Checkr vs Sterling

Checkr

• ✓Industry-leading API and ATS integrations for fully automated workflows
• ✓Fast turnaround — many checks complete in under 24 hours
• ✓Transparent candidate experience with real-time status updates
• ✓Built-in adjudication tools and ban-the-box compliance features
• ✓Scales easily for gig economy and high-volume hourly hiring

Sterling

• ✓Truly global coverage across 240+ countries for international hiring
• ✓Deep enterprise integrations with Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Oracle HCM
• ✓PBSA-accredited with SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications
• ✓Full-service health and drug screening network included
• ✓Dedicated account management and implementation support for enterprise clients

Checkr

• !Pricing is volume-based and can be expensive for small or occasional hirers
• !Customer support response times can lag during peak periods
• !Some criminal database searches vary in completeness by county
• !Setup and integration require technical resources for smaller teams

Sterling

• !Pricing is enterprise-focused and not transparent — requires custom quotes
• !Complex implementation can take weeks for large enterprise deployments
• !Less suitable for small businesses due to minimum volume requirements
• !Some users report the self-service portal UI feels dated

Checkr

• →Tech company or gig platform needing API-integrated background checks at scale
• →HR team automating pre-employment screening within their ATS
• →Employer seeking built-in fair-chance hiring compliance tools

Sterling

• →Enterprise HR team running background checks across multiple countries
• →Large organization needing deep Workday or SAP integration for automated screening
• →Healthcare or finance company requiring regulated-industry compliance certifications

Checkr

Checkr is the leading technology-driven background check provider, purpose-built for companies that hire at scale. Its REST API integrates directly into applicant tracking systems and HR platforms, enabling fully automated screening workflows. Checkr covers criminal records, driving history, employment verification, education verification, and drug testing in one unified platform. The company is known for fast turnaround times, transparent candidate portals, and a commitment to fair chance hiring through its adjudication tools and compliance features for ban-the-box laws.

Sterling

Sterling is a global background screening provider serving thousands of enterprise clients across more than 240 countries and territories. The platform offers comprehensive employment screening services including criminal records, international checks, employment and education verification, drug and health screening, and identity verification. Sterling's deep integrations with enterprise HR systems like Workday, SAP, and Oracle make it a go-to choice for large multinational organizations. The company is PBSA-accredited and holds multiple security certifications, making it suitable for regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government contracting.