Pricing overview

Complete Criminal Checks offers a pricing structure primarily based on a pay-as-you-go model, where users pay for each individual background check service they utilize. This approach is designed for flexibility, allowing clients to select specific components without committing to recurring subscription fees for basic access. The cost of a check can vary based on the type of search, its geographical scope (e.g., county, state, national), and any additional reports requested, such as motor vehicle records or federal criminal searches. For instance, a National Criminal Check is listed as starting at $29.95, providing a baseline for individual service costs Complete Criminal Checks pricing page.

Beyond individual checks, Complete Criminal Checks also provides package deals. These packages bundle multiple check types together, often at a reduced cumulative cost compared to purchasing each component separately. Such bundles are typically aimed at users who frequently conduct a specific set of checks, like those for pre-employment screening or tenant verification. The exact pricing for these packages is detailed on their official pricing page, reflecting the specific combinations of services included in each Complete Criminal Checks service packages.

The pricing model is transparent in that each service has an advertised cost, allowing organizations to budget for their background screening needs based on anticipated volume and required depth of information. This contrasts with subscription-based models where a fixed fee covers a certain number of checks or unlimited access to specific features, regardless of actual usage. The pay-as-you-go system can be beneficial for small to medium businesses or individuals with intermittent screening needs, as it avoids minimum monthly commitments.

Plans and tiers

Complete Criminal Checks offers various individual check types and bundled packages rather than distinct subscription-based plans or tiers. This structure allows users to customize their screening process by selecting only the reports pertinent to their requirements. The primary offerings include:

  • National Criminal Database Search: A broad search across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Sex Offender Registry Search: Checks national and state sex offender registries.
  • Federal Criminal Search: Identifies crimes prosecuted at the federal level.
  • State Criminal Search: Focuses on criminal records within a specific state.
  • County Criminal Search: Provides detailed local criminal records.
  • Motor Vehicle Records (MVR): Verifies driving history.

Each of these services is priced individually. For users with recurring needs, Complete Criminal Checks provides packages that combine several of these core products. These packages are not tiered plans in the traditional sense, but rather pre-configured bundles designed to address common screening scenarios, such as pre-employment or tenant checks. For example, a package might combine a National Criminal Database Search, Sex Offender Registry Search, and a County Criminal Search. Specific pricing for these bundles is available on the provider's website, reflecting the included services Complete Criminal Checks bundle details.

Comparison of core check types

Check Type Starting Price Key Limits / Scope Best For
National Criminal Database Search $29.95 Broad search, may require county-level verification for accuracy. Initial broad screening, identifying potential red flags across states.
Sex Offender Registry Search (Included in some packages, or separate fee) Covers national and state registries. Screening for roles involving vulnerable populations (e.g., childcare, healthcare).
Federal Criminal Search (Separate fee) Focuses on federal offenses (e.g., fraud, embezzlement). Roles handling finances or high-level security.
State Criminal Search (Separate fee, varies by state) Specific to one state's criminal records. Targeted screening when applicant has lived in a single state.
County Criminal Search (Separate fee, varies by county) Most accurate and up-to-date local records. Verifying specific addresses/counties of residence, essential for comprehensive checks.
Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) (Separate fee) Driving history, license status, violations. Roles requiring driving (e.g., delivery drivers, company vehicle operators).

Free tier and limits

Complete Criminal Checks does not offer a free tier in the traditional sense, such as a set number of free checks per month or a perpetually free basic service. The platform operates on a pay-per-check model, meaning that each individual background check or report requested incurs a specific charge Complete Criminal Checks pricing details. There are no free trials that provide full access to their criminal check services. This model is common among background check providers who incur direct costs for accessing various databases and government records.

Users seeking to understand the functionality or interface of Complete Criminal Checks would need to consult their documentation or contact sales, as there isn't a free portal for self-service testing. This approach differs from API providers that often offer a free usage tier with rate limits or feature restrictions to allow developers to build and test integrations before committing to paid plans. For example, some API providers, like Twilio, offer a free trial balance for testing messaging and voice services Twilio free trial information. Complete Criminal Checks's model focuses directly on the delivery of a verified report, which inherently involves accessing paid data sources.

Therefore, any usage of Complete Criminal Checks's services, from a single county criminal search to a comprehensive package, will incur a charge as specified on their pricing page. There are no free limits on the number of checks that can be performed, other than the financial limit imposed by the user's budget.

Real-world cost examples

Understanding the actual cost of using Complete Criminal Checks involves considering the specific types of checks needed and the volume. Here are a few illustrative scenarios:

Scenario 1: Small Business Hiring a New Employee

  • Requirements: A small business needs a basic background check for a new administrative assistant. They require a national criminal search and a sex offender registry check.
  • Checks selected:
    • National Criminal Database Search: $29.95
    • Sex Offender Registry Search: (Often included with national search or a small additional fee)
  • Estimated Cost: Approximately $29.95 - $40.00, depending on whether the sex offender search is a standalone fee or part of a basic package Complete Criminal Checks individual check pricing.
  • Notes: This is a common basic pre-employment screen. If the candidate has lived in multiple counties, additional county-level checks might be recommended for thoroughness, increasing the cost.

Scenario 2: Landlord Screening a Prospective Tenant

  • Requirements: A landlord wants to screen a tenant applying for an apartment. This typically includes a criminal background check and a review of their driving record if the property includes parking or vehicle access.
  • Checks selected:
    • National Criminal Database Search: $29.95
    • County Criminal Search (for current residence): ~ $10-$25 (varies by county)
    • Sex Offender Registry Search: (Often bundled)
    • Motor Vehicle Records (MVR): ~ $10-$15
  • Estimated Cost: $50.00 - $80.00 per tenant.
  • Notes: Landlords often combine these checks for a comprehensive view of a tenant's history. The cost can fluctuate based on the specific counties involved and the state's MVR fees.

Scenario 3: Volunteer Organization Screening Multiple Volunteers

  • Requirements: A non-profit organization needs to screen 10 volunteers annually for roles involving children. They require a national criminal check and a sex offender registry check for each.
  • Checks selected:
    • National Criminal Database Search + Sex Offender Registry Search (potentially a package deal).
  • Estimated Cost: If a package for these two checks is, for example, $35.00 per person, then 10 volunteers would cost $350.00. The total would be higher if county-level checks are added or if there are no package discounts for volume.
  • Notes: For organizations with higher volume, contacting Complete Criminal Checks directly for potential volume discounts or custom packages might be beneficial.

How the pricing compares

Complete Criminal Checks's pay-as-you-go model contrasts with some alternative background check providers that offer subscription plans or tiered pricing based on usage volume. For instance, platforms like Checkr and GoodHire typically offer monthly subscriptions or packages that include a set number of background checks at varying price points, often providing discounts for higher volumes GoodHire pricing details. This can be more cost-effective for companies with high, consistent screening volumes.

Complete Criminal Checks's strength lies in its flexibility for lower-volume users or those with intermittent needs. A small business hiring one employee per quarter might find the pay-as-you-go model more economical than a monthly subscription that they wouldn't fully utilize. The advertised starting price of $29.95 for a National Criminal Check is competitive for individual checks, especially when compared to the per-check cost within some basic subscription tiers of alternatives.

However, for enterprises or organizations conducting hundreds of checks monthly, the cumulative cost of individual checks with Complete Criminal Checks might exceed the cost of a volume-discounted subscription from a competitor. Competitors often structure their pricing to incentivize higher usage, providing lower per-check costs as volume increases. For example, Checkr's pricing often includes various tiers that bundle different types of checks and progressively lower per-check costs for larger enterprises Checkr pricing plans.

Another distinguishing factor is the transparency of individual service pricing. While Complete Criminal Checks clearly lists costs for specific components, some alternatives might offer more opaque bundled pricing where the individual cost of each component is less clear. This transparency can be an advantage for users who need precise control over which checks they run and want to understand the exact cost breakdown for each report.

Ultimately, the most cost-effective solution depends on the user's specific requirements, volume, and frequency of background checks. Complete Criminal Checks positions itself well for those who value flexibility and direct payment for services rendered, without the commitment of a recurring subscription.