Background Check Services
How Background Check Services Are Priced
How background check services are priced: the pricing models you will meet, what drives the cost and the fees that are easy to miss.
How much background check services cost
Common pricing models: per report package, A la carte, subscription plus report fees, and volume contract. Too few vendors publish comparable list prices for us to give a price range; the models and cost drivers below explain what you will be quoted.
Pricing models explained
- Per report package. A fixed price for each package, such as identity plus criminal plus verifications. This is the most common and easiest to compare.
- A la carte. Each search is priced separately, which suits targeted checks but can add up. Ask for the price of each component.
- Subscription plus report fees. A monthly platform fee plus per-report charges, often with volume discounts.
- Volume contract. Negotiated rates for high volumes, with service levels and integration terms.
What drives the price
- Number and type of checks per candidate
- Number of counties and jurisdictions searched
- Employment and education verification, which depend on third parties
- Driving record, drug screening and credential checks
- Hiring volume
- ATS integration and account setup
Fees to ask about before you sign:
- County court and third-party access fees passed through to you
- Fees for each additional jurisdiction or past address
- Charges for rush turnaround
- Platform, integration or account setup fees
- Fees for re-running or re-issuing a report after a dispute
- Minimum monthly volumes
Frequently asked questions
How much does an employment background check cost?
Pricing is usually per report package, with additional charges for county court searches, verifications and rush service. Costs vary by package and volume. Request the full price including pass-through fees for your typical role, rather than the advertised starting price.
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