When it comes to background check software, Checkr stands out. The software service emphasizes swift checks and expungement solutions for those with criminal records. With a cloud-based screening solution, Checkr streamlines verifications, integrates with diverse systems and offers centralized dashboards. 

Despite its strengths, Checkr faces challenges, prompting users to explore alternatives that meet their hiring needs. Here, we see how Checkr compares as we delve into the top best alternatives, each offering distinctive features and addressing specific industry needs.

Table of Contents

• What Is Checkr?
• 5 Top Checkr Alternatives
  1. Cisive
  2. VICTIG Background Checks
  3. HireRight
  4. Accurate Background
  5. Zinc

What Is Checkr?

Rating: 4.5/5 based on 263 G2 reviews

Checkr aids job seekers with fast background checks. It prioritizes criminal records and offers expungement solutions to remove barriers to employment. 

Checkr's cloud-based screening solution integrates with various systems and provides centralized dashboards for comprehensive screenings. Its AI-based system ensures compliance with regulations. The platform covers SSN trace, criminal records, credentials verification and more.

Checkr stands out for its modern startup approach, which emphasizes efficiency and humility. Launched in 2014, it's an API for background checks designed for the gig economy. The platform is ideal in industries that suffer from rapid employee turnover and in companies like Lyft and Uber. 

The service helps companies understand the changing workforce dynamics while promoting transparency and fair hiring practices. Employers can manage background verification efficiently, from employee onboarding to various stages of recruitment.

Key Features 

• • Clean, modern, organized interface.
  • Designed to handle high volumes of data.
  • “Programs,” which help clients manage compliance, cost and organization.
  • Positive Adjudication Matrix (PAM), which provides more consistent, streamlined criminal background checks globally.

Pros

• • The interface is easy to use and mobile-ready.
  • Data is accurate and clear.
  • Processes are automated to save time.
  • Rates are affordable.

Cons

• • Poor communication and support.
  • Background checks are outdated and do not tell the whole story.
  • The software crashes sporadically.
  • Background check reporting is slow.

Top Checkr Alternatives

While Checkr provides advanced tools and an easy platform, it presents challenges that may raise a red flag with employers. Let’s take a deep dive into the top 5 Checkr alternatives. 

1. Cisive

Rating: 4.6/5 based on 76 G2 reviews

Key Features

• • Rule-based workflow engine provides the most current compliance and client-specific forms.
  • Fully customizable user portal tailored to your specifications.
  • HR team training that helps you succeed on the platform.
  • Background checks include criminal, SSN, education, social media and employment.
  • Easy invoicing and workflow management tools.

Cisive is a global provider of compliance-driven human capital and risk management solutions offering streamlined onboarding and pre-employment background screening. Accredited by Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), Cisive caters to larger enterprises, ensuring regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction. 

Cisive uses the eSecure Global® platform with Positive Adjudication Matrix (PAM) to help ensure accuracy in its employment background checks. Some top-tier services include vendor and contractor screening, executive screening, drug testing, finding motor vehicle records, fingerprinting and paperless onboarding. 

Customizability is a key strength of our platform. It features the Cisive Analytic Reporting Tool (CART) for real-time data and trigger point definition. 

International background check options simplify hiring globally. Positive customer reviews from talent acquisition professionals point to responsive service representatives and a 24/7 help desk on the Cisive dashboard. With an unmatched reputation, Cisive is accredited by PBSA, setting itself apart in the employment screening industry.

2. VICTIG Background Checks

Rating: 4.7/5 based on 419 G2 reviews

Key Features

• • Criminal database covers nationwide, state and federal searches, as well as sex offender registry searches.
  • Background checks include a court record search using Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER).
  • The E-signature process, QuickApp, only requires the applicant's name and email address. 
  • Credit checks and drug testing provide a wide range of options.
  • Applicant tracking system integration includes FACIS level 3 and online appointments. 

VICTIG offers a variety of background checks, including criminal, education and credit reports. Reviewers report using VICTIG Background Checks for a number of reasons, including ease of use and 100% FCRA compliance. 

VICTIG is accredited by PBSA and offers reliable customer support. It generates quick turnaround times for most searches, averaging nearly 3,000 searches in just over one business day.

Some users complain about high recruitment and training fees. Slow turnaround time often leads to wasted staff time and disrupted projects. Other reviewers have also mentioned that there are inaccuracies in drug tests and applicant information. Applicants often complain that their information is either inaccurate or misrepresented.

3. HireRight

Rating: 3.3/5 based on 128 G2 reviews

Key Features

• • The platform integrates with popular applicant tracking systems such as Zoho Recruit, Greenhouse, JazzHR, Jobvite and BambooHR.
  • The Applicant Center Dashboard allows end-users to track background check status and document uploads. It offers centralized data viewing for employers.
  • Background checks include federal, county, state, sex offender, prohibited parties and civil records.
  • Verification solutions include employment, education, references and licenses.

HireRight excels in popular ATS platform integrations, user-friendly navigation, affordability, a centralized dashboard for background check status and rigorous screenings. Its easy-to-use interface receives praise from both employers and end-users. The centralized dashboard aids in tracking background checks and exhaustive screenings.

Some users report unhelpful and inconsistent customer service, highlighting issues like unresolved problems, uninformed agents and impoliteness. 

Prolonged wait times for background checks present challenges for employers and employees alike. Some users find HireRight's background check requirements excessive or incompatible with the job's requirements or pay scale.

4. Accurate Background

Rating: 3.9/5 based on 19 G2 reviews

Key Features

• • Searches include driving history, court records, drug and health screening and global searches.
  • The platform provides built-in Adverse Action notices and candidate consent.
  • Domestic and international criminal background checks, education and employment verifications, drug testing and work authorizations are easily accessible.
  • HR benefits from easy-to-use portals and one-touch ordering.
  • Users have 24/7 access to information on the performance of an organization's background check process.

Users appreciate Accurate's intuitive interface, making the background check process seamless. The company receives consistently good marks for responsive customer service and reporting accuracy. Many users feel that the pricing is reasonable and the product offers value for the money. Worldwide screening is also a plus.

Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Accurate Background regarding its occasionally delayed and inconsistent turnaround times for background checks. There are occasional concerns about communication gaps and the need for improved transparency in the progress of background checks. 

5. Zinc

Rating: 4.7/5 based on 137 G2 reviews

Key Features

• • Zinc offers 12 comprehensive background checks in 190 countries that comply with local and federal regulations.
  • The service provides a wide range of customizable checks for every type of business in a broad spectrum of industries.
  • Users can request automated checks directly from an integrated applicant tracking system in just one click. 
  • Companies can use background checks for multiple purposes, such as right-to-work, identity, reference, or education.
  • Employment verifications extend to criminal records, financial assessment, position and duties, education and references.

Zinc receives consistent kudos for its user-friendly dashboard, which allows users to input information quickly. While customer support does get some negative feedback, most customers report that it is responsive and helpful. 

There have been numerous complaints of Zinc leaving users in the dark when submitting information. The system either crashes or does not verify submissions. 

Some users claim that Zinc’s references are limited to work only. From the applicant standpoint, other background check criteria, which are standard in other competitors, are also missing from Zinc.

Discover Why Cisive Tops Background Screening Options

Cisive’s comprehensive services, advanced technology, and user-friendly interface make us the leading provider among alternatives to Checkr. You benefit from 99.9994% accurate criminal history data, which allows you to reduce risk and ensures confident candidate screening.

With a dedicated support representative available 24/7 through the Cisive dashboard, its clear customer service is prioritized. Trust Cisive for tailored verifications, tech-enabled services, real-time tracking, and a seamless experience across multiple channels, all in compliance with both local laws and global regulations.

Call today or fill out the online form to sign up for a demo.