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More often than not, comparing two background check services is like comparing chalk and cheese. Other times their features overlap so much it can be almost impossible to choose just one. That’s certainly the case when it comes to two high-quality services like Instant Checkmate and Intelius. Both provide users with thorough background checks and offer plenty of extra features as well. However, they each have their strengths and weaknesses and only one will be able to suit your needs the best.
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Since 2010, California-based Instant Checkmate has been providing its users with comprehensive background check reports. What makes Instant Checkmate stand out is that it provides in-depth people searches in a matter of minutes. Instant Checkmate excels at digging up criminal pasts as it gathers arrest records, court dockets, and checks sex offender registration files. The service is flexible too and will be equally adept at finding traces of long-lost friends and family. For an extra fee, you can also get premium reports that go into more depth, showing if the person owns a gun, hunting license, or even an aircraft.
Instant Checkmate offers customer support via telephone and email during business hours every day. Alternatively, it’s possible to get in touch through social media, where the service is very active. Unfortunately, prices are quite expensive – not too surprising when you consider it offers such thorough reporting – but you can test out a free trial for five days before you buy.
When it comes to background check services, Intelius is a real veteran. Since 2003, the Washington-based company has become one of the most famous background checkers in the world. Like Instant Checkmate, Intelius offers a lot of different searching options with everything from simple people searches and criminal checks, to comprehensive background checks. Searching for estranged family members is made easy as reports not only give you a person’s relatives but also produces a neat family tree. The criminal checks are impressive too, as Intelius searches through country-wide court records to show you any offenses, court locations, and even the final outcome of the case.
When it comes to customer support, it’s only possible to send a ticket request or call the helpdesk directly, although there’s an extensive FAQ section that will answer many of your issues. Prices for Intelius depend on the type of search you want to do, but you can run a basic one-off search for as little as $0.95. Of course, for the most in-depth reports you’ll need to pay more, but the service does have reasonable monthly subscription rates starting at $19.95 per month. Intelius offers users seven days free to test out the product, but you have to be careful to cancel your trial quickly before the company charges your account.
Truly, there’s little to separate Instant Checkmate and Intelius. Both services offer some of the most extensive background checks on the market and they shine when it comes to finding out in-depth criminal histories or locating family members. However, Instant Checkmate provides better customer support overall, so you can get assistance every step of the way. Meanwhile, Intelius is a more flexible service, allowing you to run single reports instead of being tied down to a monthly subscription. Both offer free trials to test the services out first, so you can see which one works best for you.
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