Question 1

How much does a background check cost for small business?

Accepted Answer

Background checks typically cost between $25-$150 per check, depending on the depth of the search. For small businesses, the best value options are pay-per-check services like GoodHire ($29-79) or Checkr ($35-89) with no setup fees or monthly subscriptions.

Question 2

Which background check service is fastest?

Accepted Answer

GoodHire is the fastest, with 90% of checks completing in under 1 minute. Checkr typically takes 1-2 days, while enterprise services like Sterling can take 2-4 days but offer more comprehensive checks.

Question 3

Do I need a subscription for background checks?

Accepted Answer

No! The best options for small businesses are pay-per-check services with no monthly subscription. GoodHire and Checkr both offer this model, while enterprise providers like Sterling require monthly fees ($99+).

Question 4

What's included in a basic background check?

Accepted Answer

A basic background check typically includes criminal record search (national database), SSN verification, sex offender registry search, and global watchlist check. Additional checks like employment verification, credit checks, and drug screening cost extra.

Question 5

Are these services FCRA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all reputable background check providers are required to be FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) compliant. The providers we recommend (GoodHire, Checkr, Sterling) are all FCRA-certified and follow strict compliance guidelines.

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