18 Best Employee Background Check Services of 2025
Best Employee Background Check Services Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 18 we reviewed.
The best employee background check services help you hire with confidence by verifying candidate information, ensuring compliance, and reducing the risk of costly hiring mistakes.
When you’re moving fast to fill roles, it’s easy to overlook critical checks that protect your organization from liability and safeguard workplace integrity. The right provider streamlines screenings—covering criminal records, employment history, education, and more—while keeping you compliant with local and federal regulations.
Drawing on my years of experience in HR management vendor evaluation, I’ve curated a list of trusted background check services that are accurate, efficient, and tailored to different industries.
In this guide, you’ll find solutions that simplify the vetting process and give you the peace of mind to make smarter hiring decisions.
Why Trust Our Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software and services since 2019. During that period we’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different HR management use cases, and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews.
As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better purchasing decisions. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our review methodology.
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Native Teams
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Paylocity
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Best Employee Background Check Services Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best employee background check service providers that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
PwC provides employee background check services as part of its broader audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They focus on compliance and risk management, serving industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.
Why I picked PwC: PwC stands out for its global compliance expertise, making it a reliable choice for international businesses. Their employee background check services are tailored for diverse industries, ensuring that your team meets global regulatory standards. With a focus on risk management, PwC helps you maintain compliance across various jurisdictions.
Standout Services: PwC offers compliance-focused background checks that help your team navigate complex global regulations. Their risk management assessments provide insights into potential vulnerabilities in your hiring processes.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and retail
Specialties: Compliance, risk management, global reach, tailored industry solutions, and regulatory expertise
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong risk management focus
- Tailored industry solutions
- Global compliance expertise
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May be too comprehensive for small businesses
Gallagher provides services in insurance, risk management, and consulting, catering to industries like aerospace, healthcare, and construction. Their main client base includes businesses seeking tailored risk management and insurance solutions.
Why I picked Gallagher: Gallagher excels in offering risk management solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each industry. Their expertise in crafting personalized insurance plans ensures your team is well-protected against potential risks. By focusing on specific sectors, Gallagher provides comprehensive coverage that addresses your most pressing concerns.
Standout Services: Gallagher offers workers' compensation consulting that helps you manage employee-related risks efficiently. Their product recall insurance provides security for your team, ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected product issues.
Target industries: Aerospace, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and energy
Specialties: Risk management, tailored insurance solutions, workers' compensation, product recall insurance, and sector-specific consulting
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Emphasis on client protection
- Comprehensive consulting services
- Strong focus on insurance
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit small businesses
FTI Consulting offers crisis management and transformation services, focusing on industries like construction, asset management, and private equity. They primarily serve businesses facing complex challenges and seeking expert guidance in navigating disruptions.
Why I picked FTI Consulting: FTI Consulting is recognized for its financial services focus, assisting your team in managing crises and transformations effectively. They provide insightful strategies that address geopolitical risks and industry-specific challenges. By leveraging their expertise, your team can navigate disruptions with confidence and make informed decisions.
Standout Services: FTI Consulting offers forensic investigations that help uncover critical information in complex cases, providing your team with the insights needed for resolution. Their value recovery services assist in maximizing returns during financial restructuring, ensuring your team optimizes outcomes.
Target industries: Construction, asset management, private equity, energy, and healthcare
Specialties: Crisis management, transformation, forensic investigations, mergers and acquisitions, and value recovery
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong forensic investigation capabilities
- Focus on financial services
- Expertise in crisis management
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit small businesses
RealHR Solutions provides HR consulting and outsourcing services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses. They focus on employee relations, compliance, and talent management to help organizations enhance their HR capabilities.
Why I picked RealHR Solutions: RealHR Solutions specializes in supporting small businesses with their HR needs, offering customized solutions that fit your team's size and structure. Their expertise in compliance ensures your team adheres to regulations, reducing risks. By focusing on talent management, RealHR Solutions helps your organization attract and retain the right people.
Standout Services: RealHR Solutions offers employee handbook creation to ensure your team has clear guidelines and policies in place. Their HR audits help identify areas of improvement in your current HR processes, providing actionable insights for your organization.
Target industries: Small and medium-sized businesses, healthcare, education, non-profit, and retail
Specialties: HR consulting, compliance, talent management, employee relations, and outsourcing
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on talent management
- Expertise in compliance
- Tailored support for small businesses
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit large enterprises
Extensis HR offers PEO and HR outsourcing services tailored for businesses of all sizes, focusing on industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and non-profits. They provide services such as HR management, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support.
Why I picked Extensis HR: Extensis HR is known for its effective payroll and benefits integration, ensuring your team receives consistent and accurate compensation and benefits. They offer comprehensive PEO solutions that include HR management and compliance support, catering to your specific business needs. By focusing on talent retention through competitive benefits, Extensis HR helps your organization maintain a satisfied and motivated workforce.
Standout Services: Extensis HR provides recruiting services that help your team find the right talent efficiently. Their HRCloud platform offers various HR tools to manage your HR functions seamlessly and effectively.
Target industries: Healthcare, finance, technology, non-profits, and education
Specialties: PEO services, payroll integration, benefits administration, HR management, and compliance support
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on talent retention
- Comprehensive PEO solutions
- Effective payroll and benefits integration
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit very small businesses
McKinsey & Company provides management consulting services, focusing on strategy, operations, and digital transformation. They serve large enterprises across various sectors, helping them improve their business performance and strategic direction.
Why I picked McKinsey & Company: McKinsey & Company is recognized for offering large enterprise solutions that help your team navigate complex challenges. They provide strategic insights that align with your company's long-term goals, ensuring effective decision-making. With their focus on digital transformation, McKinsey & Company supports your organization in adopting new technologies to stay competitive.
Standout Services: McKinsey & Company offers advanced analytics to help your team make data-driven decisions and improve business outcomes. Their digital labs provide a collaborative environment for developing innovative digital solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and energy
Specialties: Strategy consulting, operations, digital transformation, advanced analytics, and innovation
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics capabilities
- Strong focus on strategy and operations
- Expertise in large enterprise solutions
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit small businesses
HR Soul offers HR consulting and executive search services focused on enhancing organizational performance. They specialize in talent recruitment, leadership training, and team workshops, primarily serving small to medium-sized businesses across the U.S.
Why I picked HR Soul: HR Soul is known for its culture-driven hiring approach, helping your team align talent with your company's values and goals. They provide leadership training and team workshops that improve team dynamics and communication. With their focus on understanding your unique organizational needs, HR Soul ensures that your team is engaged and aligned with your business strategy.
Standout Services: HR Soul offers leadership assessments that provide valuable insights into your team's strengths and development areas. Their strategic HR consulting services help address your organization's specific challenges and improve overall performance.
Target industries: Small and medium-sized businesses, healthcare, finance, technology, and education
Specialties: Culture-driven hiring, leadership training, team workshops, strategic HR consulting, and talent recruitment
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored solutions for small businesses
- Emphasis on team dynamics
- Personalized HR consulting services
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit large enterprises
Mercer offers consulting services focused on health, wealth, and career, serving companies looking to enhance their employee benefits and organizational performance. Their main client base includes businesses of all sizes seeking to optimize their benefits packages and employee experience.
Why I picked Mercer: Mercer excels in employee benefits consulting, providing tailored solutions that align with your organization's goals. They offer strategic guidance in developing benefits packages that attract and retain top talent. By focusing on comprehensive health and wealth management, Mercer ensures your team receives the support they need to thrive.
Standout Services: Mercer provides global mobility consulting to help your team manage international assignments effectively. Their workforce analytics offer insights into employee engagement and productivity, helping you make informed decisions.
Target industries: Healthcare, finance, manufacturing, technology, and education
Specialties: Employee benefits consulting, health management, wealth management, global mobility, and workforce analytics
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Global mobility support
- Strong focus on health and wealth management
- Expertise in employee benefits consulting
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit very small businesses
Korn Ferry provides consulting services focused on talent acquisition, leadership development, and organizational strategy. Their main client base includes large enterprises across various industries seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Why I picked Korn Ferry: Korn Ferry excels in leadership assessments, helping your team identify and develop potential leaders within your organization. They offer tailored talent acquisition services that align with your company's strategic goals. By focusing on organizational strategy, Korn Ferry supports your team in achieving long-term success and growth.
Standout Services: Korn Ferry offers succession planning services to ensure your organization has a strong pipeline of future leaders. Their executive coaching helps your team enhance leadership skills and drive performance improvement.
Target industries: Financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and industrials
Specialties: Leadership development, talent acquisition, organizational strategy, succession planning, and executive coaching
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Global reach and network
- Comprehensive succession planning
- Tailored organizational strategy services
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit small businesses
TMF Group offers global business services including accounting, tax, HR, and payroll. They serve multinational companies looking to expand or operate internationally, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Why I picked TMF Group: TMF Group provides international business support, helping your team navigate complex regulatory environments in multiple countries. They offer tailored compliance solutions, ensuring your operations meet local legal requirements. By focusing on accounting and payroll services, TMF Group supports your organization in managing financial and human resources effectively.
Standout Services: TMF Group provides entity management services to help your team maintain compliance across jurisdictions. Their global tax compliance services ensure your organization adheres to tax regulations, reducing risks and penalties.
Target industries: Financial services, real estate, technology, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods
Specialties: International compliance, accounting services, payroll management, global tax compliance, and entity management
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored entity management solutions
- Support for multinational operations
- Comprehensive global tax services
Cons:
- Potentially high costs
- May not suit small businesses
Other Employee Background Check Services
Here are some additional employee background check service providers that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- BCG (Boston Consulting Group)
For innovative talent strategies
- Bain & Company
For strategic advisement
- Teneo
For strategic advisory services
- Kona HR
For benefits administration services
- The Segal Group
For employee benefits expertise
- HR Path
For global HR solutions
- Inspire Human Resources
For interim HR leadership
- Astron Solutions
For custom compensation consulting
What Are Employee Background Check Services?
Employee background check services are tools used to verify the history and qualifications of potential hires. They might offer things like:
- Employment and education verification
- Criminal record checks
- Credit history reports
- Drug testing
- Reference checks
HR departments, hiring managers, and businesses of all sizes typically seek out these services to ensure they make informed hiring decisions and mitigate risks associated with new employees.
Employee Background Check Services Selection Criteria
When selecting the best employee background check service providers to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address.
This included things like ensuring compliance with legal regulations and improving hiring accuracy. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Criminal background checks
- Reference checks
- Credit history checks
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- International background checks
- Continuous monitoring services
- Social media screening
- Identity verification
- Drug testing services
Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in operation
- Client testimonials
- Industry-specific expertise
- Case studies
- Partnerships and collaborations
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Ease of setup
- Training availability
- User-friendly interface
- Integration options
- Time to implement
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of support channels
- Response time
- Quality of support staff
- Availability of resources
- Follow-up services
Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Competitive pricing
- Package options
- Customization availability
- Return on investment
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Commonly mentioned strengths
- Commonly mentioned weaknesses
- Repeat customers
- Testimonials and endorsements
How to Choose an Employee Background Check Services Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Ensure the provider aligns with your team's goals. For example, if you need to improve hiring accuracy, check their expertise in verifying employment history. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Look for clear service agreements that outline what’s covered and expected turnaround times. Make sure they meet your business's specific needs. |
| Support Availability | Check if support is available when you need it, whether through phone, email, or chat. Quick, reliable support can be crucial during urgent checks. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Understand the pricing model, whether it's per check or subscription-based. Ensure there are no hidden fees and that it fits your budget. |
| Communication and Reporting | Look for providers who offer clear reports and regular updates. Effective communication is vital for keeping your hiring process on track. |
| Compliance | Ensure the provider adheres to legal regulations, such as FCRA compliance, to protect your company from legal issues. |
| Technology Integration | Consider if they can integrate with your existing HR systems for a smoother process. This can save time and reduce errors. |
| Reputation | Research reviews and testimonials to gauge satisfaction from other clients. A good reputation can indicate reliability and quality service. |
Key Employee Background Check Services
When selecting an employee background check service provider, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Employment verification: Confirms a candidate's job history to ensure they have the experience they claim.
- Education verification: Validates the educational qualifications listed by a candidate to prevent false claims.
- Criminal background checks: Identifies any past criminal activity that could pose a risk to your business.
- Credit history checks: Evaluates a candidate's financial responsibility, which is important for roles involving financial management.
- Drug testing: Ensures workplace safety by screening for drug use among potential hires.
- Reference checks: Provides insights into a candidate's past performance and behavior from previous employers.
- International background checks: Extends verification processes beyond domestic boundaries for global hires.
- Continuous monitoring: Offers ongoing checks to alert you to any new issues that may arise post-hire.
- Social media screening: Reviews a candidate's online presence to assess potential risks or alignment with company values.
- Identity verification: Confirms the identity of candidates to protect against identity fraud.
Benefits of Employee Background Check Services
Partnering with an employee background check service provider offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved hiring accuracy: Employment and education verification help ensure candidates have the qualifications they claim.
- Enhanced workplace safety: Criminal background checks and drug testing help maintain a safe working environment.
- Risk mitigation: Credit history checks and continuous monitoring help identify potential financial or legal risks.
- Global reach: International background checks allow you to confidently hire candidates from around the world.
- Informed decision-making: Reference checks and social media screening provide deeper insights into a candidate’s character and fit.
- Identity protection: Identity verification helps prevent fraud and ensures the authenticity of your hires.
- Regulatory compliance: Adhering to legal standards protects your business from potential penalties and lawsuits.
Costs and Pricing Structures of Employee Background Check Services
Employee background check services typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Subscription-based: Offers a recurring fee for ongoing access to services.
- Pay-per-check: Charges a fee for each individual background check conducted.
- Project-based: Sets a fixed price for a specific project or set of checks.
- Volume-based discounts: Provides reduced rates based on the number of checks ordered.
- Tiered pricing: Offers different levels of service at varying price points.
Key Factors That Influence Employee Background Check Services Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of employee background check services:
- Customization: The degree of tailoring required for your checks can increase costs.
- Industry-specific requirements: Compliance with specific industry regulations may add to the expenses.
- Number of checks: The more checks you need, the higher the overall cost can be.
- Geographic scope: Conducting international checks may involve additional fees.
- Technology integration: Costs may rise if integration with your existing HR systems is needed.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
Employee Background Check Services FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about employee background check services:
How long does it take to complete a background check?
The time it takes to complete a background check can vary depending on the type of checks being conducted. Standard checks like employment and education verification typically take a few days. More in-depth checks, such as international criminal records, can take longer, sometimes up to several weeks. It’s important to discuss timelines with your provider to set realistic expectations for your hiring process.
What information do I need to provide for a background check?
You’ll need to provide basic information about the candidate, such as their full name, social security number, and date of birth. Depending on the checks you’re conducting, you might also need previous addresses, employer details, and educational history. It’s essential to ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays or errors in the process.
Are background checks legal everywhere?
Yes, background checks are legal, but they must comply with federal and state regulations. In the U.S., the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets guidelines for conducting background checks. It’s crucial to work with a provider that understands and follows these legal requirements to ensure compliance and protect your business.
How do background checks protect my business?
Background checks help verify the credentials and history of potential hires, reducing the risk of hiring individuals who may pose a threat to your business. They can uncover issues like criminal records or falsified qualifications, helping you make informed hiring decisions. This process can safeguard your team’s safety and maintain your company’s reputation.
Can I conduct background checks on current employees?
Yes, you can conduct background checks on current employees, but it’s essential to have a clear policy in place. Inform your employees about the process and obtain their consent. Regular checks can be beneficial for roles involving sensitive information or financial responsibilities, ensuring ongoing trustworthiness and compliance.
What should I do if a background check reveals negative information?
If a background check reveals negative information, it’s important to handle the situation with care. Review the findings and consider their relevance to the position. Discuss the results with the candidate, giving them an opportunity to explain or dispute the information. Make your decision based on a balanced assessment of the risks and the candidate’s qualifications.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching employee background check services, connect with a Software Select advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.