Checkr is a background check provider that provides fast and simple compliance screenings for global enterprises, startups, and SMBs using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Its basic plan starts at $29.99/check, with add-ons such as criminal record checks, employment history verification, and drug screening available.
With a 4.79 out of 5, Checkr earned the top spot in our guide to the best background check companies because of its reasonable pricing and robust functionalities. It offers international screenings in more than 200 countries and reports accessible to both employers and applicants.
Checkr Overview
Pros
- Automated process
- User-friendly
- International screenings in 200+ countries
- Onsite drug testing
- Can run multiple results
Cons
- Occasional delay in results
- Customer service is slow
- No notifications
Top Checkr Alternatives Compared
Best For | Starter Monthly Fees | Our Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Businesses hiring internationally | $29.99/check | |
 | Businesses looking for a cheaper alternative | $25/check | |
 | Companies looking for industry-specific background checks | $29.95/screening | No Review Yet |
 | Businesses looking for an instant background check | $33.15/check | |
For some practical tips on hiring the right employees, read our article on how to hire employees.
Checkr Deciding Factors
Supported Business Types | Businesses conducting bulk background checks |
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Pricing |
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International Background Checks |
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Paid Add-ons |
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Standout Features |
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Ease of Use | Checkr has both a desktop and mobile version which allows candidates to input their information wherever they are |
Customer Support | Email, help desk, FAQs, forum, knowledge base, phone support |
Checkr received a perfect score in this criterion because its starting price is less than $30. It also does not require any setup fees and has transparent pricing. Below is a comparison of each Checkr plan as well as the add-ons it provides:
Background checks ensure that you are getting the right types of employees—and Checkr’s screening process does not disappoint. It received a 4.38 out of 5 rating because it offers additional niche background checks, has international, national, and local searches, and provides robust employee screening options. However, the occasional delays in the results prevented it from having a perfect score.
Checkr customer dashboard allows employers to manage applicant information easily. (Source: Checkr)
Below are some of the background check services that Checkr offers. Note that these are add-ons to the primary packages Checkr offers.
- Criminal Background Check: Checkr searches county, state, and federal courts to check whether the applicant has a criminal record within the last seven years before the job application.
- Professional License Checks: This service allows employers to verify the eligibility of a candidate’s professional credentials, especially in regulated or highly specialized industries.
- Civil Screenings: Checkr searches both county and federal court records to check whether their candidate has been named a plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit.
- Drug Testing: Checkr has added onsite drug testing, allowing employers to get an immediate result. This Checkr feature is especially helpful if the candidate lives in an area with low clinic availability. It’s also useful when deciding to hire someone on the spot.
- Healthcare Sanctions: Checkr uses Fraud Abuse Control Information System (FACIS) levels 1 and 3 when verifying a person in the healthcare field. The verification ensures that the medical practitioner has no record of adverse actions.
- International Background Checks: This feature includes verification of a person’s criminal record, educational and professional licenses, driving records, and many more. Checkr recently added live online verification of candidates who reside in Wales and England, as well as MVR checks in Canada.
Checkr received a perfect score for compliance because of the safety measures it placed in each of its verification processes. It automates the process to lessen the error of manual work and allows employers to approve eligible candidates automatically.
Checkr uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to provide estimated completion times for background check reports. It considers factors such as the type of background check being conducted, the sources of information being used, and the current workload of the Checkr team. The algorithm is also designed to learn from historical data to improve its accuracy over time. However, the accuracy of these predictions can vary depending on various factors.
Checkr helps organizations comply with the Ban the Box laws by providing them with tools to remove questions related to criminal history on job applications.
The matrix uses a set of predetermined criteria to analyze an individual’s criminal record and determine whether they pose a risk to the organization.
The positive adjudication matrix evaluates several factors, including the type and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since the offense, and the number of offenses. Based on these factors, Checkr assigns a score to the candidate that reflects their level of risk to the organization.
The positive adjudication matrix determines an individual’s eligibility for access to classified information. (Source: Checkr)
This is sent to an organization before it takes adverse action against a job applicant or current employee based on the results of a background check. Adverse action can include denying employment or terminating employment.
The pre-adverse action notice includes a copy of the background check report, a summary of the individual’s rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and instructions for the recipient to take further action. The notice is intended to allow the recipient to review the information in the report and provide an opportunity for the individual to dispute any inaccuracies.
A pre-adverse action notice is to provide the individual with an opportunity to review and dispute any inaccuracies or incomplete information in its background report. (Source: Checkr)
Checkr gets another perfect score in its reporting capabilities because it puts into account local, federal, and state laws. This ensures that all background check reports are aligned with FCRA and other regulatory requirements. It only includes information in its reports that is allowed by law and excludes prohibited information. This helps organizations make informed decisions about hiring and ensures that they comply with legal requirements.
Checkr got a 4.63 out 5 rating on ease of use—it would have gotten a perfect score had it offered live chat support. However, it has phone support and an extensive knowledge base. It also has an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, even for users who are not tech-savvy. The platform is well-organized, with clear menus and instructions, making it easy for users to find what they need.
Overall, Checkr’s ease of use is a significant advantage for organizations that must manage their background check process efficiently and effectively. The platform is user-friendly, customizable, and supported by a responsive customer support team, making it a great choice for organizations of all sizes and industries.
We checked top third-party review websites like G2 and Capterra, and Checkr.com reviews are largely positive. Also, reviewers using Checkr’s general background check service are satisfied, citing only minor issues.
Most positive reviews about Checkr include its ease of use, simple design, and international checks. Those who left negative reviews dislike the occasional delay in results and that they don’t receive any notifications when a candidate responds to the invite.
- G2: 4.5 out of 5 based on 230+ reviews
- Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 based on 265+ reviews
How We Evaluated Checkr
We looked at Checkr’s general background check functionality, reporting capabilities, and compliance features. Providers that offer special screenings like drug testing and international checks received a higher score. We also considered popularity, ease of use, and pricing in the evaluation process.
Click through each tab to look at the details of our evaluation:
15% of Overall Score
We looked at pricing and gave higher points for providers with plans starting at less than $30 per search and those with transparent pricing. Providers with no setup or membership fees also score; higher in our evaluation.
25% of Overall Score
In our evaluation, we looked at providers with fast turnaround times, robust employee screening options, and niche background check services (such as motor vehicle records, drug screening, credit checks, and licensure checks). Extra points were also given to providers with communication tools for both applicants and employers
20% of Overall Score
FCRA compliance means a provider must perform background checks that are transparent, accurate, and fair to applicants. This means getting the applicants’ consent before the screening tests, allowing candidates to dispute inaccuracies in reports, and providing tools for handling pre-adverse and adverse action notices.
15% of Overall Score
For this criterion, we gave points to providers that allow easy tracking of a background check status for both applicants and employers. To get a perfect score in this criterion, a platform should be easy to use and mobile-friendly, allow integration with HR software, offer bulk ordering tools, and have live support via chat and phone.
10% of Overall Score
We gave higher points for companies that have more than 100 user reviews, without complaints of report inaccuracies, and more than 4.5 out of 5 scores on review sites (like G2 and Capterra).
15% of Overall Score
In our evaluation, we gave points to providers that offer FCRA-compliant reports and allow both employers and candidates to access their background check reports online.
Checkr Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Chekr has a Privacy Shield certification, which means that it has met all the requirements set by the US Department of Commerce.
Checkr has the capacity to conduct background checks in more than 200 countries. It also has a database of global watchlist and criminal record checks.
Yes. Checkr uses machine learning and algorithmic matching for its background checks. Within a short period of time, it can sort and assign records to candidates. It also has a team that performs quality checks to identify and correct any errors to the report, if any.
Checkr uses the highest encryption technology to transfer and store its data. It also complies with several certified security standards, including SOC 2 Type II and ISO/IEC 270012013.
Bottom Line
Checkr’s platform is designed to automate many background check processes, such as order placement, candidate communication, and report delivery. This reduces the time and effort required to manage the background check process, making it more efficient and streamlined.
