5+ Background Check Free Trial in 2023: How to Try Before You Buy
If you’re thinking about hiring a new employee or renting out your property, conducting a background check is crucial to ensure the safety of your business and those involved. However, conducting these checks can be expensive, and you may not want to commit to a full subscription without trying out the service first. This is where free trial periods for background checks become valuable.
Trying out a service without any obligations is possible with a background check free trial. During this trial period, you can explore the features of the service, assess its user-friendliness, and decide if it meets your requirements. Numerous background check services provide free trials, which can range from a few days to a week or longer.
It’s important to note that not all background check free trials are created equal. Some may only offer limited access to their features or data, while others may require you to enter your credit card information to sign up. It’s crucial to read the terms and conditions carefully and ensure that you understand the trial’s limitations before signing up.
With the right background check free trial, you can make an informed decision about which service to use for your business or personal needs.
Background Check Free Trial : Quick Summary
Service Name | Free Trial Duration | Cost After Trial | Features During Trial | Limitations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Intelius | 5-Day Trial for $1.99 | $29.63/mo | UNLIMITED Reports 5-Day Trial | Limited to 5-Days |
BeenVerified | 7-Day Trial for $1 | $26.89/mo | Access to billions of public records | Limited to 7 days |
Instant Checkmate | Special Trial Offers | $35.12/mo | Detailed background reports, criminal record lookup | No option to buy single reports |
Spokeo | 7-Day Trial for $1 | $19.95/month | Search on 120+ social networks, basic information | Limited criminal record database |
US Search | 5-Day Trial for $1.99 | $19.86/month | Addresses, phone numbers, email addresses | Auto-renewal, limited to 5 days |
TruthFinder | 5-Day Trial for $1 | $28.29/month | Comprehensive background reports, people searches | No conventional free trial |
Top Free Trial Background Check Services in 2023
If you’re in need of a background check service but aren’t ready to commit to a paid subscription, there are several sites that provide free trials.
Here are some top background check services that offer free trial options:
Intelius
Established in 2003, Intelius is a service that specializes in providing comprehensive information sourced from public records. With the Intelius app, users can conduct thorough background checks, access criminal and traffic records, perform reverse phone lookups, and even search for email details. It essentially serves as your very own pocket-sized detective!
What You Get in the Free Trial
Basic Background Checks
During the trial period, you can access basic background reports for free. These reports provide important information such as the person’s full name, possible aliases, date of birth, photos, potential relatives, contact details, and education history. Considering it is a free service, it offers quite comprehensive information.
Reverse Phone Lookups
Are you tired of receiving calls from unknown numbers? Intelius provides a solution to uncover the identity behind those mystery calls. With their reverse phone lookup service, you can easily discover the owner’s name, view possible images, and even find social media profiles associated with that number.
Email Searches
If you’re curious to learn more about the person behind an email address, conducting email searches can be a valuable tool. This is especially helpful in online dating or professional networking scenarios.
Limitations
Incomplete Information
Although you can access the basic background reports for free, they may not provide all the information you need. To access more specific details such as criminal and traffic record history or bankruptcies, a full subscription is necessary.
Accuracy
While Intelius is generally considered reliable, it is not infallible. It’s important to keep in mind that some users have experienced instances of incorrect or incomplete information in their search results. Therefore, it’s advisable to approach the information provided with a degree of cautiousness and cross-reference it whenever possible.
Privacy Concerns
Intelius prioritize the privacy of our members. However, it’s important to note that the data we compile comes from third-party sources and publicly available information.
My Personal Experience
During my search for a new home, I relied on Intelius for its valuable property search feature. It provided me with essential information about property values, ownership history, and even neighborhood crime statistics. However, I did encounter a small issue of some of the information being slightly outdated, which required me to cross-reference with other sources for verification.
BeenVerified
BeenVerified is a renowned background report-checking service known for its fast and accurate research. It’s a premium service that comes at a cost, and unlike most other services, it doesn’t offer a traditional free trial. However, there are ways to navigate around this limitation. Let’s explore further!
How to Get the “Free” Trial
To start with, let’s clarify the situation. BeenVerified does not provide a typical free trial. Instead, they offer a 7-day membership trial for only $1. During this trial period, you’ll have access to almost all of their premium tools and search features, with just a few exceptions.
Hint: Take advantage of BeenVerified’s money-back guarantee. During the seven-day trial period, use all the tools as much as you want for six days. Then, before the trial ends, simply request a full refund of your one dollar and unlock the free trial.
What You Get
- For your $1, you can:
- Run up to 100 background reports
- Process up to 100 contact lookups
- Dig deep into property and address information
- Find and verify any criminal records
Limitations
Although the trial provides significant benefits, it is not completely free. It is important to remember to cancel your membership before the seven-day trial period ends, otherwise you will be automatically charged $26.89 per month, plus any applicable sales tax.
Instant Checkmate
If you’re looking to learn more about someone’s background, Instant Checkmate is a service that can provide comprehensive information with just a person’s name. From criminal records and arrest history to contact details and more, they offer an extensive range of data. Additionally, their convenient mobile app allows for easy access and vetting even while on the move. It’s definitely a valuable tool worth considering!
The Free Trial: What’s the Deal?
Now for the surprising part: Instant Checkmate doesn’t truly provide a “free” trial. Instead, they offer a 5-day trial that comes at a minimal cost of just $1. That’s right, only one dollar! During this time frame, you have unrestricted access to unlimited searches. This includes an extensive range of information such as criminal records, address history, and even details on speeding tickets!
Limitations
Now, let’s discuss the limitations. Firstly, please note that the trial is not free; there is a charge of $1. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the information provided is obtained from public records, which may not always be completely accurate or up-to-date. Finally, it is crucial to remember to cancel the trial before its expiration, as failure to do so will result in being billed for a full membership2.
My Personal Experience
I decided to test out the trial and looked up a few people I was curious about. The results were quite extensive and provided a lot of information. However, I did notice some inconsistencies in the data. For example, one of my friend’s speeding tickets was not listed. So, it’s important to approach the information with caution and not take it as completely reliable.
Is It Worth It?
In my opinion, it’s worth giving it a try for only $1. Just remember to cancel if you decide not to continue. And for those who are interested in true crime like me, it might be fun to look up some famous criminals out of curiosity!
Spokeo
Spokeo is a useful tool known as a people search engine. It collects public information from various sources, such as white page listings, public records, and social networks, to create individual profiles. With Spokeo, you can easily search for someone using their name, phone number, email address, or even their social media usernames. This tool comes in handy when you want to reconnect with someone or quickly conduct a background check on them.
The Free Trial: What Do You Get?
Spokeo provides basic search results at no cost. These results may include information such as the individual’s city and state, age, relatives, and locations. However, to access more advanced features, you can choose to opt for their free trial.
What’s Included?
After activating the trial, you will have a full 7-day access pass to unlimited reports[^2^]. This grants you the ability to conduct as many searches as you desire and obtain comprehensive reports that include social media details, contact information, and more.
Limitations
Cost
While the trial is labeled as “free,” there is an activation fee of 95 cents. Additionally, if you forget to cancel within the 7-day period, you will be charged $29.95 per month[^2^].
Data Accuracy
While Spokeo always strives to provide accurate information, it’s important to acknowledge that some of the data may be outdated or incorrect1.
Privacy Concerns
The person you’re searching for won’t be notified if you looked them up, but if privacy is a concern for you, it’s something worth considering.
My Personal Experience
The Spokeo free trial was easy to navigate and understand. Access to a wealth of information was well worth the small charge of 95 cents. To ensure I didn’t incur any unexpected charges, I set a calendar reminder to cancel the trial before the 7-day period expired.
US Search
US Search is a reputable background check service that has been in operation for over 20 years. This valuable tool allows users to search for individuals by their name, phone number, or address. Based in Culver City, California, US Search has been providing reliable information since its establishment in 1993.
The Free Trial: What’s the Deal?
Now, let’s dive into an interesting aspect. US Search provides a “OmniSearch Trial” that spans two days when you make your initial report purchase. Within this trial period, you have free access to view all people search reports. However, it’s important to exercise caution as the trial automatically transitions into a monthly membership subscription once the trial ends (Best Reviews).
The Good Stuff
- Quick and Convenient Access: With our service, you can access the reports you’re interested in instantly. No waiting or delays, just quick and easy access to the information you need.
- Search by multiple criteria: You have the option to search using various parameters such as name, phone number, address, or email address.
The Limitations
- Accuracy: Unfortunately, the reports frequently contain incorrect or incomplete information. For instance, I discovered inaccuracies in both the listing of family members and past addresses within my own report.
My Personal Experience
The service provided a mixed experience. On one hand, it was convenient to have instant access to various reports. However, the presence of inaccuracies was disappointing. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the auto-renewal feature and keep track of it.
TruthFinder
If you’re looking to run background checks on individuals, consider using TruthFinder. This convenient online platform was established in 2015 and provides access to a vast array of public records. By tapping into federal, state, and local government agencies, it compiles comprehensive reports that can include personal information, contact details, social media accounts, employment history, and even criminal records.
Is There a Free Trial?
Here’s the catch: TruthFinder doesn’t provide a typical free trial. As stated on their official website, any offer promising a free TruthFinder membership is not valid. However, they do offer a 5-day trial for only $1, allowing you to assess their services. After the trial period ends, you’ll be billed a recurring membership fee unless you cancel.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Trial?
For only one dollar, you’ll have unrestricted access to a wide range of reports throughout the 5-day trial. This includes comprehensive background checks, thorough people searches, and access to various public records. It’s a comprehensive introduction to the diverse capabilities of the platform.
Limitations
There are a few important factors to consider with this trial: – Cost: The trial does come with a fee of $1. – Time: You’ll have a limited window of 5 days to test out the service. – Automatic Renewal: If you decide not to cancel within the 5-day period, you will be charged the full membership fee.
My Personal Experience
I decided to try out the 5-day trial, and I have to say, the amount of information provided is really impressive. Just keep in mind that once you sign up, the clock starts ticking on those 5 days, so make sure you take full advantage of it. And if it doesn’t match your interests, don’t forget to cancel before you get charged for a monthly subscription.
Understanding Free Trial Background Checks
Free trial background checks allow you to sample the service without any financial commitment. This means you can try out the background check before deciding whether to subscribe or become a member. It’s an excellent opportunity to gauge if the service aligns with your requirements and preferences.
It’s worth mentioning that not all background check services provide free trials. In fact, several reputable companies require a nominal fee of at least $1 to verify your identity and ensure the system is not abused.
Before opting for a free trial background check, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions to avoid any concealed fees or charges. Certain services may automatically enroll you in a paid subscription once the trial period concludes, so be sure to cancel your membership if you choose not to continue utilizing the service.
It’s crucial to note that free trial background checks might not offer the same comprehensive information as a paid subscription. While they can provide basic details like criminal records and employment history, they might not include more extensive information such as credit reports or social media activity.
In summary, free trial background checks can be a useful tool for individuals and businesses looking to conduct a quick and basic background check. However, it’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions, cancel your membership if necessary, and understand the limitations of the service.
Types of Information Uncovered
When conducting a background check, the depth and scope of the search will determine what types of information can be uncovered. Here are some common categories included in a background check report:
Personal and Contact Information
A background check report can contain personal details, including full name, date of birth, and social security number. It may also provide contact information like email addresses, phone numbers, and residential addresses.
Criminal and Court Records
The main goal of conducting a background check is to uncover any previous criminal history. This thorough investigation may involve obtaining arrest records, court documents, and county records. By performing a criminal background check, you can determine whether an individual has a past involvement in criminal activities, which encompasses both misdemeanors and felonies.
Social Media and Online Presence
Individuals and employers often consider a person’s social media presence when conducting background checks. This is because social media profiles and accounts can offer valuable information about a person’s character and behavior.
Financial and Property Records
When conducting a background check, you can expect to find financial information like tax liens and foreclosures. Additionally, property records may be included, offering insights into an individual’s assets and financial background.
Employment and Education History
A background check is a helpful tool to verify a person’s employment and educational history. This involves obtaining information about their previous employers, job titles held, and dates of employment. Additionally, it can provide details on the person’s education, such as degrees obtained and dates of attendance at institutions.
Other Relevant Information
In addition to criminal records, a comprehensive background check report may provide other pertinent details. This can include information about government licenses, associates, relatives, neighbors, and the presence of any sex offenders nearby.
It’s crucial to understand that background checks can vary in their depth and scope. The extent of a background check depends on its purpose and available resources. When performing a background check, it’s essential to ensure that the information obtained is both accurate and relevant.
Navigating the Dashboard and Reports
If you’re conducting a background check, you’ll probably be using a dashboard to access and review your reports. The dashboard allows you to manage your account, view your reports, and access extra features.
Upon logging into your account, you’ll be greeted with a user-friendly dashboard that offers a comprehensive summary of all your reports and any other pertinent details. From this central hub, you can easily view the status of each report and access any accompanying notes or comments that have been added.
To access a specific report, simply click on the report’s name or ID number. This will take you to the background check report, which will provide you with detailed information about the individual you are researching. This may include information about their criminal history, education, employment history, and more.
Some services may provide additional reports or features, alongside the background check report. For instance, you might have access to a credit report or a people search feature that enables you to find contact details for a specific person.
Overall, using the dashboard and accessing reports should be a simple process. If you have any questions or need help, customer support services are readily available to assist you.
Understanding the Subscription and Billing
Understanding the subscription and billing process is essential for a background check service that offers free trials. Subscription billing is a widely used business model where customers pay for a product or service regularly, usually on a monthly or annual basis.
Subscription billing consists of several key components, including pricing options and subscription plans tailored to meet diverse customer needs. The billing cycle determines how often the customer is charged for the service, while payment methods can include credit cards, PayPal, or other accessible payment gateways.
When providing a free trial, it’s crucial to be open and honest about what happens with billing once the trial period ends. Subscription-based companies have an obligation to clearly communicate the terms of the free trial as well as the subsequent billing process. Because billing for a free trial can be complex, simplicity and clarity should guide the customer experience.
Subscription billing goes beyond just the payment process. It’s crucial to think about the membership aspect as well. Providing exclusive benefits and features for members can enhance customer loyalty and retention. These perks might include access to additional reports or services, priority support, or discounts on future purchases.
Having a clear understanding of the subscription and billing process is crucial for any background check service that provides free trials. By ensuring transparent and straightforward billing terms, along with offering additional membership benefits, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and foster loyalty.
Privacy and Legal Considerations
When it comes to conducting background checks, there are important privacy and legal considerations to keep in mind. In this section, I will cover two key areas of concern: the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and trust and security.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
The FCRA is a federal law that governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by consumer reporting agencies. It sets out specific requirements that employers and other entities must follow when conducting background checks for employment purposes.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants individuals several important rights when it comes to background checks. Individuals have the right to be informed when a background check is being performed and to review the results of that check. If any inaccurate information is found in their background report, they have the right to dispute it. Employers are required to obtain written consent from individuals before conducting a background check, and if any adverse action is taken based on the results of the check, employers must provide individuals with a copy of the report.
Trust and Security
When it comes to conducting background checks, trust and security are of utmost importance. It’s crucial to select a reputable company that prioritizes data security and employs cutting-edge technology to safeguard personal information.
When selecting a company, it’s crucial to prioritize those that prioritize data security. Look for businesses that utilize secure servers and encryption to safeguard your information both during transmission and while at rest. Additionally, it’s essential to choose a company with a transparent privacy policy that clearly outlines how personal information is collected, used, and shared.
It’s also important to take into account the company’s reputation and track record. Read reviews and ratings from other customers to get a sense of their reliability and accuracy when it comes to conducting background checks. Choose a company that has a proven history of delivering trustworthy and thorough results.
Background checks are an integral part of the hiring process, ensuring that employers make informed decisions while upholding legal, ethical, and secure practices. It’s crucial to follow the guidelines established by the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) and partner with reputable companies that prioritize privacy and security. This way, you can protect both your applicants’ personal information and confidently select the right candidates for your organization.
Avoiding Scams and Unreliable Services
Before signing up for a background check free trial, exercising caution and conducting thorough research is crucial. The industry is plagued by scams and unreliable services, so it’s essential to take measures to safeguard yourself.
First and foremost, always be wary of any service that seems too good to be true. Scammers often use enticing offers to lure people into signing up for their services, only to disappear once they’ve collected your personal information and payment details. To avoid falling victim to these scams, make sure you thoroughly research any service before signing up. Check online reviews and ratings, and look for any red flags such as a lack of contact information or a history of customer complaints.
When selecting a background check provider, it is crucial to exercise caution and opt for a reliable and reputable service. Look for a provider with a demonstrated history of providing accurate and dependable information. Additionally, prioritize providers known for their excellent customer service and support. Considering a service that offers a money-back guarantee can also provide added assurance that you are making a worthwhile investment.
Lastly, it is crucial to safeguard your personal information while using online services. Always ensure that you are using a secure and encrypted connection when providing any personal details. Additionally, exercise caution and refrain from sharing sensitive information with services or platforms that lack your trust. When in doubt regarding the authenticity of a specific service, it is always better to err on the side of caution and withhold any sensitive data.
To safeguard yourself from scams and unreliable services when utilizing background check free trials, follow these steps. Stay vigilant and conduct thorough research. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact customer support for assistance.
Customer Support and Service
Customer support is a crucial aspect of background check services. Checkr understands this and provides reliable support through phone, email, and chat. They also offer an extensive help center with articles and frequently asked questions to address any common inquiries.
When looking for free background check software, G2 provides a list of options that offer different levels of customer support. For instance, Instant Checkmate provides 24/7 phone support, whereas BeenVerified only offers email support. It’s crucial to consider the level of assistance you may require before selecting a service.
When choosing a company to provide support, it’s crucial to consider the quality of their services. ConsumersAdvocate.org suggests checking the company’s reputation for reliability and precision. Additionally, look out for perks such as extended customer service hours. It is also important to ensure that you receive all the necessary information from the company, as some may not provide comprehensive details.
In conclusion, selecting a background check service that offers dependable customer support is crucial for a seamless and successful experience.
People Asked Questions
What are the best sites for a free background check?
While there are many websites that claim to offer free background checks, most of them have hidden fees or limitations on the information provided. However, a few reputable sites do offer partial access to their reports for free. Some examples include Instant Checkmate, TruthFinder, and BeenVerified. Keep in mind that if you’re looking for more detailed information, such as criminal records or employment history, you may need to pay a fee for access to those specific reports.
Is there a 100% free background check service?
It’s important to note that there is no completely free background check service available. All background check services require some form of payment, either through a one-time fee or a subscription-based model. However, certain websites may offer a free trial period, allowing you to access their services for a limited time without any charge.
Can I get a free trial for TruthFinder?
Absolutely! TruthFinder provides a free trial for new users. You can enjoy their services for 5 days without any charge during the trial period. However, please note that you will be required to enter your credit card information when signing up for the trial. If you decide not to continue with the subscription, make sure to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.
How do I get an unlimited background check free trial?
Unlimited free trials for background checks do not exist. Typically, background check services provide a limited trial period of around 3 to 7 days. During this trial, you can access their services for free, but there may be restrictions on the amount of information available. To have unrestricted access to their services, a subscription fee will be required.
What is the cost of a criminal background check?
The price of a criminal background check can vary depending on the website and the type of report required. Some websites offer basic reports starting from as low as $10, while more detailed reports may cost upwards of $50. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and compare prices before selecting a website for your needs.
Are there any alternatives to TruthFinder for background checks?
If you’re looking for alternatives to TruthFinder for background checks, there are a few other options worth considering. Instant Checkmate, BeenVerified, and Intelius are among the top choices. These platforms offer similar services like criminal background checks and public record searches. Before choosing one, it’s recommended to compare the features and pricing of each site to find the best fit for your needs.
He is a renowned background check expert with a significant track record in the security sector. Leveraging years of practical experience and deep industry knowledge, he has honed the craft of insightful risk assessment. Nasuh's writings are trusted sources for businesses seeking secure personnel decisions.