9 Best Background Check Sites For Dating Success

There may be a hundred things we still don’t know about human nature, but here’s one thing that is always predictable. Every person has a very real need to be seen in a more flattering light. Whether it’s sugar coating your CV, inflating your bank balance by a few zeros, increasing your height by a couple of inches or decreasing your weight by several kilos — the need to be portrayed in a more appealing way is a tale as old as time. This has naturally led to the search for the best background check sites for dating, as one can hardly go by face value when it comes to choosing potential dates.

While dating apps often offer their own versions of background check tools (for example, the Bumble background check), doing your own free background check for dating a potential life partner is now considered a smart choice that helps prevent catfishing and protect you in the long run. In the world of online dating services, the innate human desire to appear better than one is has given rise to the phenomenon of catfishing. Catfishing refers to the activity where a person takes on a fictitious persona or fake identity and uses the same to lure others via dating sites. Nearly 20,000 catfishing cases were reported in the US alone in 2020. This, in turn, has led to the pressing need for background checks on online dating apps. So, is there any need to find the best background check site for dating? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’!

When should you use background checks for online dating services? 

When you should use background check sites is ultimately a matter of personal choice and depends on how much your ‘spidey senses’ tingle. Maybe you have burnt your fingers before or prefer not to waste your time finding any potential red flags. So, go ahead and run that background check on your partner before you start dating. After all, which one of us hasn’t Google searched someone or checked out the socials of someone after the first meet? Professional background screeners just take that curiosity one step further. 

If you’ve already been on a couple of dates and the relationship is promising, you could use Google’s reverse image search to know more about your date. Some websites offer detailed background check reports to help you learn about a person’s prior relationships, family background, and financial history. 

But before we dive deep into a list of the best background check sites for dating, let’s look at some simple ways you can run a free background check for dating your partner:

1. Try searching on Google  

There’s not much Google doesn’t know. The search engine offers an easy way to discover more than basic information about your date. This includes their employment history, previous relationships, photos, and social media presence, which can give you a pretty good idea of who you are dealing with. If you don’t find much up-to-date information online or their name appears in different contexts, it may be a red flag requiring further investigation. 

Related Reading: 12 Signs Your Past Relationships Are Affecting Your Present Relationship

2. Explore social media 

Unsurprisingly, social media can tell you a lot more about a person than a regular legal document. If they have a public profile, you can double check their political views, who their friends and family are, discover past relationships and employment history, and glean enough basic information about them. Their lifestyle and personal details help you decide whether they will get a second date or not. While Instagram and Facebook can be set to private, other social media channels, such as Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest, are usually open to the public.

3. Flex your detective skills 

Bring back the fedora hat and that magnifying glass because now is the time for online research before you meet this date person. A closer look at certain free background check sites can result in some confidential information. So, make sure you know what you are signing up for. While some websites for detailed background check reports have high fees, others offer their services free of charge. It all depends on how detailed a background check on your partner you require. Some simple online clarifications that can be done without professional help include:

• Requesting consumer reporting agencies for information such as birth or marriage certificates 
• Phone numbers and addresses
• Property information 
• Educational documents 
• Criminal records 

All of this is public information, so accessing these details doesn’t make you too much of a stalker. 

4. Check the Sex Offender Website 

The National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is a nationwide public safety resource available in the United States. This was launched to provide accurate, up-to-date information and protect local communities from potential threats. The site is updated regularly and can be accessed by anyone from anywhere. 

Related Reading: How Cheaters Hide Their Tracks – The 9 Point List Updated 2022

How To Choose The Best Background Check Services For Dating

While numerous dating background check sites are available, some can be expensive. To ensure you are getting enough bang for your buck, here’s what you need to look out for when choosing a background check company for dating: 

• Do the sites that do background checks have a good reputation? 
• Are the sites known for providing accurate and up-to-date information?
• Do they use ethical means to procure this information? 
• What methodology does the site use? Many companies are transparent about what type of investigations they perform. Most search parameters can generate simple address searches, offer reverse phone lookups, and provide information on job history and marital status
• Is everything legit and legal? 
• What type of background check services and personal information are provided by them? 
• Does the company provide online support? While there is no need for 24X7 support, some amount of customer service and promptness is always appreciated
• What is the cost? Several companies offer monthly subscription packages that work out more economically. Such pricing usually involves unlimited searches and includes more documents. You must brace yourself for the bill to follow if it is a one-time search

We don’t want you to be another victim of cyberbullying, so, we suggest you invest a little time and money in a similar app that serves your purpose. Depending on whether you are looking for sites that do background checks exclusively for personal information or require more intense investigations, such as prior criminal records or drug history, the company you choose needs to be equipped to provide relevant documents. 

9 Best Dating Background Check Sites 

Waiting for days to receive any public records is now a thing of the past. Today, the online availability of most personal records, paired with comprehensive and modern software, means that you have a wealth of information at the press of a button. Here’s a look at nine of the best background check sites for dating we have chosen for you: 

Name of Site	Pricing begins at	Pros	Cons
TruthFinder	A TruthFinder membership plan can vary between $4.99 per month to $29.73 per month. This rate is automatically charged to your account until you cancel your subscription	Dark web scanning	No option to buy a single report
BeenVerifiied	Apart from the one-dollar, seven-day trial, membership starts at $26.80 plus taxes. This will be charged to your account until you cancel the subscription.	If there is any change in information, you will be notified immediately	Too simplistic for more detailed and in-depth searches
CheckPeople	For $1, you can get a five-day trial. After that, the pricing for membership can range from $44.85 for a month. Other plans vary between $17 to $27.65.	Unlimited detailed reports	Cancellation of membership can be a hassle as it involves calling a helpline
Intelius	For a fee of $1, you have access to unlimited background checks for a period of five days. Post this trial period, you will be automatically charged the full membership fee of $24.86	In-depth educational and employment histories are available	One-time background reports are no longer available
Instant Checkmate	You can choose between monthly or quarterly membership plans ranging from $28.09 to $35.12 and simple phone report fees for $5.99 monthly. You can also opt for the free five-day trial for $1 to check out the site before you commit to any plan	Free first search	Individual reports are not possible
People Looker	One-month membership begins at $23.99 while a three-month package is available for $19.19 per month. Cancellation is instantaneous and can be done online or via chat support.	Simple interface	Reports can take a long time to process
Spokeo	For as little as $0.95, you can start a seven-day trial package with Spokeo. Post this, membership plans start at $24.95 for a monthly package and $19.95 for a six-month plan.	Quick turnaround time	No unlimited searches
InfoTracer	You can start with a seven-day trial for $1 and move on to a monthly subscription rate of $14.95. The membership plans are economical and easy to cancel as well.	Unlimited background checks are available	No Lookup Tool for web accounts
Public Seek	Membership plans kick in after the initial one-day/$1 trial period. You can opt for $26.87 for a monthly plan or $46.96 for unlimited searches for two months.	Affordable membership plans	You cannot purchase individual reports

1. TruthFinder 

If you want to dig deeper than the Deep Web, TruthFinder is your site. With information not usually available with a regular Google search, TruthFinder promises to provide you with more details about your date than most other background check companies. 

Features 

TruthFinder has an easy-to-use interface and offers in-depth analysis of social media profiles and public records. The site’s seamless navigation makes it popular for people needing accurately generated background check reports. Their profile analysis even offers options such as criminal background checks, zodiac compatibility between you and your date, and a  free family tree creator if you are interested. 

What does TruthFinder provide

• Background searches 
• Family information
• Job history 
• Criminal background check services and arrest records 
• Social network information 
• Financial records, such as tax liens and bankruptcies 
• Alternative identities, such as aliases and past names
• Reverse address lookups
• Reverse phone lookups
• Current contact details 
• Information about family members, friends, neighbors, and even exes 
• Sexual offense records 

Pricing details  

A TruthFinder membership plan can vary between $4.99 per month to $29.73 per month. This rate is automatically charged to your account until you cancel your subscription. 

Pros 

• Quick results 
• Dark web scanning 
• Up-to-date results 
• Available as an Android app 

Cons 

• The premium services do not come cheap, though there are several features available via membership at reasonable pricing
• No option to buy a single report. One needs to sign up for a minimum one-month plan to access records and checks 

Related Reading: 15 Valuable Tips To Save Yourself From Catfishing

2. BeenVerified 

If you are aware of the MTV series Catfish, you would know about BeenVerified. The search site gained popularity for being used on the show. The site does all it can to keep you hooked, and every time you try and attempt to leave the page without signing up, it offers more and more attractive pricing options until you are finally faced with a $1 trial period for a week. So keep pressing that back button on your browser till you reach this offer. 

Features 

BeenVerified is well-known for its economic subscription plans and in-depth criminal record checks. This site is for you if you need a holistic approach to your date’s background. The site also provides information such as billing addresses, penal files, death records, traffic violations, employment history, court records, deeds, and a person’s criminal history etc. The simplicity of the site is its biggest advantage. The records are easy to access and read, and links are kept to a minimum for easy navigation. 

What does BeenVerified provide? 

• Phone numbers
• Reverse address lookups 
• Age and other personal details 
• Email contacts 
• Social media accounts 
• Information on family 
• Links to photos on other sites 
• Criminal records search
• Reverse phone lookups
• Vehicle records 
• Property records 

Pricing details 

Following the one-dollar, seven-day trial, membership starts at $26.80 plus taxes. They will charge the membership to your account until you cancel the subscription. 

Pros 

• A variety of data sources and offers a well-rounded dating background check process 
• Affordable pricing plans 
• Consistent and accurate information  
• Well known for their comprehensive background checks on criminal records 
• If there is any change in information, you will be notified immediately 
• Their mobile app is compatible with Android and Apple OS 

Cons 

• If you need only one report, the one-month plan is sufficient. For multiple and comprehensive reports and access to all records, you will have to pay for a three-month membership 
• Some feel that BeenVerified is too simplistic for more detailed and in-depth searches. It ultimately comes down to your requirements and which site offers the best options for you 

3. CheckPeople 

With its deep web searches and unlimited reports, CheckPeople is gaining popularity as an easy-to-use, in-depth people search engine. Several steps ahead of a simple Google search, a subscription to CheckPeople can provide you with numerous records, depending on how extensive your search preferences are. Simply choose between a standard report or a premium one, and you will have access to exactly the information you require to keep you safe both from the dangers of online dating and in real life. 

Features 

One of the site’s highlights is its unlimited monthly search feature. Once you have a membership, you can access countless online records, ranging from addresses and phone numbers to court documents, blog posts, and relationship histories. Information is then provided in a single, simplified report. If you are ever stuck with any search, the site’s 24-hour helpline provides whatever assistance you may need. 

What does CheckPeople provide? 

• Access to all sorts of public records, such as court documents and ownership deeds
• Marriage and divorce records 
• Social media activity, including old blogs and posts
• Arrest records 
• Federal inmate locator services 
• Sex offender searches 

Pricing details 

For $1, you can get a five-day trial. After that, the pricing for membership can start from $44.85 for a month. Other plans vary between $17 to $27.65. 

Pros

• Very easy-to-use interface with simplified options 
• Cost-effective 
• Unlimited detailed reports 
• Access to its CrimeWire blog, with information about online safety

Cons 

• According to user reviews, the site may take a long time to load
• Cancellation of membership can be a hassle, as it involves calling a helpline 

Related Reading: Sending Nudes? Our Cyber Safety Experts Say You Shouldn’t

4. Intelius 

If you are looking for work- or education-related background checks, Intelius offers popular background check services using public records and a variety of report options.

Features 

Whether you are curious to know more about your new date or you are fact-checking an employee or a student, Intelius provides all the information required to put you at ease. From social media accounts to family histories and financial records to criminal background reports, this easy-to-use site provides all background check service results in a matter of minutes.  

What does Intelius provide? 

• Contact details 
• Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records
• Educational information 
• Identity verification 
• Work history and verification 
• Asset and ownership records 
• Criminal records 
• Sexual offense documentation 
• Reverse phone book search 

Pricing 

Intelius offers what they call the ‘S Report’. For a princely fee of $1, you have access to unlimited background checks for a period of five days. Post this trial period, you will be automatically charged the full membership fee of $24.86 (unless you cancel your subscription in time). Other membership plans range from $4.99 per month to $79.95 per month. 

Pros 

• Available on Android and iOS
• In-depth educational and employment histories are available 
• Easy-to-use interface
• Diverse pricing options 
• Speedy online reports 

Cons 

• Cancellation fee may be applicable 
• One-time background reports are no longer available 

5. Instant Checkmate 

For accurate and thorough background checks for dating related to criminal records or sex offender searches, Instant Checkmate is highly recommended. The site collects data from several online sources and provides its users with encrypted and secure consumer reports 

Features 

One of the USPs of Instant Checkmate is its simple user interface. All you need to do is enter the person’s name and geographic location, and the search engine does the rest for you. It’s ideal for those who are about to start a long-distance relationship with someone they met online. In a short period of time, you will have access to your date’s criminal records, employment history, sex offender reports, arrest records, as well as information related to firearm licenses or aliases. 

What does Instant Checkmate provide? 

• Police records 
• Drug test records 
• Photos 
• Contact details 
• Social media accounts 
• Property deeds 
• Financial reports 
• Court records 
• Traffic records 
• Birth and death certificates 

Pricing details 

You can choose between monthly or quarterly membership plans, ranging from $28.09 to $35.12, and simple phone report fees for $5.99 monthly. You can also opt for the free five-day trial for $1 to check out the site before you commit to any plan. Cancellation of subscriptions is allowed at any time. 

Pros

• Over 70,000+ positive reviews 
• Mobile apps available 
• Free first search 
• Ease of cancellation 
• The premium membership provides SMS alerts when there is any change of information 

Cons

• Incomplete consumer reports 
• Unclear membership options 
• Individual reports are not possible 

Related Reading: How To Find Out If Your Partner Is Cheating Online?

6. PeopleLooker 

This background check service site has access to 10 million public records and is considered one of the best when checking out a potential partner. You can opt for various search parameters to obtain the exact information you require, thanks to PeopleLooker’s comprehensive pricing plans. 

Features 

With People Checker, you can request past dating profiles and more investigative reports, such as civil suits and criminal reports. The site also offers live customer support seven days a week. A toll-free number and email support are available if you are stuck with a search or need help navigating the site. 

What does People Checker provide? 

• Aliases and past identity checks 
• Age and personal information 
• Contact details, including addresses and reverse phone search 
• Employment reports 
• Educational records 
• Information about family and relatives 
• Asset records 
• Criminal records 
• Sex offender records 

Pricing details 

The one-month membership begins at $23.99, while a 3-month package is available for $19.19 monthly. Cancellation is instantaneous and can be done online or via chat support. 

Pros 

• Simple interface
• Mobile app available 
• All searches are confidential, and the party being investigated will never be intimated 

Cons 

• Reports can take a long time to process 
• Individual reports are not possible 
• One-time searches are not available 

7. Spokeo 

Spokeo offers real-time data collection, thus ensuring that you always have the most up-to-date information about the person you are investigating. The site offers customer support seven days a week to answer any queries or tackle any problems that may crop up during your searches. The site boasts access to billions of records, including property, consumer, court, and business records. This information is then offered to you in an easy-to-read report in a matter of minutes. 

Features 

Even if it’s only the first or last name of the person you know, Spokeo provides an initial free report to you, with contact details such as phone numbers, addresses, and names of close relatives and family. This ensures you have found the correct person before opting for a paid membership. Beyond the basic fee plan, you have paid membership plans with access to reports such as wealth data, location history, and personal information. Before you get all excited about the first date after meeting online, give it a whirl.

What does Spokeo provide? 

• Social media profiles 
• Photos and videos 
• Court records 
• Criminal reports 
• Employment history 
• Income reports 
• Investment and asset records 
• Marriage certificates 
• Legal judgements and arrests 

Pricing details 

For as little as $0.95, you can start a seven-day trial package with Spokeo. Post these seven days, membership plans start at $24.95 for a monthly package and $19.95 for a six-month plan.  

Pros 

• Simple social media finder 
• Comprehensive public records search
• Quick turnaround time 
• Economical membership plan 
• Easy cancellation 

Cons 

• No unlimited searches 
• Unused searches cannot be carried over to the next calendar month 

8. InfoTracer

InfoTracer is owned by Accucom Corporation, which has access to several public records and online databases, such as CriminalPages and InfoPay. When you sign up with InfoTracer, you are assured of the best security and the most reliable information from government and public records.

A basic membership will allow you access to court judgments, criminal records, deep web searches, driving records, email addresses, license records, and username searches. You must sign up for a premium plan for more sensitive information, such as tax liens, probate cases, eviction records, weapon permits, and legal judgments. If you are worried a cyberstalker likes you and not sure how to protect yourself, this membership will be worth spending on.

Features 

In addition to the usual records and access to public databases, InfoTracer also provides current and up-to-date information about a person’s political contributions, alternative usernames, domain names, and other online activities. 

Related Reading: How To Make Online Dating Work? 8 Tips From Expert

What does InfoTracer provide? 

• Reverse photo check 
• Contact details 
• Addresses 
• Information on family members 
• Employment history 
• Education records 
• Birth, death, and marriage certificates 
• Civil lawsuits 
• Social media accounts 
• Dating profiles 
• Unclaimed funds 

Pricing details 

You can start with a seven-day trial for $1 and move on to a monthly subscription rate of $14.95. The membership plans are economical and easy to cancel as well. 

Pros 

• Up-to-date databases 
• Excellent personal security 
• Variety of membership plans 
• Unlimited background checks are available 

Cons 

• There have been some reviews claiming incomplete reports 
• The iOS version is still unavailable 
• No Lookup Tool for web accounts 
• A lot of information is available, which may make the site confusing to some people 

9. Public Seek 

From professional licenses to past dating profiles, Public Seek has it all. With incredibly speedy reports and economical membership plans, you can now check if those red flags in your relationship have any grounding in facts and records. 

Features 

Available as a mobile app and as a desktop-friendly version, Public Seek is known to be one of the most up-to-date and current online people searches available. Their reports are updated every 24 hours. You can check them out by signing up for their one-day trial offer for only $1. 

What does Public Seek provide? 

• Address and contact information 
• Job history 
• Financial reports 
• Gun licenses and hunting permits 
• Permits for controlled substances 
• Sex offender reports 
• Criminal records 
• Social media accounts 
• Dating profiles 

Pricing details 

Membership plans kick in after the initial one-day/$1 trial period. You can opt for $26.87 for a monthly plan or $46.96 for unlimited searches for two months. 

Pros 

• Information and data records are updated every day 
• Access to over 10 billion online databases
• Affordable membership plans 
• Speedy access
• Insight into all reports is provided, offering you a higher level of safety when dating  

Cons 

• You cannot purchase individual reports 
• Some reviews claim that the reports are inconclusive

Related Reading: What Is Cyberstalking? Tips To Protect Yourself From Cyberstalkers

Why do you need background checks when dating? 

Background checks are useful for determining whether the person you are planning to meet or date is genuine. With the help of such sites, you can verify if the person has a past criminal record, is in trouble with the law, has been lying about their past job or education history, or is dangerous. 

• Your public profile may be putting you in a vulnerable position: In today’s world of easy accessibility and online information, cyberstalking cases are on the rise. If you feel your public profile may be attracting the wrong sort of attention and prefer to err on the side of caution and vet your potential partners, accurate background check sites are a must. 

• Protect yourself from false identities: There is an alarming trend of people using fake identities and profiles to attract or meet new partners. By doing a thorough check on your date and using tools such as reverse image search and address lookups, you are keeping yourself safe from potential romance scammers and con artists. 

• To ensure that you are dealing with a real person: Online fraudsters have succeeded in conning people for thousands of dollars. They can also pose a real physical threat to your safety. So, checking for fake dating profiles and verifying accurate data about a person before meeting them is imperative. 

As long as the results of your background checks are kept private and you are maintaining the law according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can subscribe to any of these people search sites. Use the information you receive to make an informed decision on whether to move on with your relationship or not. It’s always better to be safe than sorry about the big, bad world of internet dating these days. 

Dating in today’s fast-paced world can be challenging and time-consuming. In your quest to find the perfect partner, there’s no shame in doing some of the groundwork yourself. At the end of the day, there is nothing wrong or illegal in carrying out these background checks. After all, this information is publicly available. You do not require anyone’s consent to carry out these checks. If you keep the information you receive private and do not use this data for marketing purposes or to cause any harm, go ahead and sign up for that background check dating site. Just be prepared to face the consequences of what lies on the other side of the ‘Enter’ button. 

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