11 Best Background Check Sites for Dating in 2025

In today’s digital-first world, finding love often starts with a swipe, a like, or a witty bio. But behind the profiles and promises, not everything is always as it seems. While many dating apps now offer built-in background check tools, like the Bumble background check, doing your research has become not just smart but essential. Using the best background check sites for online dating advice can help you avoid catfishing scams, protect your emotional well-being, and ensure you’re building connections based on trust.

Catfishing—the act of creating a fake identity to lure someone online—has become alarmingly common. In fact, over 23,000 catfishing cases were reported in the U.S. in 2020, leading to financial losses exceeding $605 million and contributing to the record-breaking $304 million in romance scam losses reported that year. As the world of online dating grows, so does the human tendency to embellish or misrepresent oneself, sometimes even with a fake username for a dating site or altered photos. The number of catfishing reports alone rose by more than 174% between 2019 and 2022.

This has made online dating background check tools important than ever for anyone seeking meaningful, safe relationships through dating apps and websites. So, is it necessary to find the best dating background check services? The answer is a resounding yes! Whether you’re cautiously stepping back into the dating pool or actively looking for a life partner, these background check services can offer you peace of mind, and once you connect, these online flirting tips will help you keep conversations fun and engaging.

Dating Is Hard Enough—Don’t Let A Catfish Make It Worse

You finally match with someone who seems perfect—charming messages, well-lit photos, and a profile that just screams soulmate connection. But before you get emotionally invested or agree to meet in person, it’s worth taking a few moments to ensure the person is exactly who they claim to be.

Background check for dating apps helps bridge the gap between attraction and safety. These online dating background check tools let you screen potential dates discreetly, pulling up public records, social media, court filings, criminal history, and more. Whether you’re recovering from a past bad experience or just cautious by nature, these tools offer peace of mind—and could help you dodge a major heartbreak. Let’s look at the 11 top-rated background check tools for online dating safety.

Related Reading: What Is Cyberstalking? Tips To Protect Yourself From Cyberstalkers

1. TruthFinder

Finding love online can be exciting, but it’s smart to protect yourself while doing it. TruthFinder is one of the most trusted background check services out there, designed to dig deep into public and hidden online records. Whether you’re worried about hidden criminal records or just want to confirm someone’s real identity, TruthFinder gives you detailed, easy-to-read reports that help you date with confidence.

Best for: Deep web searches and comprehensive reports

Features

• Criminal records and arrest histories
• Social media profiles
• Dark web monitoring
• Contact information and address history

Pros	Cons
Very detailed and easy-to-read reports	Slightly more expensive compared to others
Includes dark web monitoring	No free trial available
Strong customer support	Membership auto-renews unless canceled
Some reports may contain outdated information	Some reports may contain outdated info

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
People Search	$28.33/month	Unlimited person and location reports
Bi-monthly	$47.03 every 2 months	Equivalent to $23.52/month
Reverse Phone Lookup	$4.99/month	Unlimited phone reports

Available On: iOS, Android, Web

Bono Rating: 4.0/5—Ideal for deep-dive checks, but slightly pricey if you’re on a budget.

2. BeenVerified

If you’re new to background checks or just want something quick and easy, BeenVerified is a fantastic starting point. This platform is well-loved for its user-friendly experience, offering broad access to public records, criminal histories, and social media profiles. It’s a reliable tool if you want fast results and simple navigation while making sure your potential date is exactly who they claim to be.

Best for: User-friendly interface and broad data access

Features

• Criminal records
• Social media profiles
• Property records
• Contact information

Pros	Cons
Very easy-to-use platform	Reports can occasionally be outdated
Covers multiple types of records	Slightly slower delivery for some searches
Affordable for regular users	Limited info on deeper financial backgrounds
Mobile app is available	Phone support hours are limited

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
1-Month Membership	$22.99/month	Unlimited reports
3-Month Membership	$19.49/month	Billed as $58.48 every 3 months

Available On: iOS, Android, Web

Bono Rating:  4.0/5 – User-friendly and affordable for regular daters who want quick, reliable results.

Related Reading: The Dangers Of Online Dating In 2025 And How To Avoid Them

3. Social Catfish

In the world of online dating, appearances can be deceiving. Social Catfish is a specialized background check service designed to help you verify the true identity of your online connections. Whether you’re dealing with suspicious photos, inconsistent stories, or just a gut feeling, Social Catfish offers tools like reverse image searches and social media investigations and you can also research your online date before you meet for added safety.

Ready to see who’s really behind the screen? Run a quick search with Social Catfish now»

Best for: Verifying online identities and detecting catfishing

Features

• Reverse image search for fake or stolen photos
• Search by name, email, phone, or username
• Access 200 B+ public records
• Reports include social media, job history & more
• Android app for mobile checks

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive search options including image and username	Slightly higher cost compared to some competitors
User-friendly interface with detailed reports	No iOS app available
Effective at uncovering hidden social media profiles	Some users report outdated information in certain cases
Strong focus on preventing online scams and catfishing	Limited free trial period

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
3-Day Trial	$5.73	Unlimited searches during trial period
Monthly Membership	$27.48/month	Unlimited access to all features
Search Specialist	$397 (one-time)	Dedicated expert assistance for complex cases

Available On: Android, Web

Bono Rating: 4.0/5 – Excellent for verifying online identities and detecting catfishing.

4. Instant Checkmate

Instant Checkmate is a background check service for people who want the full story, not just surface-level details. Known for its exhaustive and detailed reports, it can uncover everything from criminal records to hidden contact information. If you’re dating someone new and want deeper peace of mind before taking the next step, Instant Checkmate offers one of the most thorough investigations available.

Best for: Detailed reports with extensive data

Features

• Criminal records and arrest histories
• Contact information
• Address history
• Relatives and associates search

Pros	ons
Very detailed, exhaustive reports	Pricing is on the higher side
Great for uncovering hidden details	No free trial offered
Search filters are strong	Customer service response times can vary
Multiple data points, like gun permits, included	Mobile app functionality is limited

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
1-Month Membership	$35.47/month	Unlimited reports
3-Month Membership	$28.38/month	Billed as $85.14 every 3 months
Reverse Phone Lookup	$5.99/month	Unlimited phone reports

Available On: iOS, Android, Web

Bono Rating: 3.8/5 – Offers extremely detailed reports but comes at a higher cost.

Related Reading: 15 Valuable Tips To Save Yourself From Catfishing

5. Spokeo

Sometimes it’s not criminal records you need to worry about—it’s whether someone’s online persona matches their real life. Spokeo specializes in finding social media profiles, online activities, and digital footprints. If you want to get a better sense of who your date is across various platforms, Spokeo can help you uncover valuable insights in just a few clicks.

Best for: Aggregating social media and online profiles

Features

• Social media profiles aggregation
• Contact information lookup
• Location history
• Email and phone number search

Pros	Cons
Great for finding social media profiles	Criminal records search is weaker
Very affordable long-term plans	Reports sometimes lack depth
Easy to use and navigate	Limited trial features
Strong reverse phone and email lookups	Not ideal for very serious background checks

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
1-Month Membership	$13.95/month	Unlimited reports
3-Month Membership	$7.95/month	Billed as $23.85 every 3 months
6-Month Membership	$4.95/month	Billed as $29.70 every 6 months
7-Day Trial	$0.95	Limited access

Available On: Android, Web

Bono Rating: 3.9/5 – Great for social media checks, though not as strong on criminal records.

6. CheckPeople

If you’re looking for a fast, straightforward way to vet someone new in your life, CheckPeople offers a simple, no-frills approach. Designed for quick searches, this service is great if you just want the basics, like contact info, criminal history, and address background, without feeling overwhelmed by too much data. It’s ideal for a quick safety check before that first meeting.

Best for: Quick checks with straightforward reports

Features

• Criminal records search
• Contact information
• Address history
• Relatives and associates info

Pros	Cons
Extremely fast report delivery	Reports may feel too basic for deep checks
Simple interface for beginners	No mobile app available
Ideal for quick dating safety checks	Limited access to financial records
Affordable 5-day trial option	Higher recurring monthly cost after trial

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
5-Day Trial	$1.00	Unlimited searches during trial
Monthly Membership	$44.85/month	Unlimited reports

Available On: Web

Bono Rating: 3.5/5 – Good for fast, basic searches, but reports may feel too minimal for some users.

Related reading: Elite Singles Vs eHarmony – Which Is Right For Your Dating Needs 

7. ID True

Need quick peace of mind without breaking the bank? ID True provides affordable background checks that deliver essential information like criminal records and phone number history. It’s especially useful if you’re casually dating and want to make sure your matches are legitimate, without committing to expensive monthly subscriptions.

Best for: Straightforward, affordable background checks

Features

• Criminal records
• Contact information lookup
• Reverse phone lookup
• Address history

Pros	Cons
Unlimited search options	Pricing jumps after first month
Good for quick identity checks	Less detailed than premium services
Straightforward, no-frills platform	No social media search integration
Great value for first month	No mobile app yet

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
1-Month Membership	$9.95	Unlimited background reports
Following Months	$38.95/month	Continued access

Available On: Web

Bono Rating: 3.7/5 – Best for straightforward, affordable background checks with unlimited searches.

8. Intelius

When you’re dating someone new, you sometimes want more than just surface-level information—you want the full picture. Intelius is a great option if you’re looking to dig deeper, offering not only basic background checks but also education history, employment records, and address histories. It’s perfect for daters who want a little extra assurance before building something serious.

Best for: Detailed reports with flexible subscription options

Features

• Criminal records search
• Education and employment history
• Contact information lookup
• Reverse phone lookup
• Address history

Pros	Cons
Covers employment and education details	Pricey compared to some competitors
Flexible search types (people, phone, address)	Trial offer can lead to unexpected charges if not canceled
Detailed and thorough reports	Background check data sometimes delayed
Well-established, trusted brand	No free basic searches available

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
People Search Trial	$0.95	5-day trial
Monthly Membership	$24.86/month	Unlimited reports
Bi-Monthly Membership	$21.13/month	Billed as $42.26 every two months
Reverse Phone Lookup	$34.95/month	Unlimited phone lookups
Identity Protection Add-on	$9.95/month	Extra services for ID protection

Available On: iOS, Android, Web

Bono Rating: 4.0/5 – A flexible, detailed service perfect for users who want employment and education data too.

Related Reading: 25 Dating Abbreviations You Need To Know

9. Persopo

If you’re planning to get multiple people over time or want to casually monitor who you’re talking to, Persopo offers one of the most budget-friendly options. With unlimited searches and quick access to criminal records and social media profiles, it’s a practical choice for frequent online daters who don’t want to pay hefty fees for every lookup.

Best for: Budget-friendly unlimited searches

Features

• Criminal records
• Contact information lookup
• Social media profiles aggregation
• Address and property history

Pros	Cons
Very affordable for unlimited searching	Less detailed reporting compared to premium sites
Great for frequent background checks	No mobile app
Easy-to-read reports	Limited depth on professional histories
Good for basic relationship safety checks	Customer service can be slow at times

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
1-Month Membership	$19.93/month	Unlimited reports
3-Month Membership	$14.93/month	Billed as $44.79 every 3 months
6-Month Membership	$9.93/month	Billed as $59.58 every 6 months

Available On: Web

Bono Rating: 3.9/5 – Budget-friendly choice for frequent users needing unlimited searches.

10. SearchQuarry

If you’re not interested in committing to a monthly plan but still want access to vital information, SearchQuarry offers a simple solution. Perfect for those one-off checks before meeting someone new, this platform provides public records, vehicle data, and criminal history without locking you into a subscription.

Best for: One-off background checks without subscriptions

Features

• Criminal records
• Contact information
• Vehicle and DMV records
  Bankruptcy and lien search

Pros	Cons
Good for occasional checks	Costs add up if you search often
Includes vehicle records, rare among dating-focused checks	Basic background search lacks depth
No long-term subscription needed	Interface can feel outdated
Transparent about data sources	Support hours are limited

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
5-Day Trial	$2.95	Limited access to reports
Monthly Membership	$24.95/month	Unlimited access

Available On: Web

Bono Rating: 3.6/5 – Handy for occasional checks, but a bit expensive if used regularly.

Related Reading: 20 Valuable Tips For A First Date After Meeting Online

11. PeopleWhiz

If you’re serious about uncovering everything there is to know before taking your online match offline, PeopleWhiz offers one of the most comprehensive search capabilities out there. From criminal backgrounds to employment and asset records, this service compiles data from numerous sources, making it a great fit for anyone who wants full transparency before dating.

Best for: Comprehensive background reports from extensive data sources

Features

• Criminal records search
• Employment and education history
• Social media profiles lookup
• Property and asset records
• Relatives and associates info

Pros	Cons
Extremely detailed and broad data coverage	Some reports may have outdated info
User-friendly dashboard	No mobile app support yet
Includes employment, property, and asset details	Limited customer support availability
Good for uncovering hidden or hard-to-find info	Not FCRA compliant for tenant or employment screening

Pricing

Plan	Cost	Details
Monthly Membership	$27.99/month	Unlimited background checks
Single Report	$19.99/report	One-time comprehensive report

Available On: Web 

Bono Rating: 3.8/5 – Comprehensive data sources, but some reports may include outdated information.

10 Things To Know Before Using a Background Check Site for Dating

Before you invest in a background check for dating apps to vet your online dates, it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for. Not all services are created equal — some focus on pulling up basic details like phone numbers or social media profiles, while others offer deep dives into criminal histories, financial records, or even dark web activity. 

Understanding what these services offer — and what limitations they may have — is key to making an informed, smart decision. Here are 10 essential things you should consider before running a background check on your online matches, so you can date confidently, safely, and with peace of mind.

1. Reputation matters: Always research the reputation of the background check site. Look for user reviews and third-party ratings to ensure the company is trustworthy and well-established.
2. Accuracy and updates: Choose a site known for providing accurate, up-to-date information. Stale or incorrect data can do more harm than good.
3. Ethical data sourcing: Confirm that the site collects information through legal and ethical means, respecting user privacy and public record laws.
4. Methodology transparency: Good companies are clear about how they conduct searches. Most offer basic address lookups, reverse phone searches, and access to job history or marital status information, showing strong methodology transparency.
5. Legality and compliance: Make sure the service complies with federal and state laws. Most dating background checks are for personal use, not employment or tenant screening, so FCRA compliance may not apply.
6. Type of reports available: Understand what kind of information you’ll get, like criminal records, contact information, social media profiles, property records, or bankruptcy filings.
7. Reverse phone lookup capabilities: This feature can be crucial if you want to verify unknown numbers or identify spammy contacts.
8. Customer support availability: While 24/7 support isn’t necessary, responsive online support for billing questions or report clarifications can make a huge difference.
9. Subscription vs. one-time cost: Subscription plans often offer better value if you plan to run multiple searches. One-time reports might seem cheaper, but can add up quickly if you need more info later.
10. Watch out for hidden fees: Be aware of any hidden charges for additional report types, court documents, or unlocking premium information beyond the basic search results.

Final Thoughts

Dating in today’s digital age is full of excitement, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. While dating apps are doing their part by offering safety features like built-in background checks for dating apps, taking control of your dating journey by running your own checks is one of the smartest moves you can make.

With the 11 best background check sites for online dating listed here, you have everything you need to feel more confident, informed, and secure before making that first move or agreeing to that first date. Whether you want a quick social media search, a free dating background check website, or a full deep-dive into someone’s criminal and financial history, there’s a tool out there tailored for your needs and budget.

Remember, love may be built on trust, but a little verification never hurt anyone. By using these tools, you can protect not just your heart but also your personal safety and financial well-being. Stay smart, stay safe, and happy dating!

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