Search Billions of Public Records
Paid memberships include unlimited reports with in-depth results in just a few clicks!
Each service draws from public records. Coverage varies by provider.
Current name, maiden names, prior aliases, and known nicknames.
Current and prior addresses, often back two decades or more.
Phone numbers, email addresses, and linked social-media profiles.
Public court filings, criminal records, traffic violations, registries.
None of the services on this page are consumer reporting agencies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Reports may not be used for employment, credit, insurance, or tenant-screening decisions. For personal and informational use only.
Ranked by record-set depth, refund policy, and report turnaround. Editor's Pick first.
Paid memberships include unlimited reports with in-depth results in just a few clicks!
Paid memberships include unlimited reports with in-depth results in just a few clicks!
Common reasons readers run a search — sourced from Money's background-check explainer.
People searches can be used to learn more about potential dates or partners.
Searches can also be used to learn more about neighbors before you reach out.
People searches can be used to find long-lost relatives.
Employers, landlords and other people may request your background check when you apply for something.
Money's editorial team independently evaluated 6 background check and people-search services. We scored each on four weighted criteria and re-verify the list quarterly:
How money and rank relate: Several providers shown are advertising partners and we may earn a referral fee when you click or call. Compensation can affect placement, but it does not change our editorial scores or the criteria above. Read our full advertising disclosure.
TruthFinder ranked #1 across record-set depth, turnaround, and refund clarity. Used by the majority of our visitors.
View Editor's PickYes, when used for personal or informational purposes. Public-record searches are legal across all 50 states. They cannot be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, or insurance — those require a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)-compliant service.
Reports are aggregated from public-record sources updated continuously. Names, ages, and prior addresses tend to be highly accurate; phone numbers, emails, and social profiles can be older.
A standard report builds in under 4 minutes from the moment you confirm the match. Deeper reports — like those that pull in court records — can take up to 10 minutes.
Monthly pricing across these services typically ranges from about $20 to $35. Most include unlimited reports and a money-back guarantee on the top picks.
No. Searches are private and the person you look up is not notified.
We weighted record-set depth, mobile-app availability, refund policy, and report turnaround. The top-ranked service appears first as our Editor's Pick.