Are you one of the millions of Americans who have needed to look into someone‘s background recently? Perhaps you‘re screening a new tenant for your rental property, hiring a caregiver for an elderly relative, or even just curious about a new online acquaintance. Whatever your reasons, you‘re not alone—background checks have become an essential tool for many people in today‘s digital age.
But here‘s the catch: most reputable background check services aren‘t free. In fact, many of them can be quite pricey, with some charging upwards of $50 for a single report. So what‘s a budget-conscious truth-seeker to do?
Enter the "free trial" background check. You‘ve probably seen these offers while searching online: "Free Background Check!" "Instant Results, No Credit Card Required!" They sound tempting, but are they legit? Can you really get a comprehensive background report without spending a dime?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll expose the truth behind these "free" offers and introduce you to a better alternative: the $1 trial. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you can unlock full access to leading background check services and uncover the information you need. We‘ll also reveal our top pick for value and accuracy: InfoTracer.
So buckle up and get ready to become a savvy background check shopper. By the end of this guide, you‘ll know exactly how to get the most bang for your buck (literally!) and find the answers you‘re looking for with confidence.
Are "Free" Background Check Trials Really Free?
We hate to burst your bubble, but the vast majority of "free trial" background checks aren‘t actually free. Here‘s how it usually works:
- You see an ad or search result promising a free background report.
- You click through to the service and enter the name and location of your search subject.
- You‘re presented with some very basic information, like the person‘s age and possible relatives, to show the service has a record of them.
- To access the full report, you‘re prompted to create an account and provide your payment info for a "membership" or "subscription."
- If you read the fine print, you‘ll see that you‘re actually signing up for a trial that converts to a paid plan (typically $20-$40 per month) unless you cancel within a certain timeframe.
So while you may not be charged immediately, these "free" trials are essentially just a sneaky way to get you in the door for a recurring subscription. And if you forget to cancel in time, you could find yourself on the hook for some substantial fees.
But wait, there‘s good news! A small handful of top background check services offer genuine $1 trials. For just one dollar (about the cost of a McChicken), you can get full access to their databases for a limited time, typically 5-7 days. These trials still require payment info, but they give you complete search capabilities for a nominal fee that‘s clearly advertised up front.
In our opinion, these ultra-low-cost paid trials are the way to go. You get full transparency on the cost, complete search features, and enough time to conduct multiple searches if needed. Plus, since you have to enter payment info anyway, you‘re more likely to remember to cancel if you don‘t want to keep the service.
Free Background Check Alternatives
Of course, you can always try to cobble together your own background report using free online resources. But be warned: this can be a painstaking, time-consuming process that often yields incomplete or outdated results.
First, you‘ll need to identify all the relevant public records databases for your search subject‘s locations. This could include county court records, state criminal records, property records, and more. Many of these databases have clunky, outdated search interfaces that can be frustrating to navigate.
You‘ll also likely encounter many gaps in the online records. Not all jurisdictions have digitized their public records, and even fewer have made them available for free online searches. You may need to contact courthouses or government offices directly to request records, which can involve fees and long processing times.
Some free resources that can help supplement your search:
- PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records): A fee-based system for federal court records, but fees are waived if you rack up less than $30 in a quarter.
- National Sex Offender Public Website: A free searchable database of registered sex offenders across all 50 states.
- Social media searches: While they shouldn‘t be solely relied upon, looking up your subject on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can provide some additional context.
Ultimately, conducting your own background check requires a lot of time, patience, and persistence. You may be able to find some of the pieces of the puzzle, but you‘re unlikely to get the full picture without the aid of a professional research service.
Top 5 Low-Cost Background Check Trials
Ready to unlock the full power of a background check service without committing to a pricey monthly plan? Check out our top picks for thorough, reputable services with $1-$3 trial offers.
1. InfoTracer: Best Overall Value
Our top recommendation for an affordable, full-featured background check trial is InfoTracer. For just $2.95, you get a full 7 days of unlimited searches backed by one of the industry‘s most comprehensive databases.
InfoTracer scans over 2 billion public records across all 50 states, drawing from sources like:
- Criminal and civil court records
- Arrest records, warrants, and sex offender lists
- Property ownership, liens, and foreclosure records
- Utility records and phone/address history
- Social media profiles and online mentions
One thing that sets InfoTracer apart is its deep search algorithm that can uncover hard-to-find records other services might miss. It also offers unique search options like phone lookup, email lookup, and license plate search for a more targeted investigation. The detailed reports are clearly organized and easy to understand.
While InfoTracer is affordably priced, it doesn‘t skimp on quality or features. Its data is regularly updated and verified, and its flexible search options and intuitive interface make it a top choice for both novice and experienced background checkers. We think the $2.95 trial offers unbeatable value for anyone in need of comprehensive background intel.
2. BeenVerified
BeenVerified is another reputable background check service that offers a 7-day trial for $1. With over 10 years in business, BeenVerified has built up an extensive database that includes criminal records, property records, social media data, and more.
Some advantages of BeenVerified:
- Intuitive, user-friendly dashboard
- Mobile apps for background checks on the go
- Helpful customer support team
3. TruthFinder
TruthFinder has made a name for itself with its eye-catching, dramatic marketing. But behind the hype, it‘s a legitimate service with some unique perks, all accessible with a $1 5-day trial.
What we like about TruthFinder:
- Attractive, easy-to-read report layout
- Deep web searches for harder-to-find info
- Optional $2 download fee for unlimited report downloads
4. Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate is a popular service that has been featured on major news outlets like CNN and MSNBC. Its $1 5-day premium trial includes unlimited searches and downloadable reports.
Notable features:
- Detailed criminal history and sex offender info
- Social media searches that include profiles, usernames, and photos
- Printable PDF reports
5. Intelius
Intelius is one of the longest-running online background check services. Its basic people search trial is just $0.95 for 7 days of unlimited searches. It also offers a unique "Connections" feature that maps out visual links between people based on relatives, associates, and shared addresses.
The key differences between these five low-cost trials are summarized in the table below:
| Service | Trial Cost | Trial Length | Search Limit | Downloadable Reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InfoTracer | $2.95 | 7 days | Unlimited | Yes |
| BeenVerified | $1.00 | 7 days | Unlimited | Yes |
| TruthFinder | $1.00 | 5 days | Unlimited | $2 fee |
| Instant Checkmate | $1.00 | 5 days | Unlimited | Yes |
| Intelius | $0.95 | 7 days | Unlimited | No |
As you can see, all of these trials offer a full week (or close to it) of unlimited searches for just a few bucks. The main differences are in the specific data sources each service pulls from and minor variations in features like downloadable reports. We think InfoTracer offers the most bang for your buck, but any of these trials can be a great way to dip your toe in the background check waters.
The Importance of Vetting Your Background Check Provider
While cost is certainly a factor when choosing a background check service, it shouldn‘t be your only consideration. After all, you‘re entrusting this company with sensitive personal information about yourself and others. Here are a few key things to look for beyond the price tag:
-
Accuracy and up-to-date records. Look for a provider that regularly updates their database and uses reliable primary sources for data. Avoid services that simply scrape information from other online databases without verifying it.
-
Transparent policies. A reputable provider will clearly explain what data they collect, how they use it, and how you can opt out or request corrections. They should also disclose any third parties they share data with.
-
Security safeguards. Background check firms handle a lot of sensitive info, so make sure they use industry-standard encryption and access controls to keep your data safe. Look for security badges and certifications on their website.
-
Customer support. If you have questions or run into issues with your search, it‘s important to have a knowledgeable support team to turn to. Check reviews to see how responsive and helpful the company‘s support is.
While the $1-$3 trials we‘ve highlighted all come from vetted, well-established firms, it‘s always a good idea to do your own research as well. Check the company‘s Better Business Bureau rating, read customer reviews, and make sure you fully understand the terms of the trial before signing up.
Conclusion
Background checks have become a necessary fact of life for many people, whether you‘re screening tenants, hiring employees, or just looking up an online date. But that doesn‘t mean you have to break the bank to get the information you need.
As we‘ve shown, "free" background check trials are rarely truly free—but that doesn‘t mean you have to spend a lot to access these services. With $1-$3 trials from reputable providers, you can unlock a treasure trove of public records data without committing to an expensive monthly plan.
Our top pick for a low-cost, high-value trial is InfoTracer. For less than the cost of a gallon of gas, you get a full week of unlimited searches backed by one of the most robust databases and search algorithms in the industry. But any of the five trials we‘ve highlighted can be a great option depending on your specific needs.
The key is to go in with your eyes wide open. Read the fine print, understand what you‘re signing up for, and be sure to cancel before the trial automatically converts to a monthly plan if you don‘t want to keep the service. And of course, always vet the provider thoroughly to make sure they‘re a legitimate, trustworthy steward of sensitive information.
Armed with this knowledge, you‘re ready to start your background check journey with confidence. So go forth and uncover the truth—for just a few bucks and a few clicks, you can gain priceless peace of mind.