Checkr vs Verified First

Zinc

HiPeople

Paycom

Zinc is an award-winning, all-in-one global background-checking tool offering 12 checks in 190 countries.

HiPeople automates reference checks during hiring processes to prevent the recruitment of unqualified candidates. The software utilizes a scientific AI approach to provide reliable, objective insights. It aims to encourage equality and improve workplace diversity through inclusion initiatives.

Paycom is the most automated HCM platform and the only HR and payroll software built on a truly single, unique database that automates the entire employee life cycle. 

Checkr is a modern background check platform that uses AI-driven automation, configurable workflows, and real-time insights to help companies hire faster. Run criminal checks, MVR, and verifications with built-in compliance and seamless ATS integrations.

Background Screening

Status Tracking

Employment Screening

Self Service Portal

Online Applications

Reporting & Statistics

Reference Checking

By industry, Checkr reviewers are most commonly professionals in religious institutions (16%). The most frequent use case for Checkr cited by reviewers is background check (65% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some users say Checkr offers flexible pricing and customizable features, making it cost-effective for their needs. Reviewers appreciate affordable packages, but some users report unclear pricing, hidden fees, and unexpected price increases that complicate budgeting.

Value for money

The Checkr integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: Planning Center (a church management product rated 4.9 out of 5 for its integration with Checkr) and Paylocity (a payroll product, 4.2).

Integrations

Checkr is a background check program with key features that include background screening, a self-service portal, and more.

Checkr

Web-based

Basic+

Essential

Complete

HR Generalist

Checkr is a very user-friendly tool that can assist organizations in running background checks in compliance with federal, local and state laws.

VP of People Operations

Prior to this integration, we were using Checkr as a standalone background check system and occasionally the checks would cost more than anticipated.

I only utilize Checkr for background checks, so it's hard for me to speak to cons since I'm not utilizing every resource the platform offers.

Checkr seamlessly integrates with our HCM system, providing a quick, easy, and efficient onboarding process.

Director of HR

One thing I like least about Checkr is the lack of real-time updates or clearer communication when delays happen in the background check process.

Vice President of Human Resources

Must login into the 3rd party site to retrieve results and download report to upload into HRIS.

Engagement and Development Specialist

The platform is organized nicely, making it easy to retrieve candidate information and background check updates.

Director of Human Resources

We were able to customize packages which makes it easier for us to do our jobs.

Pastor

Background checks are a necessary part of what we do, since we have adults working with kids, and so having Checkr take care of all of that in a way that is quick and modern has been great!

The system is very user friendly and is a one stop shop for all related background checks including MVR and Social Security checks.

Sometimes the reviews can take longer than desired, but that's because of external factors, not Checkr.

Assistant HR Director

Checkr integrates easily into Paylocity which is very nice not having to switch between platforms.

It looks like they have added a 10 year look back period, but it would be nice to see more detail on the report.

Student Ministry Director

Checkr offers thorough background checks--reporting state and federal records.

HR Manager

They also have a great support system that you can ask questions, and they respond very quickly.

The platform is user-friendly, and the automation has helped streamline our background check process significantly.

Checkr makes background checks simple and efficient.

It is also very easy to order a background check and to customize a background check.

Owner

They have closed their support phone number and the chat / email support is slow and unhelpful.

Director of People

The convenience of the integration with our HRIS.

Independent contractor

The most inconvenient background checker; they have back office conversations and discriminate against people who are willing and have put in work.

People Operations Manager

Background checks have become mostly "set it and forget it", with any flags being easy to manage in the platform.

The integration with Paylocity was simple.

Guest Experience

Our experience is ongoing- we will continue to use Checkr for our background check needs in the future.

Chief Executive Officer

Satisfactory but when assistance is needed the only option is the chat which is very slow.

I believe it's the fastest and most user-friendly system and it comes at an affordable price.

It even reports things down to a traffic or parking violation.

This is another example of a software company that believes they can take all humans out of a process that requires human judgement and intervention.

owner

Also. When an invitation link has expired and a new new invitation link is sent to the candidate from Checkr website, that new link and its report results is not updated on Procare online.

Again, we love the integration piece - makes life easier.

Customer service has also been great to work with and always responds in a reasonable time.

Background checks are quick and they offer a variety of services.

Taking background way too long, my background usually takes 24-48 hours if that.

Abysmal customer service: If you are lucky enough to get someone on the phone (which is almost impossible)

With an increase in price last year, it is now as expensive as its competitors.

It appears on the surface to plug in with a lot of Google and other services.

Kids Director

The ease of process to send to volunteers, and speed in which we receive cleared check.

Recruiter

It seems easy enough to use with a lot of options.

it is obviously an overseas call center and not an account manager which is useless.

They just sent me a pricing pdf (which is different from what you see in your account when you are ordering your checks) that has small print saying that that there may be "additional fees."  

Director of Operations

It didn't have what we needed but they fixed it for us once we reached out to them.

It was easy for me to get in and use it with no previous experience.

It was easy to integrate with our payroll platform Gusto.

I paid for a premium tier background check tier that included employment an education verification services.

We will be using it with all of our employees.

Motor vehicle report came back pretty fast

PhD Candidate

Questions are responded to with autoreplies, or responses that ignore the question entirely.

Checkr integrates directly with our ChMS platform, Plans Center.

Background Check

Customer Support

Report Management

Ease of Use

Turnaround Time

Phone Support

Pricing

User Interface

Security and Access Control

Slow and unresponsive support

VP of People 

Can't speak with a person when speaking with customer service.

47% of reviewers feel negative about Checkr’s customer support. Some users report difficulty reaching support representatives, often encountering automated replies or long wait times for assistance. Reviewers indicate that unresolved issues and lack of clear communication cause frustration, especially when delays impact hiring timelines. They mention challenges with follow-up, limited access to knowledgeable staff, and a general sense that support is not customer-focused. Multiple users express dissatisfaction with the inability to speak directly to a person when urgent help is needed.

Seamless integration with HR systems

I like how Checkr integrates with Paylocity - creating less steps and automating the process.

Controller

It is integrated with Paylocity and works excellent with the onboarding process.  

96% of reviewers feel positive about Checkr’s integrations. Users indicate that the software connects smoothly with a wide range of HR platforms, applicant tracking systems, and payroll solutions, which helps automate background checks and reduces manual work. They say integrations with tools like Planning Center, BambooHR, Paylocity, and Gusto make it easier to manage hiring processes within their existing workflows. Some reviewers find that these integrations save time, minimize errors, and allow teams to track and complete checks without leaving their primary HR systems.

Streamlined and intuitive navigation

Systems Director

This product is easy to use, for both the user as well as the organization.

98% of reviewers feel positive about Checkr’s ease of use. Reviewers appreciate that the platform is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing them to navigate processes and access information quickly. They say onboarding is more efficient, tracking is simplified, and results are easy to interpret. Users mention that both administrators and end-users can operate the system with minimal training, and they value not having to switch between multiple systems. Some users highlight that the clear design and fast setup help them stay organized and reduce administrative effort in their daily workflow.

Small Business

Large Enterprises

Mid-size Business

Freelancers

Some users say Checkr offers flexible pricing with customizable feature selection, making it cost-effective for their needs. Reviewers appreciate the availability of multiple packages and the option to choose more affordable plans. Some users report that Checkr is reasonably priced compared to competitors and provides quick turnaround times, which they feel adds value. However, some reviewers find the pricing structure unclear, mentioning hidden fees and difficulty understanding cost breakdowns. Some users report unexpected price increases and say that additional fees make budgeting challenging. Some reviewers feel the overall cost can become high, especially with certain searches.

Checkr is a modern background check platform that combines AI-driven automation, configurable workflows, and real-time insights to help companies hire faster. Run criminal checks, MVR, and verifications while integrating seamlessly with your ATS.

Verified First is a cloud-based platform that helps businesses in healthcare, transportation, retail, financial services, and other sectors track and manage background checks for employees. The solution offers various features such as status tracking, drug testing, regulatory compliance, and more.

Checkr vs Verified First Comparison (2026)

Checkr

Verified First

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives