First Advantage

Learn about First Advantage screening services for small businesses. Includes info on First Advantage, competitor comparisons, pricing, and FAQs.

Updated on March 2nd, 2022

The SMB Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

First Advantage offers a wide array of employee, vendor, and tenant screening services in over 200 countries and territories. Other offerings include workflow and compliance management, as well as tax credit programs.

Also Consider

MyRental

Rental screening in minutes, not days. Find out what you don't know.

Screen Today

4.5 billion records spanning 50+ years.

1,000,000+ users nationwide.

3,100+ counties covered.

Pricing:

First Advantage does not provide pricing on its website for residential background check services. The company only provides pricing information for their employment background screening services, which includes a criminal, credit, and identity check. Interested users can contact First Advantage for a detailed pricing overview.

Background Screening Pricing:

Plan

Pricing

Background Check Basic

$25.00

Background Check Plus

$40.00

Background Check Pro

$60.00

Review:

First Advantage is a background check company that offers a variety of risk-reduction services, including tenant screening checks and financial services. While the service is primarily used to screen future employees, it also provides advanced checks, such as identity fraud warnings and income verification for residential screening.

Pros:

  • First Advantage's list of background checks is impressive, covering checks like fingerprints and drug and alcohol testing.
  • The background services are competitively priced, with its entry-level plan costing less than Zumper and TurboTenant.
  • All of First Advantage's plans include TransUnion identity verification and instant match.
  • The company provides a free demo for a mobile fraud detection solution to help streamline checks.
  • First Advantage offers tailored solutions for small businesses and large international companies with over 5,000 employees.

Cons:

  • First Advantage specializes in employee background checks and doesn't offer the same tenant screenings as its competitors.
  • Unlike its top competitors, First Advantage's residential screening does not include credit checks or previous address history.
  • Landlords or property managers who'd like to conduct a credit check would have to pay for a separate package.

Reputation:

First Advantage has a mixed online reputation, with many reviewers complimenting the service's thorough background checks. First Advantage is not BBB-accredited, but it did receive 71 reviews that averaged 1.04 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviewers stated that customer support needed improvement, and turnaround time could take up to a month.

We also found 17 reviews on G2, where the company received 3.3 out of 5 stars. Most of the reviewers backed up previous reviews about poor customer service. However, some reviewers did compliment the service's accuracy and detailed reports. That said, most of the positive praise centered around the company's employee background checks.

At-a-Glance:

Feature

First Advantage

Price

From $25.00 /screening.

Evictions and skips

Credit report

✓ (As a separate package)

Nationwide criminal check

✓ (As a separate package)

Forms manager

Identity fraud

Collections

Customer support

Telephone, email.

First Advantage vs Turbo Tenant Comparison.
First Advantage vs. TurboTenant:

The primary difference between First Advantage and TurboTenant is that the former is known as an employee background check service, whereas TurboTenant was designed as a tenant screening service. First Advantage does stand out as the more affordable choice, with its entry-level plan costing $25.00 less than TurboTenant's package.

First Advantage vs. TurboTenant Comparison:

Offer

First Advantage

TurboTenant

Price

From $25.00 /screening.

$45.00 /screening.

Eviction history

Credit report

Nationwide criminal check

Debt payment history

Renter pay option

x

Identity fraud

x

Forms manager

x

First Advantage vs Naborly Comparison.
First Advantage vs. Naborly:

Naborly is significantly less costly than First Advantage, with its entry-level plan costing $10.00 less. While the two competitors provide comparable screenings, Naborly is developed exclusively for tenant screening. On the other hand, First Advantage is a background check company that specializes in criminal and employment background checks.

First Advantage vs. Naborly Comparison:

Offer

First Advantage

Naborly

Price

From $25.00 /screening.

From $14.99 /screening.

Eviction history

Credit report

Nationwide criminal check

Rental payment history

x

Verification services

Identity fraud

x

Risk and cash flow analysis

x

First Advantage vs Zumper Comparison.
First Advantage vs. Zumper:

While both Zumper and First Advantage offer very limited tenant screening services, the former does stand out as the more costly option. However, Zumper does offer the convenience of a mobile app and a plan that includes a credit report and a criminal check, both of which are not included in First Advantage's residential screening checks.

First Advantage vs. Zumper Comparison:

Offer

First Advantage

Zumper

Price

From $25.00 /screening.

From $30.00 /screening.

Eviction history

Credit report

Nationwide criminal check

Identity fraud

x

Online application

Forms manager

x

Mobile app

x

x

Key Information:

Legal Name

First Advantage Corporation

Founding Date

Jan 01, 2003

Address

1 NE. Concourse Pkwy., Ste. 200, Atlanta, GA 30328

Number of Employees

4001

Number of Customers

35001

Email

solutions@fadv.com

Telephone

1 (844) 718-0087

Website

https://fadv.com/

FAQs:

What is First Advantage's price range?

According to our research, First Advantage's background screening services start at $25.00 per person. Prices for other solutions, including tenant screening services, are not readily available on First Advantage's website. Interested individuals should contact the company to request further information.

What does First Advantage check for?

First Advantage's screening solutions can check for educational, employment, and SSN verification, as well as credit and criminal histories, among other things. First Advantage also offers alcohol and drug testing, plus a service that informs clients of changes to employees' criminal records.

Is First Advantage background check legit?

Yes, First Advantage is a legitimate company that provides comprehensive background check services for employers and landlords.

How long does First Advantage's background checks take?

First Advantage notes that their turnaround time depends on the searches that clients require. They do not provide an estimate on their website. The company does, however, note that clients can receive drug test results within minutes, but that lab-based testing usually takes between and 24 and 48 hours.

Does UPS use First Advantage?

Yes, UPS uses First Advantage's background screening services.

How do I contact First Advantage?

You can email solutions@fadv.com. Those who are based in the U.S. or in Canada can phone 1 (844) 718-0087. Alternatively, view First Advantage's website for a list of their other phone numbers.

Is there a First Advantage free trial?

No, there is no free trial available. However, First Advantage's website does offer a free demo for its RightID solution.