Background check pricing
Per-search pricing for employment background checks, with the Catapult member rate shown next to the standard rate. No packages you have to buy into and no minimums to see a price.
Background check rates
Every search below can be ordered on its own or combined into a package. The member rate applies to Catapult member companies.
Rates effective September 26, 2025
Criminal records
| Search | MemberBEST | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina statewide | $11.00 | $13.29 |
| Other states statewide (as available) | $17.75 | $21.82plus state fee |
| County level search | $16.00 | $19.61per county |
| Federal court nationwide | $16.50 | $19.61 |
| Multi-state criminal records index | $21.00 | $24.67 |
| FACIS Level 3 healthcare sanctions | $10.93 | $12.00 |
| Global report (federal debarment) | $11.00 | $13.29 |
| International records | Call | Call |
Verifications
| Search | MemberBEST | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Basic employment verification | $10.00 | $12.00per company |
| In-depth employment verification | $22.00 | $25.00per company |
| Education verification | $10.00 | $12.00 |
| International education verification | Call | Call |
| Professional license verification | $10.00 | $12.00 |
| Personal reference | $10.00 | $12.00 |
| Professional references | $10.00 | $12.00 |
Other searches
| Search | MemberBEST | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle report | $10.50 | $12.65plus state fee |
| Name and SSN verification | $6.00 | $7.00 |
| Credit history | $10.50 | $15.00one-time $125 setup fee |
Catapult membership also covers unlimited HR advice, employment-law guidance, compensation data, and the learning center.
See membership pricingWhy one background check costs more than another
Two candidates at the same company can cost very different amounts to screen. These are the five things that move the number.
What a typical package adds up to
These are illustrations built from the rates above at the member price, not fixed products. Your own package is priced on the searches your roles actually need.
Entry-level hire, one county
North Carolina statewide $11.00, one county level search $16.00, name and SSN verification $6.00, and the $3.00 applicant fee. Add one basic employment verification at $10.00 if the role needs work history confirmed.
Professional hire, multi-state history
Multi-state criminal records index $21.00 to point the search, two county level searches at $16.00 each, federal court nationwide $16.50, education verification $10.00, two basic employment verifications at $10.00 each, plus the $3.00 applicant fee.
Driving or healthcare role
Start from either package above, then add a motor vehicle report at $10.50 plus the state fee for driving roles, or FACIS Level 3 healthcare sanctions screening at $10.93 for roles that touch federal healthcare programs.
Every figure above is a member rate taken from the table. Send us the roles you hire for and we will price the actual package.
Fees, pass-throughs, and the fine print
- There is a $3 fee for every applicant.
- Background and reference checking service prices are subject to change without notice.
- Catapult urges you to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act and will provide employers with the required forms.
- Automated verifications are billed at actual cost. State and county taxes are billed at actual cost.
- Credit history requires a one-time setup fee of $125 before a financial credit file can be pulled.
- Searches marked plus state fee carry a government fee that varies by state and is passed through at cost.
Background check cost questions
How much does a background check cost?
How much does an employment background check cost per employee?
Is there a minimum order or a monthly fee?
What is the $3 applicant fee?
Why do some prices say plus state fee?
How much do Catapult members save?
Do you charge for a background check that comes back clear?
What does credit history cost and why is there a setup fee?
Can you quote international searches?
Are these prices guaranteed?
Catapult is a proud member of the Professional Background Screening Association, upholding the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and consumer protection in background screening.
Related screening services
Most employers combine several of these into one screening package.
Get a package priced for the roles you hire
Tell us the positions you screen for and we will build the package and quote it against the rates on this page.
*Catapult Services Corporation is an investigative agency licensed by the Private Protective Services Board of the State of North Carolina specializing in corporate pre-employment background screening. Our corporate agency license is BPN 001473P11M, Qualify Agent, Kevin von der Lippe, PI, 2891. Catapult Services Corporation is a consumer reporting agency that supplies applicant screening services for employment, volunteer and student screening, to authorized organizations under the conditions of the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Human Trafficking
If you feel you are a victim of Human Trafficking, click on this link to learn more about your rights as it relates to your background screening report.
Personal Information Disclosure: United States or Overseas
Personal information submitted to Catapult Services Corporation for background screening is not transferred to third parties outside of the United States or its territories unless the completion of a background report about the person requires gathering information about that person from outside the United States (ex. international criminal check, verification of employment records outside the United States or verification of education records outside the United States.) All personal information will be transmitted and stored in a secure manner in accordance with the terms of this Privacy Policy.
