5 Best Background Check Services for Employers in 2024

The proper background check service can make the difference between a seamless hiring process and an issue that jeopardizes your company’s reputation and security. For employers and HR teams, 2024 poses new challenges in finding services updated with the latest compliance requirements and providing comprehensive and quick results.

Explore five of the best background check services tailored to the needs of employers, with a focus on their key offerings, unique features, and the nitty-gritty details that could make all the difference for your business.

Top 5 Background Check Services for Employers

Making the correct choice among many options can be overwhelming. Here’s a detailed look at the top service providers you can trust:

1. ScoutLogic

ScoutLogic prides itself on its unique and dedicated approach to background checks, simplifying employers’ screening process without compromising depth and accuracy. Rather than utilizing AI that puts your compliance at risk, ScoutLogic is committed to providing outstanding service by assigning highly-trained Scouts to specific accounts to perform background checks and get to know the candidates. This approach offers proactive client support, faster checks, a lower dispute rate than other companies, a higher verification success rate, and much more.

As an Accredited Background Check Company, ScoutLogic continuously meets strict and thorough industry and compliance standards.

Types of Checks Offered

• Employment Credit
• Criminal Searches
• Drug Testing
• Occupational Health
• Social Media
• Employment Verification
• Education Verification
• Healthcare
• Driving Records
• Civil Records
• Sex Offender Background Check
• Bulk Check
• Professional License
• MVR
• I9
• DOT Solutions

Key Features

• Dedicated service model with assigned Scouts
• Simple user interface
• Package changes in less than 24 hours
• World-class, proactive customer support

Pros

• Proactive “Scout Model”
• Transparent and flexible pricing model
• Highly communicative
• Lower dispute rate
• High verification success rate

Cons

• No “unlimited” packages available
• One-time setup fee for new clients, but can be waived if qualifying requirements are met

2. HireRight

HireRight is known for its extensive screening options for SMEs and even global businesses, providing industry-specific pre-made packages with add-ons available to customize the service further. It also offers one-off single criminal background checks through its alternative self-service option for those only hiring one person at a time.

Types of Checks Offered

• Criminal background checks
• Financial background checks
• Education and employment verification
• Identity information checks
• Credential verification
• Drug/health screenings
• Sanctions/exclusions
• MVR Checks
• Tax credit screening
• Executive intelligence searches
• Global checks

Key Features

• Minimize organizational risk with compliance tools
• Post-Hiring monitoring features
• ATS integrations for a seamless recruitment process

Pros

• Training options available after hiring
• Comprehensive API for extensive third-party integrations
• Centralized dashboard for end-users and employers

Cons

• Lacking in customer service
• Slow turnaround
• Unreasonable candidate expectations

3. AccurateNow

AccurateNow is a service designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes by offering a self-service option for companies that need less than 100 checks and an enterprise option for higher-volume hiring. Each solution comes with built-in compliance tools for local, state, and federal regulations, keeping employers covered. It also provides preset or customized background check options for various business needs.

Types of Checks Offered

• Credit Checks
• Driving history checks
• Criminal background checks
• Drug/health screenings
• Criminal record monitoring
• i9 verification
• Global searches
• Sanction screening
• Identity management services
• Education/employment screening
• Professional license verification

Key Features

• API integrations with web or mobile applications
• Candidate portal optimized for mobile
• Easy to make high-volume orders

Pros

• You can order additional checks to customize packages
• Simple, customizable, and user-friendly dashboard
• Competitive pricing

Cons

• Background check delays
• Lengthy process to set up accounts and checks
• Must choose the most expensive plan for education and employment verifications

4. Checkr

Checkr aims to modernize the background check industry with a fast, safe, and smooth screening experience. Speed is a top priority, with 84% of checks ready in less than 15 minutes thanks to predetermined workflows and streamlined, modern tech. Checkr takes an automated approach rather than relying on researchers, which is ideal for some candidates who consider speed more valuable than personalized service. Checker customers say that using their services simplifies daily work.

Types of Checks Offered

• Criminal background checks
• Employment verification
• Sex offender registry searches
• Drug testing
• Driving record checks
• Healthcare checks
• Transportation checks
• Education verification
• International background checks
• Global watchlist
• Civil searches
• Reference Checks
• Trust and safety screenings
• I9 verification
• Continuous checks

Key Features

• Fast turnaround time, many within 15 minutes
• Uses machine learning to deliver accurate reports faster
• Integrates with existing systems
• Utilizes compliance tools

Pros

• Streamlined user interface and candidate experience
• Scalable API for seamless integration with any HR tech stack

Cons

• No dedicated agents on your account; all are run by AI
• Less human oversight could lead to occasional false results

5. First Advantage

The flexibility of the screening options that First Advantage offers allows hiring teams like yours to customize the best types of checks for your company. They also provide industry-specific packages aligned with each vertical’s needs with built-in compliance management tools to reduce your overall risk. Plus, for companies looking for expanded onboarding services, First Advantage can help get new employees ready to go sooner after approved screening results.

Types of Checks Offered

• Criminal background checks
• Sex offender registry searches
• Professional license and credential verification
• International background checks
• Employment and education verification
• I9 verification
• Drug and alcohol testing
• MVR searches
• Reference checks
• Credit checks

Key Features

• Integrates with standard applicant tracking systems for streamlined use
• Proprietary technology that enhances the screening process, prioritizing mobile workflows for candidates
• The diagnostic dashboard analyzes the effectiveness of screening programs

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Competitive pricing
• Free demo available

Cons

• Doesn’t integrate well into other screening apps
• Reports of delayed results for some more complex checks and verifications
• Customer support can be lacking

What Should an Employer Look For in a Background Check Service?

Employers should consider several factors when picking a background check service. From compliance and reasonable turnaround to customization of services and customer support, here’s what to consider when evaluating the best background check service for your company:

Compliance and Accuracy

Any background check service must be legally compliant and provide highly accurate information. A single mistake in the sourcing or processing of data can lead to severe repercussions for your hiring decisions and your company’s reputation. Look for features like built-in compliance controls and dispute resolution services.

A key here is to check that the company is compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which means that the data they use is legally allowable to determine employment eligibility. Any non-FCRA-compliant information could open your company’s employment decisions to litigation.

For example, if a service uses a mugshot that is eight years old and you, as the employer, decide not to hire that candidate based on that information, you put yourself at risk because the data provided is not FCRA compliant. This is for many reasons:

• A non-conviction criminal history can only be reported in background checks for up to seven years; once it passes the eight-year mark, it’s no longer eligible.
• The image might not contain enough information to personally identify the candidate in question, leaving the possibility that it’s not a correct match.
• The image could be related to an arrest or conviction later expunged, in which case the information can’t be used to determine employment decisions.

Turnaround Time

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses can’t afford to wait weeks for background check results. Look for services that offer fast turnaround times – but check company reviews to ensure that speed won’t compromise the thoroughness of the checks.

Customization

The screening needs of each business are unique. A good background check service should offer the flexibility to tailor services to your specific industry and role requirements. If a screening company only offers predetermined packages, you might have to pay for services you don’t need or be missing checks your company requires.

Volume Capacity

For companies that need to hire a large volume of employees, such as large enterprises or global companies, ensure the screening company of your choosing can handle the capacity you’re looking for. Some are designed for large-volume and bulk orders, while other providers focus on serving individual hirings or smaller groups. Services that provide subscriptions for ongoing hiring can also be helpful if you expect many hires over a long period.

Candidate Experience

The screening process reflects on your brand as an employer. Services with a seamless, efficient, transparent, and user-friendly candidate experience will enhance your company’s reputation as an employer of choice. Look for good user experience and mobile-first dashboards to make the process easy for them.

Customer Support

No matter how user-friendly a service is, questions and issues can arise. A responsive customer support team that understands your needs is indispensable. ScoutLogic, for example, pairs your account with a dedicated agent to ensure someone is always available to help with any questions or concerns that come up along the way.

Realistic Claims

You may see certain background check services that claim they can provide you with a national or multi-jurisdictional search for employee background checks. However, no national registry can provide current and accurate information for every jurisdiction in the country. Federal crime databases are also not searchable by social security number or birth date, so any company making these claims is being ingenuine.

Always look for a reliable company that provides realistic claims in terms of the kinds of results they can provide

Final Thoughts

Selecting the best background check service for your business requires careful consideration. It’s about finding a service that aligns with your hiring philosophy and process efficiency and protects your company’s interests.

ScoutLogic is committed to dedicated and human-led research and service, high-level customer support, and various customizable solutions. With a transparent and flexible pricing model and a proven track record of accuracy and compliance, ScoutLogic’s background check services could be ideal for your screening needs in 2024.

David Garcia

David Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Scout Logic, is an industry leader in the bulk background check world. With his strategic acumen and expertise in the HR sphere, specifically in hiring, recruiting, legal compliance, background checks, and resume screening, he’s an invaluable asset and consultant.

David's counsel extends across the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io, drawing from his impactful stints on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. With an extensive 25-year journey, he champions unparalleled B2B commercial leadership within data & analytics, significantly shaping the HR landscape.