Know Who You’re Dealing With — Before You Say Yes
You’re moving fast. Interviews, tenant applications, loan requests, partnerships.
But how do you know who’s real, who’s risky, and who’s telling the truth?
If you’re skipping background checks or relying on outdated software, you’re opening the door to:
Employees with hidden criminal records
Renters with evictions
Potential partners with a sordid past or financial troubles
It only costs $10 to $17 for a full Background Report API query or $2.50 for a Criminal Record API query.
A small price to pay for peace of mind.
Searchbug Background Screening APIs
Our real-time APIs plug directly into your workflows so you can properly vet individuals before trouble starts.
What You’ll See in the Results
Background Check API
Delivers up to 28 verified identity and history data points, including:
- Full name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Address history
- Phone number history
- Known relatives and associates
- Concealed Weapon Permits
- Criminal and Watchlist Records
- Financial Insights (liens, judgments, bankruptcy filings)
With the Restricted Access Add-on, you can retrieve:
- SSN Info
- Driver’s License
- Employment History
- Professional Licenses
- Voter Registration
- And other restricted data
Criminal Records API
Only need Criminal Records? Search over 200 Million records and retrieve:
- Felony and misdemeanor history
- Traffic violation history
- Sex offender registry status
- Arrests and warrants
- Federal, state, and county court records
- Offense types and conviction dates
- SSN, when available
You can preview live data in your test environment right after signup.
How Fast Can You Launch?
Register for a free API test account — no credit card required
Pick your endpoint: Background or Criminal
Input known data (e.g., name, DOB, address, SSN if applicable)
Get structured results in seconds
Informational Videos
Watch to Learn More
Top 9 Businesses that Can't Function Without Background Check API
How to Check Someone's Criminal Records Online?
How Condeto Enhanced Tenant Screening Through Background Check API
Who Uses Searchbug Background Screening?
- HR teams and staffing companies
- Landlords and property managers
- Fintech and lending platforms
- Insurance and claims teams
- Private investigators and law firms
- Healthcare, education, and licensing bodies
- Gig economy onboarding tools
- Travel and tourism industries
If your job includes hiring, approvals, or compliance — this fits.
What Happens After You Sign Up
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You get access to test Searchbug’s live APIs using real data
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You can start integrating immediately
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If you need access to regulated data, such as SSN, you’ll submit an application for the Restricted Access Add-On
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Support is available via live chat, phone, and email—online developer docs are readily available
Feature Comparison Table (With Use Cases)
| Feature / Use Case | Searchbug | Checkr | Sterling | ZincWork |
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| Real-time API |  |
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| Criminal Records API | |
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| No Setup or Subscription Fees | |
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| Pay-as-You-Go Pricing | |
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| Free API Testing with Live Data | |
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| Built for Developers / SaaS Workflows | |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to apply to access background reports and criminal record checks?
No. These tools are available to all customers with a standard Searchbug account.
However…
For Background Check API: You’ll need to apply for the Restricted Access Add-on to unlock additional data like SSN, driver’s license info, and employment history.
For Criminal Records API: You can search using SSN, but that also requires the Restricted Access Add-on. If you’re only using name, location, and date of birth, the add-on isn’t necessary. Just keep in mind, not all jurisdictions include SSNs in their reports, so using an SSN doesn’t guarantee results.
How can I search for Background Check reports?
To save you time and money, we implemented a 2-step process for our Background Check API. This ensures that you identify the correct individual before proceeding.
The first step is to use People Search API to identify the correct person. Once you’ve found the person you’re looking for, then proceed to step 2. The second step is a detailed report for the person selected in the People Search results. Provide the Person ID retrieved from Step 1 to obtain all the available details in the Background Report.
What other background check tools can I use to further verify identity?
We also offer AML/KYC Compliance tools that you can pair with these solutions for a complete 360 degree view on an individual.
Can I test the API before paying?
Absolutely. You’ll get free access to sample live data you can test in your own environment. If you want to run searches using SSN or access restricted data in the Background Check API, just create a FREE API Test Account first—then apply for the Restricted Access Add-on.
Is this FCRA-compliant?
Searchbug is not a Consumer Reporting Agency. If you’re using this for employment or tenant decisions covered by FCRA, consult your legal team.
Can I use this to screen individuals outside of the US?
No. Our data feeds for the full background report and criminal records are only for individuals in the United States.
