By now, you should know the countless benefits of running pre-employment background checks. From hiring better-quality candidates to protecting your organization and remaining compliant, the question is no longer whether to conduct background screenings or not, but how to do it effectively.
A background screening provider can help do it all while saving you time, resources, and money in the long run. How much does a background check really cost? A quick search will show you prices ranging from a few dollars to a few hundred. But the sticker price is only one small piece of the puzzle.
The real cost of a background check isn't just the price you pay for the report. It's the total investment (and the potential savings) that come from making an informed hiring decision. Verified First believes a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t actually fit everyone, which is why our pricing is customized to your organization's unique needs.
This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of background screening costs. Let’s explore how to build a smart, efficient screening budget that protects your bottom line and delivers a clear return on investment.
This post was originally published in May 2023, but has been updated as of September 2025.
When shopping for background screening solutions, it's common to approach it from a logical purchasing perspective: find a user-friendly product at the cheapest price. However, this viewpoint leaves out some critical considerations, such as risk management and legal compliance.
Your organization's background screening costs are determined by the specific services required, the depth of the search, and the number of screens you run. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that influence your total background screening cost:
Your total background screening costs will depend on the types of searches and screens you want to run. The most basic background check packages typically start with a National Criminal Database search, a Social Security Address Trace, and a Sex Offender Registry check. From there, you can add specific searches based on your needs, including:
Your total background screening costs are directly influenced by the number of checks you run. Some providers may offer lower per-check prices as the volume increases. Other providers, like us, also offer custom, flat-rate pricing for high-volume accounts, which is a key part of our Enterprise solution. When selecting a background screening provider, it’s essential to choose a solution that doesn’t require a minimum number of screens or annual commitments.
Some screening costs are non-negotiable, including government fees charged by courts and agencies to access records. While some providers may hide these in the final bill, a transparent partner will outline them clearly.
Applicant Tracking System (ATS) integrations can reduce the your overall background screening costs. While the price of the screening itself is one factor, the true cost of a background check includes indirect expenses that an integration can minimize or eliminate. Your tech stack can impact background check costs in these ways:
It’s easy to find "instant" background check services online for as little as $10-$20. Many of these options return a “pass/fail” or “red light/green light” result, signifying whether a company should hire a candidate or not. So, why would you not select the cheaper option? Risk management. In simple terms, they do not meet the standards of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
The FCRA was designed to protect job applicants and ensure fair hiring practices. If your organization is investigated for negligent hiring, a non-compliant background check will not provide a defensible record and could expose your company to legal liability.
In general, a reliable, FCRA-compliant background screening package typically costs between $30-$75, depending on the searches included. This price should cover essential checks like an SSN Trace, National Criminal records, and Sex Offender Registry checks, and can be expanded to include more in-depth searches like county criminal records and verifications. Reliable, compliant background screening is a small investment in protecting your organization from major legal and financial risks.
Your organization is unique, and so are your background screening needs. Your total background screening costs will vary depending on what you’re screening for and where you’re screening. To put things in perspective, a comprehensive and reliable background check can typically be run for less than a day’s pay for the position being hired. And in many cases, far less.
When building your screening budget, remember that you are not just paying for a report, but for a service that protects your organization. A reliable background check is a small investment that delivers a powerful return. We know your company has unique needs, which is why we offer background screening packages specific to many different industries, including a la carte products like drug testing, verifications, I-9, and more.
Don't risk your hiring process with a one-size-fits-all solution.
We are proud members of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)
Verified First is NIST 800-53 compliant.
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