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Instant Checkmate
Criminal-record and social-profile search option.
View RecordsBackground Checks
Background Check Providers
Build a provider comparison around report purpose, verified sources, identity matching and dispute support instead of an unsupported best-provider ranking.
Compare the service you will receive, not just the brand
The CFPB consumer-reporting company directory includes companies serving specialized markets as well as nationwide credit bureaus. Use it to identify a reporting company and its contact route. Then ask prospective providers these practical questions; the answers are the comparison criteria, not promises that every provider offers the same service.
| Ask the provider | What the answer lets you decide |
|---|---|
| Which intended uses does this product support? | Match the service to employment, rental screening or your own report review before ordering. |
| Which jurisdictions and record types are included? | Compare the written scope against the locations and records your task actually requires. Ask which searches cost extra. |
| How are candidate records checked and updated? | Ask how identity conflicts and later case outcomes are handled, rather than equating a name hit with a verified record. |
| Who handles a disputed item? | Get the report issuer’s contact details and correction process before you depend on its output. |
For employment screening, check the workflow around the report
The FTC employer guidance describes obligations that extend beyond buying data. Ask how a provider’s service supports these stages; the employer remains responsible for its use of the report.
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01
Before ordering
Provide a standalone written disclosure, obtain written permission and certify the required compliance to the reporting company.
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02
Before an unfavorable decision
Give the person the report relied upon and the FCRA rights summary so they can review the information.
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03
After an unfavorable decision
Provide the required notice, including the reporting company’s contact details, that it did not make the decision, and the person’s rights to dispute and request a free report within 60 days.
If you are checking a report about yourself
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✓
Find the company that supplied it
Use the report or decision notice to identify the actual issuer. A different provider’s search will not show exactly what that company reported.
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Request and review your information
CFPB explains that you can request your report. Compare the disputed entry with the identifiers and outcome in the supporting records.
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Send the correction to the relevant companies
You can dispute inaccurate or incomplete content with the reporting company and the source that furnished it. CFPB says a reasonable investigation must be free. Keep the report, supporting documents and responses together.
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