How Much Do Background Checks Cost? (+ 5 Best Software)

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Background checks are a key part of the hiring process for many organizations. They help employers verify the information provided by job candidates and make sure there are no red flags in their history.

The question is, how much do background checks cost? The price varies depending on several factors, including the type of check being conducted, the depth of the search, and the service provider chosen.

In this article, we will discuss these costs in detail and help you understand what goes into the pricing of background checks. We will also cover the top companies that can help you save on costs while getting a reliable background check.

What Are the Types of Background Checks?

Background checks vary depending on the needs of the employer or organization. Each type of background check provides information to help assess a candidate’s suitability.

Employment and Education Verification

Employment and education verification checks confirm that a candidate’s education and employment history information is accurate. This process helps employers avoid hiring candidates who may have misrepresented their qualifications. Employers use these checks to verify the following:

Degrees
Diplomas
Past job roles

Credit Background Checks

Credit background checks are used in industries where financial responsibility is key, such as banking and insurance. These checks provide insights into candidates’ economic history, including:

Credit score
Outstanding debts
Payment history

Criminal Background Checks

Criminal background checks uncover any criminal records a candidate may have. These checks are particularly important for roles that involve significant trust. It could be for positions in finance, security, or those working with vulnerable populations.

Driving Record Checks

Driving record checks assess the driving history of candidates applying for roles that involve operating vehicles. These checks examine the candidate’s driving history, such as:

Traffic violations
Accidents
License suspensions

How Much Does Each Type of Background Check Cost?

The cost varies depending on the type of check and the information needed. Here’s a brief overview of the costs associated with different types of background checks.

Education Background Check Costs

Education background checks generally range from $10 to $75, depending on the level of verification required. A basic check might confirm degree completion, while a more detailed check could include verifying multiple degrees or checking with international institutions.

Employment Background Check Costs

Pre-employment background checks typically cost between $30 and $80. A basic employee background check covering employment history and education verification is on the lower end, while adding professional license verification or criminal background checks increases the cost.

Credit Background Check Costs

Credit background checks generally cost between $20 and $50. These checks, regulated by the Credit Reporting Act, review a candidate’s credit report, including credit score, debts, and financial issues like tax liens.

Criminal Records Check Costs

Criminal background checks range from $20 to $100. Local or state-level checks are less expensive, while comprehensive searches, including federal records and county-level checks, can cost more.

Adding searches in the sex offender registry or extending the criminal database checks to cover the past seven years may also increase the cost.

Driving Record Check Costs

Driving record checks typically cost between $10 and $30. These checks provide details on a candidate’s driving history, including traffic violations and driving under the influence (DUI) records. Costs can vary by state or region, with some areas charging more for access to certain records.

Comprehensive Background Check Costs

A comprehensive background check that includes employment verification, criminal background checks, credit background checks, and driving records can cost between $100 and $300.

These checks are often used for higher-risk positions where thorough screening is needed. The higher the cost, the more components included, such as civil court records or public records databases.

What Factors Influence Background Check Costs?

Several factors influence the cost of a background check. Below are the five key factors determining how much a background check costs.

Type of Background Check

The type of background check is a major factor in determining the cost. The more detailed and extensive the background screening, the higher the background check cost.

For instance, a basic employment background check that verifies employment history and education verification costs less than a comprehensive background check that includes criminal background checks with federal records and state searches.

Depth and Scope of the Check

The depth and scope of the background check process significantly affect the cost. For example, a basic check might only cover local records, while a more in-depth check could include:

Civil court records
Tax liens
Criminal records from multiple regions

Federal law and public records databases also play a part in the search’s complexity. Conducting background checks requiring state searches or multiple databases will increase the cost. Some checks may cover the past seven years of history, which can also add to the overall price.

Geographic Location

The geographic location where the background check is conducted affects the cost. County-level records, state searches, and even international searches can result in higher background check costs due to varying access fees and processing charges.

Volume of Background Checks

The cost also depends on the number of background screenings a company must conduct. Companies that perform background checks on many job candidates or potential employees often benefit from bulk pricing.

Turnaround Time

The speed at which the background report is needed can affect the cost of a background check. Instant results are available for some checks but often come with additional fees. Organizations must consider the balance between price and the need for quick hiring decisions.

5 Best Background Check Companies to Save on Costs

Selecting the right background check service provider can help organizations manage costs without sacrificing quality.

Check out the top background check service providers known for offering affordable services.

1. Stellar Background Checks

Stellar Background Checks provides background screening services, including criminal record checks, employment and education verification, drug testing, and social media screenings. We also offer international background checks to screen candidates across different regions.

Stellar’s fast turnaround times, typically within one to three days, and dedicated customer service make it useful when seeking accurate background checks and timely reports.

We offer five distinct packages to fit a variety of screening needs:

Standard Package ($35): Includes SSN trace, criminal searches, and basic checks
Bronze Package ($54): Adds education and employment verification to the Standard package
Silver Package ($99): Includes a 10-panel drug test
Gold Package ($104): Expands with driving history and financial background checks
Platinum Package ($119): Offers complete coverage, including federal criminal search

We also offer a pay-as-you-go model without long-term contracts. Our user-friendly client portal even lets you monitor background check results as they are processed.

Key Features:

Full range of background check services
Quick turnaround times
Variety of packages at different price points

Fill out this form to connect with top talent through Stellar Background Checks.

2. Checkr

Source: Checkr

Checkr uses advanced technology to offer quick and reliable background check services. It provides options like criminal record searches, education and employment history checks, drug tests, and additional screening features.

Checkr has flexible pricing with three main tiers:

Basic+ (starting from $29.99 per check): Includes SSN trace, sex offender registry, global watchlist, and national criminal record search. An optional county criminal search is available for an additional $15.
Essential (starting from $54.99 per check): Adds a county criminal search to the standard checks, allowing for a more in-depth review.
Professional (starting from $79.99 per check): Includes education and employment verification, suitable for roles needing additional background detail.

Its automated platform integrates with HR systems, efficiently supporting high volumes of background checks. It also includes workforce monitoring, so employers receive updates on employee background changes post-hiring.

Key Features:

Global watchlist search included
Automated platform with HR integration
Flexible pricing options

3. HireRight

Source: HireRight

HireRight provides background check services designed for international hiring needs. It offers global reach and compliance with local regulations. Custom pricing is available based on selected services and volume requirements.

HireRight offers several packages:

Instant Criminal+ ($36.47): Covers criminal record checks, sex offender registry searches, and SSN validation. County-level searches are not included.
Instant Criminal+ Local County ($54.95): Includes one county-level search in addition to the checks in Instant Criminal+. Results typically arrive within one to three days.
Instant Criminal+ All Counties ($76.95): Includes multiple county-level searches, criminal record checks, sex offender registry searches, and SSN validation, with results delivered in one to three days.

Its services include criminal record checks, employment verifications, and drug testing. The platform integrates with various applicant tracking systems (ATS), supporting workflow efficiency.

Key Features:

Multiple pricing packages to fit different needs
Global screening with local compliance
Industry-specific reporting options

4. GoodHire

Source: GoodHire

GoodHire offers customizable background screening packages to support businesses of various sizes. The platform prioritizes FCRA compliance and provides options like criminal background checks, education verification, drug testing, and reference checks.

GoodHire’s packages include:

Basic+ (starting at $29.99 per check): Includes SSN trace, sex offender registry search, global watchlist records, and national criminal records.
Essential (starting at $54.99 per check): Expands on the Basic+ package with unlimited county criminal searches.
Professional (starting at $79.99 per check): Adds education verification and employment history checks to the Essential package.

The platform also features a straightforward interface without complex setups, simplifying background check management for employers. Its candidate portal allows individuals to access and dispute their reports, adding transparency to the screening process.

Key Features:

Transparent pricing with flexible options
Focus on FCRA compliance
User-friendly platform interface

5. Veremark

Source: Veremark

Veremark provides background check packages to suit different hiring requirements. Packages range from basic identity checks to comprehensive screenings, catering to entry-level positions, mid-level professionals, and senior executives.

Veremark’s packages include:

Essential Package ($24 per candidate): Covers basic identity checks and reference checks, suitable for entry-level or standard hires.
Professional Package ($142 per candidate): Includes employment verification (covering the past 3 years), basic criminal checks, and social media screening for a more detailed review.
Executive Package ($303 per candidate): Designed for senior-level hires, this package includes employment verification (covering the past five years), unlimited criminal checks, drug testing, and global sanctions checks.

It is fully compliant with GDPR and PDPA regulations to maintain a secure and efficient background screening

Key Features:

Screening tailored for both standard and senior hires
Multiple packages to fit different roles and needs
Options for identity, employment, and criminal checks

Why Do Companies Run Background Checks?

How much does a background check cost? This question is common in hiring, but understanding why companies conduct a background check is the first step in assessing these costs.

Protect Safety and Security

Organizations conduct background checks to protect their employees, clients, and resources. For instance, a criminal background check can uncover criminal records that might disqualify a candidate from roles that involve sensitive information.

Legal Compliance and the Fair Credit Reporting Act

Background checks are not only about safety but also about meeting legal requirements. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that sets rules for how background checks should be conducted in the United States.

The FCRA shows how employers can use background check information to ensure that job applicants are treated fairly. The act also mandates that candidates be notified if an adverse decision is made based on their background check.

Build Trust and Confidence

Background checks help organizations build trust and confidence by verifying a candidate’s employment history, education, and professional licenses. These checks help companies comply with industry standards and protect their reputations.

It includes searches of:

Civil court records
Tax liens
Sex offender registry databases

Maintain Integrity

Running background checks is necessary to maintain an organization’s integrity. For example, if a company hires employees who will handle large sums of money, it must check for any history of financial misconduct.

Informed Hiring Decisions

The purpose of background checks is to provide employers with the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. This includes assessing a candidate’s suitability for the role. It evaluates any risks they might present.

Make the Winning Hire With Stellar Background Checks

Stellar Background Checks helps companies make the winning hire with our comprehensive background check services.

We prioritize speed, accuracy, and compliance when generating background check reports to ensure you make confident hiring decisions.

Onboard top-tier talent quickly by filling out this form or contacting us at 1-800-301-4140.

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