Why Do I Have To Pay For My Own Background Check?

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When looking for a new job, it’s essential to ensure that you have all your paperwork in order. This means that you’ll need to have a recent copy of your resume, and you may also be required to provide a background check. 

You may be wondering why you have to pay for your own background check. The answer is simple: the company wants to make sure that they’re hiring the best possible candidate

They don’t want to spend money on a background check, only to find out that the person isn’t qualified for the job. This is also why many companies will ask for your references. 

Many people assume that their potential employer will pay for this check, but the applicant is responsible for covering the cost in most cases.

So why do background checks cost money?

Why do employers require Background Checks?

When you’re looking for a new job, one thing that may be required is a background check. Unfortunately, many people wonder why this is necessary, especially why they have to pay for it themselves. 

There are several reasons employers need these checks. The most common reason is safety. Employers want to make sure they hire someone who doesn’t have a criminal history that could threaten other employees or customers. 

Another reason is a liability. For example, if an employee commits fraud or steals from the company, the employer can be held liable if they didn’t do a background check. 

Finally, some employers simply want to know as much about a potential employee as possible before making a hiring decision.

Is it normal to pay for a background check?

You bet it is! In fact, many people are looking for ways to get their hands on a quality background check without having to spend too much money. The good news is that plenty of reputable online services offers great deals on background checks such as Checkr.

Of course, you can always go the old-fashioned route and request a background check from your local police department or sheriff’s office. 

But this option can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you need to order multiple reports. That’s why so many people turn to online services for their criminal history searches. 

These companies offer fast, easy access to the information you need – and they’re usually much cheaper than going through law enforcement.

How much does a Background Check Cost?

The cost of a background check can vary depending on the type of report you order and the company you use. Typically, a standard criminal history search costs between $35 and $50. 

However, employers or landlords will sometimes require more detailed searches, like SSN verification or county-level searches. These reports can be more expensive, costing anywhere from $50 to $200+.

For some people, especially those with a common name, background checks can be pretty expensive. This is why it’s essential to shop around and compare prices before you order a report. 

You may be able to find a company that offers discounts for multiple background checks or first-time customers.

What is included in a Background Check?

There is a lot of confusion about what is included in a Background Check. For example, many people think that a Background Check only includes criminal history information. 

However, many other data types can be included in a Background Check. The most common type of background check is the criminal history check. This will consist of any arrests and convictions that you have had. 

However, some employers may also want to conduct a credit check or driving record check. A credit check will show your credit score and any delinquent debt that you may have. 

A driving record check will show any accidents or traffic violations you have been involved in.

What to do if there are errors on your Background Check

If you find errors on your background check, you have a few options. You can dispute the information with the company that conducted the check or contact the federal agency that provided the data. 

If you believe that your rights were violated during the background check process, you may be able to file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). 

You should also consider hiring an attorney specializing in employment law to help protect your rights. 

The lawyer might negotiate a settlement with the employer or take legal action against them if they violated any laws during the background check process. 

If you are having trouble finding work because of an inaccurate background check, talk to an attorney about your case. They may be able to help you clear your name and get the job you deserve.

How to dispute incorrect information on your Background Check

You may find inaccurate information on your Background Check. This could be the result of identity theft or an error on the part of the company conducting the check. If you believe that any of the information is incorrect on a background check, you have the right to dispute it. 

The first step is to contact the company that provided the report and ask for a copy of their dispute process. They should be able to provide you with a form to complete and return, as well as for instructions on how to submit your dispute. 

Be sure to include copies of any documentation that supports your claim, such as police reports or court documents. The company will then review your information and decide whether or not it will be updated or removed from your report. 

It can be frustrating to have to go through this process, but it’s vital to ensure that the information on your Background Check is accurate. You can protect yourself from any potential negative consequences by taking these steps.

Tips for ensuring that your Background Check comes back clean

Ensure that you’re doing everything possible to get a clean background check. Many employers will require you to provide your background check, and you must take the time to do it right.

Here are some tips for ensuring a clean report:

Make sure all of your information is up-to-date. This includes addresses, contact information, and anything else that appears on your report. If there are any discrepancies, make sure to correct them as soon as possible.

Be thorough in your research. Make sure to search not only your name but also aliases and any other names you may have used in the past. It’s also a good idea to search through public records and social media platforms.

Get help if needed. If you’re not comfortable doing all of the research yourself, consider hiring a professional to help you. They can often do a more thorough job and may find information that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.

Stay vigilant. It’s essential to keep an eye on your report even after it’s been cleared. Make sure that any new information is updated as soon as possible. If there are any discrepancies, take action immediately.

How to get a copy of your own Background Check

You can easily get a copy of your own Background Check by following a few simple steps:

  • You will need to provide personal information.
  • You will need to pay a small fee to receive your report.
  • You can download your report and review it for accuracy.

If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact the company that conducted the background check. 

Also, if you find any errors in your report, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities to have them corrected. It’s crucial to ensure that your background check is accurate and up-to-date, and this is an excellent way to do so!

Alternatives to traditional background checks

If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional background check, you may want to try one of the following:

  • Credit checks: A credit check can provide information about a person’s financial history. 
  • Criminal record checks: A criminal record check can provide information about a person’s criminal history. 
  • Employment verification: An employment verification can provide information about a person’s work history. 
  • Education verification: An education verification can provide information about a person’s educational history. 
  • Social media checks: A social media check can provide information about a person’s social media presence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else order my background check for me?

If you are the subject of a background check, you cannot order it on your own. Only authorized organizations such as employers can request criminal history checks through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

However, suppose you need to provide proof of your criminal history for an immigration application or some other purpose. In that case, you may be able to order a copy of your state-level criminal history record through the state agency that maintains those records.

What is the process for ordering my own background check?

There is no specific process to follow to order your own background check. The best way to do this is to contact the company that will search and asks them how to obtain one.

Generally, you will need to provide some personal information, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other identifying details. You may also be asked to provide fingerprints. Also, be prepared to pay a fee for the search.

Can I get a free copy of my background check?

Under most circumstances, you cannot receive a free copy of your own background check. However, there are some exceptions.

For example, if you were denied employment or housing based on information found in your report, you might be able to obtain a free copy through the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Additionally, if you are an active-duty military member or veteran, you may be able to request a free report through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Central Adjudication Facility (CAF).

Looking For Someone?

Use their Name, Phone Number, Email, or Address to find information.

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Takeaway

Now that you have decided to do a background check on yourself, the next question is: who pays for it?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. The person being checked will have to pay for the background check cost in most cases. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. 

For example, if you are looking into your own criminal history to apply for a job or housing, some states will cover the background check cost. 

However, most other types of checks – like credit checks or employment verification – will fall on the individual seeking information. This can be frustrating, particularly if you are not sure why you need a background check in the first place.


bryan rucker
Written by Brian Williams

Brian is an expert in security, privacy, and information. He has studied background checks, criminal, people search, and such topics over the last 5 years. He is also an avid writer and enjoys sharing his knowledge through this blog. Read more of Brian's articles.