Who this is for
Employers comparing background check providers by package scope, pass-through fees, billing friction, and contract requirements.
Transparent pricing
Transparent background check pricing before you order.
Background check buyers should know what they are paying for. Information Direct publishes SMB package prices, explains pass-through access fees, and keeps add-ons visible before fulfillment.
Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Enterprise options are clearly separated by scope.
Standard SMB packages have no setup fees, minimums, or long-term contracts.
Third-party access fees are passed through at cost with no Information Direct markup.
Base service fees vs source fees
The package price covers Information Direct service work for the listed checks. Some source systems charge separate access fees that cannot be controlled by the screening provider.
- Courts may charge access, copy, certification, or retrieval fees.
- DMVs, schools, employers, labs, and international sources may charge separately.
- Known fees are disclosed and itemized when applicable.
Why some fees are not knowable upfront
A fee may depend on the candidate address history, county, license state, school, employer, lab site, or country. That information is often known only after the candidate or employer provides order details.
- MVR fees vary by state.
- Education and employment verifications may use paid source databases.
- International fees vary by country and local source.
How to compare providers fairly
Compare the package scope, search method, candidate workflow, pass-through fee policy, contract requirements, and report quality. The lowest advertised price is not always the lowest-risk option.
- Ask whether criminal results are database-only or source-confirmed.
- Ask if source fees are marked up.
- Ask for a sample report before ordering.
| Question | Why it matters | Information Direct path |
|---|---|---|
| Are package prices published? | Reduces sales friction for SMB buyers. | Pricing page |
| Are source fees explained? | Prevents surprise charges. | Access fee guide |
| Are there setup fees? | Impacts first-report cost. | No standard SMB setup fees |
| Are there minimums? | Matters for low-volume hiring. | No standard SMB minimums |
FAQ
Common questions
Do you mark up source fees?
No. Third-party access fees are passed through at cost with no Information Direct markup.
What is the difference between Gold and Platinum?
Gold adds common employment checks, federal criminal, education, and driving coverage. Platinum adds broader checks for senior hires and regulated roles.
Can I get a quote before ordering?
Yes. Contact us for role-specific or jurisdiction-specific source-fee context before fulfillment.
Ready to compare the right package?
Start with published SMB pricing, then add searches only when the role requires them. Enterprise support is available for custom matrices, volume pricing, and documentation needs.