Instant Checkmate Reviews 2024: Features, Cost & Alternatives
Reviewed by Randolph Vialva, MBA
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Instant Checkmate was founded in 2010 and is one of the best background check services in the business. They offer both basic and premium reports but are not a consumer reporting agency.
Pros
- Premium Information Included without Upcharge
- Month to Month Subscription
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Older Interface
Instant Checkmate will search public and court records to give the best overview of the person, entity, or address being searched. This includes information from social networks, past judgments, aliases, and location history.
Anyone with an account can use Instant Checkmate to find information about people or companies, business and residential addresses, and even phone numbers. Their dashboard keeps your reports in chronological order and offers premium data like criminal records with their general name searches.
Instant Checkmate services have been around for nearly 15 years, giving them a wealth of information from which to perform background checks. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and can draw search results from public records as well as court or criminal records. Their reporting features are easy to read and past searches appear in chronological order so they are easy to find. Instant Checkmate is not a consumer reporting agency and so they are not beholden to the Fair Credit Reporting Act; their reports cannot be used for any legal purposes but can help you feel more comfortable in your knowledge of other people.
Is Instant Checkmate Legit Or Is Instant Checkmate A Scam?
Yes, Instant Checkmate is a legitimate service. It is a public records search service that provides information such as contact details, criminal records, and more. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the information’s accuracy might vary because it is based on public databases, which might not always be complete or up-to-date.
It’s essential to thoroughly read the terms and conditions because some users have expressed concerns regarding invoicing methods. Despite these concerns, it is not a scam and should instead be used with caution and awareness of its limits.
Instant Checkmate Advantages
Instant Checkmate is one of the most used platforms for a background reports. They pull from thousands of databases and have billions of records at their disposal. Their rating with the Better Business Bureau is stellar and customer reviews are quite favorable.
Various Data Sources
Instant Checkmate uses a variety of data sources to inform their reporting. This includes both public and criminal records, and they can delve into social media platforms, too, to offer additional insights. Their reports can be basic, with primary name, address, and phone information, or can include premium information such as previous addresses, judgments, and even past employment.
Unlimited Reports
With an account, you can choose a single report, or with a membership, can create unlimited reports for any number of reasons. Some agencies charge more for detailed or premium information, but Instant Checkmate includes some premium information free of charge.
Simple & Comprehensive Background Check
Instant Checkmate offers both simple and comprehensive background checks for users. You cannot use Instant Checkmate for free, but they do offer a 5-day trial, with unlimited background reports for only $1.
Instant Checkmate Disadvantages
Instant Checkmate, while a legitimate service, does have several disadvantages that users should be aware of.
Information’s Accuracy
There may be questions about the information’s accuracy. Since the service uses public databases, the information may not always be current or comprehensive. This could lead to potential inaccuracies in the reports generated.
Issues With The Billing Practices Of Instant Checkmate
Some users have reported issues with the billing practices of Instant Checkmate. There have been complaints about unexpected charges and difficulties in canceling subscriptions, which can lead to frustration and unexpected costs.
Detail
The service might not provide as much detail as users might expect. Although it does include fundamental characteristics like contact information and criminal histories, it could not give complete information on every person.
Privacy
LSome people may worry about their privacy. The fact that anyone can access personal information through such a service raises questions about privacy and data protection.
In conclusion, while Instant Checkmate can be a useful tool, these disadvantages should be considered when deciding to use the service.
Instant Checkmate Reviews: Key Features & Cost
One of the best features of Instant Checkmate is access to premium information. Some companies will charge up to $20 for premium data reports, but most of this information is included with Instant Checkmate’s basic membership. Instant Checkmate’s information is considered to be the most comprehensive. They use a dashboard set-up that keeps all past reports in the order in which they were performed, making it simple to go back to look again, and Instant Checkmate’s reports are instantly available through the website so that you can download or print the information.
People Search
Instant Checkmate uses public records to conduct most people’s search inquiries. Simply input the first and last name of the individual to be searched and any other basic information you have. From there, the platform will delve into public records, county databases, and other data warehouses to create the report.
Background Check
The same data is used to create phone and address searches as to create a people search, but with background check service, you will receive some criminal or court records, as well.
Reverse Phone Lookup
To do a reverse phone lookup, type in the number you have, and the system will report who owns that phone. This may be a person or business and can help you to identify anyone calling you.
Read More: Best Reserve Phone Lookup 2024
Criminal Records Search
A criminal records search is more detailed than a simple background, phone, or person search. This report will include any criminal offenses and criminal record judgments made on the person searched, and may also include other court filings. This could include bankruptcy, divorce proceedings, and any civil litigation. Knowing the criminal history of new acquaintances and even family members can set your mind at ease.
More Add-Ons
Some search companies require additional payment for more detailed searches that include criminal history and judgments, but some of this information is included with standard records reports from Instant Checkmate.
Instant Checkmate Quick Overview
Best Overall Value
- Premium Information Included without Upcharge
- Monthly Subscription
- Easy to Use
Instant Checkmate Customer Reviews
Those leaving an Instant Checkmate review are generally positive about the company’s service, customer representatives, and the value of their reports.
Found information on myself that I was, frankly, surprised was public information. Eye opening discovery.
Rickey
Wow, a lot of good information on the reports. Nice job. Well worth the money.
Wayne
I was able to locate a family member who I had lost contact with. Even with many people of the same name, I was able to find who I was looking for.
Marie
Instant Checkmate Review
Review of Instant Checkmate
| Overall Pricing and Value | 95%
| 95% |
| Cost Value | 95%
| 95% |
| Customer Support | 95%
| 95% |
| Ease of Use | 95%
| 95% |
| Included Features | 95%
| 95% |
Instant Checkmate is one of the most comprehensive search companies available, and their prices are reasonable. Whether in need of a simple background check or a more in-depth report, the Instant Checkmate cost is under $30 per month for the basic subscription. This includes unlimited people search reports and Instant Checkmate notifications. Most users recommend Instant Checkmate.
Is Instant Checkmate Right For You?
This search tool is right for you if you need a company providing instant access to arrest records, sex offender registry, phone numbers, and other information, but they do not report to consumer affairs. Instant Checkmate makes finding the information you need simple.
Cost Value
If in need of credit reporting act FCRA, this is not the company for you, but for reports that will not be used in a legal capacity, these are well worth the month. A background search will cost between $1 during the initial trial or $24 with a subscription and may include arrest records, and detailed background checks information in an easy-to-read report.
Customer Service
Like other background check companies, Instant Checkmate has live customer reps to answer any questions or help with billing problems. These are available Monday through Friday from 7 am Pacific time but check for holiday hours; you can also use their simple online or phone cancellation system.
Ease of Use
It is easy to make Instant Checkmate work: simply input the search subject like the person’s name or phone, and the platform will search public information, social media websites, and other reports to find information. This is placed into one report, which can be accessed from your personal dashboard. All reports are kept in the order you made them, and will include personal information as well as court reports for things like sex offenders, criminal judgments, divorces, and bankruptcies.
Included Features
Instant Checkmate includes premium information with their basic reports. This means you don’t pay additional fees for things like sex offenders or criminal records. They search public databases and social media to find reportable information.
Overall
If all you have is a phone number or name, Instant Checkmate can help you find out more about a person. These reports cannot be used for legal purposes but can help you find missing loved ones or friends, and learn more about potential employees, or even new neighbors.
2 Top Instant Checkmate Alternatives
| TruthFinder | Intelius | Instant | |
| Price | $27.78/month | $0.95 (6-day Trial) $21.13/month | $26.78/month |
| Award | Most Accurate | Least Expensive | Best Overall |
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Detail | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
| Link |
TruthFinder
Truthfinder has been in operation since 2015 and provides background report features such as address and phone, education and employment history, and social media networks. They have an A+ rating with the BBB, have a customer support team, and offer unlimited reports in the subscription period. For the best information, users must pay for TruthFinder reports; subscription fees range between $26 and $30 per month.
Intelius
Intelius has been in operation since 2003, offering a variety of background checks. Users can make searches for information, however, reports are only available to paid tier members. The Premier subscription includes unlimited searches for basic information. Pricing plans range from $0.95 (6-day trial period) to $24.86 (monthly fee).
Conclusion
Searching public records is time-consuming and hard, but Instant Checkmate has the most up-to-date information on search subjects. You can pay via credit card or by connecting a PayPal account. The detail in a person’s report is fairly accurate information; more detailed records search functions are available. These records could be used in tenant screening, hiring employees, or finding long-lost friends. Reviews say the company has great service, and their user interface is simple to understand whether conducting a simple search or something more detailed. In addition to public records, the platform will find social media profiles for users.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These companies provide access to public information. They can check the identity of a person, any past involvement with the law, previous addresses, educational institutions, and employment, and can even help you find phone numbers for a family member or old friends. They may conduct a local or national search for identity verification. With subscriptions, you have ongoing access to this type of information, but read the fine print to understand all terms of service and any additional fees.
Some ask if Instant Checkmate is legit? It is. Instant Checkmate offers unlimited reports which can be a big money saver. Instant Checkmate support service representatives are available every day, so if you called today you could have an answer to your issue the same day. More reviews of the site are generally favorable with customer service getting the most five stars review, however, most say the ease of use and quality of information from PeopleFinders are two more great features.
Yes, you can conduct one search or multiple services because they have several different pricing options.
There are many reasons to conduct PeopleFinders searches. Some may want to look up other homeowners before choosing to buy a home in a new neighborhood, some companies conduct pre-employment screenings, and some will want to screen out sketchy people from the online date pool. Identity check services offer nationwide search results that are more in-depth than a simple Google search.
General search engines, like Google, Bing, or LinkedIn searches offer very limited information. This may include phone numbers and addresses, but only if you know the name of the person or entity being searched; for some results, you’ll also need a middle name. When a person doesn’t know even the entry-level search option, the search process is much more difficult. This makes an account with an entity like PeopleFinders a good option.
Payments for subscriptions are made monthly for those with subscription plans or on a per-report basis. You’ll use a credit card to pay the bill.
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+ 6 sources
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Instant Checkmate | Better Business Bureau® Profile. www.bbb.org. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-diego/profile/internet-service/instant-checkmate-1126-172003447
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Federal Trade Commission. Fair Credit Reporting Act. Federal Trade Commission. Published July 19, 2013. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act
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Search Anyone Using Our People Search Tool. Instant Chekmate. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.instantcheckmate.com/people/
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How To Background Run a Background Check With Instant Checkmate. www.instantcheckmate.com. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.instantcheckmate.com/help/background-search/
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Reverse Phone Lookup – Enter Number, Find A Name – Instant Checkmate. Reverse Phone Lookups by Instant Checkmate. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.phone.instantcheckmate.com/
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Criminal Records People Search – Search Criminal Records – Instant Checkmate. www.instantcheckmate.com. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.instantcheckmate.com/criminal-records/