmartCheck Plus | $40 / report | ResidentScore®, criminal background report, credit report, eviction related report | | SmartCheck Premium | $49 / report | ResidentScore®, criminal background report, credit report, eviction related report, income insights report, identity check report | ## Best for Small Businesses: GoodHire ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22541/large_b26879c4-cb71-4131-9752-9e7c6aed80d8.png) [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/bcbe3af45bab?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F&url=) **Pros** - Transparent pricing with pay-per-report options
 - Affordable industry-specific packages - Built-in dispute resolution tools - User-friendly interface **Cons** - Limited international screening options - No customer support via phone **Why we chose it:** [GoodHire’s](https://money.com/pr/a7c1dbf53f7c?ap_referrer=https%253A%252F%252Fmoney.com%252Fbest-background-check-sites%252F) combination of affordability, ease of use and compliance support makes it a more accessible option for professional background screening. Said options cover a wide range of industries — from IT and banking to healthcare and nonprofits — or can be picked out to target only specific roles you need filled. GoodHire (a Checkr-owned brand) also comes with several pre-integrated ATS and human resources information systems, such as FCRA compliance tools and adverse action workflows. Compliance tools are especially helpful for smaller organizations to mitigate the potential legal risks associated with employment background checks. **GoodHire Pricing** | Tier | **Starting price** | **Screenings** | | --- | --- | --- | | Basic | $29.99 / report | SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist search, national criminal search | | Essential | $59.99 / report | SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist search, national criminal search, unlimited county criminal search | | Complete | $94.99 / report | SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist search, national criminal search, unlimited county criminal search, unlimited state criminal search, federal criminal search | ## Go beyond just looking through public records to acquire the needed information with a BeenVerified ### BeenVerified delivers search results drawn from compiled data deriving from scores of public sources. Click below to get started. [Get Started](https://money.com/pr/r8f5d051a297?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-background-check-sites%2F) ## What you need to know about background checks [Background checks](https://money.com/what-is-a-background-check/) are not one, but multiple processes undertaken to investigate a person’s past. These involve looking through public and private records for personal information, from identifiers like age, address and social media profiles, to more sensitive data, such as your social security number and credit history. People carry out checks for a number of reasons. You may want more information on your new next-door neighbor, for example, or to verify that your date really is who he claims to be. Alternatively, special background checks known as consumer reports may be used by [employers](https://money.com/what-do-employers-look-for-in-a-background-check/) or landlords to evaluate potential candidates and [tenants](https://money.com/how-to-run-a-background-check-on-a-tenant/). The same goes for people looking to hire domestic workers — including cleaning professionals and [nannies](https://money.com/how-to-do-a-nanny-background-check/). You can can run a test by going to a background checking site and providing a name, phone number and/or other common identifiable information. You can even do a check on yourself! Doing so will show you what others would see when looking up your profile on one of these sites — and let you dispute any inaccurate information on you. ### Types of background check searches There are two types of background checks: those that comply with FCRA guidelines on consumer reports, and those that don't. The latter are often called “people search websites” because the information found there cannot be used for the purpose of hiring employees or tenancy. Using them this way could lead to serious legal consequences. The following are popular types of searches, reports or screenings that you might see on a background screening website and what they entail. 1. **People search**, **reverse phone lookups**, **email lookups** and **address lookups** are all types of simple background checks that are typically offered by non-FCRA compliant services. They often provide the same data on a person — the information you input serves as a “key” to find their profile on a platform’s database. 2. **Criminal background checks** involve looking through watchlists, sex offender registries, and court records at the county, state, national and federal level for evidence of a criminal history, such as misdemeanors, sanctions and felonies. 3. **Verifications** mostly focus on two fields: employment and education. Employment verification consists of obtaining information about someone’s professional history to confirm their resume or job application is accurate. Education verification works much the same way, but by looking for information on someone’s credentials or degree. 4. **Position specific searches** are useful for verifying that a candidate for a job post has the necessary qualifications. For example, you may request a drug screening for a federal position, or a motor vehicle record search if you are hiring drivers. 5. **International reports** cover different types of background check but are performed to vet people coming from other parts of the world. These background checks may be offered as individual services or as part of a larger package of services. ## Latest news A [recent federal appeals court ruling](https://www.consumerfinancialserviceslawmonitor.com/2026/07/eighth-circuit-holds-consumer-reporting-agencys-reliance-on-official-court-website-satisfies-fcra-reasonable-procedures-standard) shows how errors can appear in employment background checks even when a screening company relies on official records. The case involved a job applicant whose report mistakenly included his twin brother’s speeding ticket after a state court database grouped the brothers under the same record. The Eighth Circuit ruled that the background-check company had followed reasonable procedures under the Fair Credit Reporting Act because it relied on the state’s official court website. [Washington’s expanded Fair Chance Act](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=49.94.010) requirements begin July 1 for employers with 15 or more employees, with smaller employers covered starting January 1, 2027. The law limits when employers can seek or consider criminal-history information and requires employers that disclose a post-offer background check to provide written information about applicants’ rights and the state attorney general’s Fair Chance Act guide. ## Best Background Check Sites FAQs ### What's the difference between a background check and a people search? A people search pulls public records for personal use — finding a relative, vetting a date, running a reverse phone lookup. An FCRA-compliant background check is a consumer report you can legally use for hiring, tenant screening or lending. Using a people-search site to make an employment or tenancy decision violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act and can expose you to legal liability. ### How much does a background check cost? FCRA-compliant background checks cost $25 to $100 per report — SmartMove's basic tenant check starts at $25, while comprehensive employment packages from Backgrounds Online and Checkr run $94.99 to $99.95. People-search sites work differently: most require a subscription, from $28.33 per month at TruthFinder to $36.89 at BeenVerified. Spokeo is the exception, offering per-report pricing without a membership. ### How long does a background check take? Most people-search background checks return results in minutes. FCRA-compliant background screenings — the kind employers and landlords use — take one to seven business days, depending on what you request. Instant database checks (national criminal, sex offender registry, watchlists) are fastest; county court searches, employment verification and drug screening add days because they require manual or third-party lookups. ### How far back does a background check go? Most employment background checks look back seven years. California, New York and Texas cap criminal-record reporting at seven years with limited exceptions, and credit or financial history typically goes back seven to ten years. Non-FCRA people-search sites aren't bound by those limits — their public-records data can surface addresses and records going back decades, in some cases to the 1980s. ### How do you know if you passed a background check? There's no formal "pass" — you'll typically hear from the employer or landlord with a next step. If they reject you based on the report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires them to send a pre-adverse-action notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights, then a final adverse-action notice. You have the right to dispute errors. ### Can an employer run a background check without telling you? No. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, an employer must give you a standalone written disclosure and get your written authorization before running a background check. If they take adverse action based on the report, they must also send you a copy and a summary of your rights before making the decision final. ## Methodology To pick the best background check services, we reviewed 20 background check companies based on over 40 data points grouped under the following categories: ### Cost We compared the prices of each background check platform, taking into account whether the service worked on a per-report basis or as a subscription service (or both). Price isn’t the end all be all — you get what you pay for, after all — but we favored companies with lower individual reports costs, less fees and a wider variety of plan tiers for those that had membership options. ### Features For basic background checks, or people search sites, we listed and compared the types of information each company includes in its identity verification profiles or reports, including full names, age, email, physical address and other personal identifiable information. We did the same for FCRA-compliant services, but also considered the breadth of their individual report types, such as criminal reports, driving record checks, employment verification reference checks and drug testing. We favored companies that offered a greater number of these in addition to industry packages and add-ons like global watchlist searches. ### Reputation Many companies in the background checks industry have been the subject of legal actions, mostly relating to privacy. We carefully evaluated lawsuits found during our searches and highlighted those that were particularly relevant to consumers or involved regulatory violations. Do note that this research is not based on a comprehensive review of court records. ### Customer experience We evaluated each background check site’s user interface on web browsers and mobile apps (when applicable) to determine if they were easy to navigate and provided key information useful to consumers. Then, to see what customers had to say about each company we researched and read customer service reviews on the Better Business Bureau’s site. ## Summary of our top picks #### People search background check sites - [TruthFinder](#truth) - Best Background Check Site Overall - [Instant Checkmate](#instant) - Best for Unlimited Reports - [BeenVerified](#been) - Best for Vehicle Searches - [Spokeo](#spokeo) - Best for Budget Searches #### FCRA-compliant background screening sites - [Backgrounds Online](https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/#backgroundsonline) - Best Background Screening Site Overall - [Checkr](#checkr) - Best for Pre-employment Screenings - [TransUnion SmartMove](#TransUnion) - Best for Tenant Screenings - [GoodHire](#GoodHire) - Best for Small Businesses ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Professional Services", "item": "https://money.com/professional-services/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Background Checks", "item": "https://money.com/background-checks/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "8 Best Background Check Sites of September 2026" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/", "name": "8 Best Background Check Sites of September 2026", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2026-09-02T12:52:41.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/best-background-check-sites/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2026-09-02T12:52:41.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "8 Best Background Check Sites of September 2026", "articleSection": "Professional Services", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2022/11/Best-2022-Background-Check-Site.jpg?quality=85", "width": 2891, "height": 1927 } ], "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gabriel O. 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