Instant Checkmate has become a go-to platform for accessing public records and performing background screening. However, several alternatives match or even exceed Instant Checkmate‘s offerings in areas like pricing, report accuracy and details, turnaround time, and ease of use.
This article showcases the 15 best Instant Checkmate alternatives to consider across essential criteria for your personal or professional background check needs.
Methodology Behind Background Checks
Before reviewing the top alternatives, it helps to understand what background checks entail. Most services access a mix of data sources, including:
- Public records like court documents, property records etc.
- Commercial databases compiling information from multiple sources
- Government agency data like Sex Offender registries
- Social media sites
- Other self-reported information like resumes and surveys
Background checks typically package this data into consumer or employment screening reports about an individual including:
- Identity verification
- Criminal history
- Sex offender status
- Drug testing results
- Employment history
- Education verification
- Driving records
Top providers use these inputs to deliver accurate and legally compliant background checks. However, quality can vary drastically across the numerous services in this market in aspects like report turnaround times, mobile accessibility, customer service responsiveness, or rigid compliance standards.
Key Decision Factors for Comparison
With an abundance of options to consider as Instant Checkmate alternatives, here are key decision factors to compare:
- Pricing – subscription plans or pay-as-you-go options
- Report Accuracy – percentage of correct information confirmed
- Report Depth – how extensive the details provided
- Turnaround Time – speed of delivering reports
- Data Sources – quality/authority of inputs
- Ease of Use – intuitive online platform and flows
- Compliance – adherence to FCRA and legal requirements
- Customer Support – chat, phone, email, resources
Evaluating providers across these elements helps determine the best fit for your specific background screening requirements.
Top 15 Instant Checkmate Alternatives
1. TruthFinder
TruthFinder offers robust tools for thorough background checks encompassing criminal records, contact details, social media, professional history, and more.
Pros
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Strong customer support
- Quick report turnaround
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Occasional inaccuracies possible
Best For
Individuals seeking comprehensive, detailed reports
2. Intelius
With vast databases of public and proprietary records, Intelius generates detailed background reports to uncover personal and professional history.
Pros
- Highly detailed reports
- Records often go back decades
- Mobile app available
Cons
- User interface less intuitive
- Pricing higher than competitors
Best For
Thorough, long-term individual background checks
3. PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders offers a basic background check service providing quick access to public data on individuals‘ history and contact information.
Pros
- Low-cost pricing tiers
- Simple user flows
- Fast report delivery
Cons
- Details and depth limited
- Fewer data sources utilized
Best For
Individuals wanting affordable, straightforward reports
FAQs
Q: Can I run background checks on myself?
A: Yes, most services allow you to access your own background check. Reviewing your own report is useful for identifying any inaccuracies that will also be visible to others screening you.
Q: Are these services legally compliant?
A: Reputable providers follow legal requirements like FCRA procedures for employment screening. However, you should independently verify credentials and compliance.
Q: What turnaround times do top services offer?
A: Turnaround varies from instant results based on database lookups to 1 week for manual verification processes. Compare providers’ timeline claims to find the right balance of speed and accuracy for your needs.
Conclusion
While Instant Checkmate has its merits, alternatives like TruthFinder, Intelius and PeopleFinders match or improve upon Instant Checkmate’s capabilities in areas like pricing, detail, compliance, ease of use and customer support. Evaluate your specific background screening requirements using the framework provided to determine the best fit solution. Reach out for tailored recommendations on provider selection and best practices.
