Instant Checkmate review

Instant Checkmate is a people search tool that aggregates data from public records. The service is user-friendly and provides a wide range of information, including contact details and criminal records. However, the results are not instant, and the service requires you to answer numerous questions and navigate several warnings before receiving a report, which can be frustrating. Despite these inconveniences, the site is worth exploring, boasting over 1.4 billion recent searches.

In this Instant Checkmate review, you will discover whether this is the best option for conducting background checks or people searches.

Instant Checkmate: plans and pricing

Instant Checkmate offers subscription plans that allow for unlimited reports. A one-month subscription costs $35.47. Alternatively, you can sign up for three months at a rate of $28.38 per month, which requires a prepayment of $85.13. Additionally, there is an option to purchase reverse phone lookups for $5.99 each month. Unfortunately, individual reports for single cases are not available for purchase. However, you may be able to find a “trial offer” that significantly reduces the price.

Instant Checkmate: features

Instant Checkmate is a comprehensive online tool designed to help users search for individuals by entering their name, city, and state. In addition to name searches, the platform offers a reverse phone lookup feature, allowing users to identify unknown callers.

The service focuses exclusively on public records, meaning that all the information provided is available through other sources. However, Instant Checkmate is notable for its expansive reach, compiling a wide array of data in its reports. This includes details about owned properties, vehicles registered, past addresses, family connections, marriages, and bankruptcy filings. Furthermore, the platform can inform users if the individual in question is a registered sex offender, holds a gun license, or has any reported criminal, arrest, or traffic records.

It's crucial to understand that Instant Checkmate does not comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Therefore, it should not be relied upon for conducting background checks for employment purposes or rental applications, as it may not provide the legal protections or standards required for such processes.

Instant Checkmate: interface and in use

The user experience on Instant Checkmate can be somewhat cumbersome. Initiating a search is straightforward: you simply input the relevant information about the person in the search bar on the homepage. However, as you proceed, expect to encounter a series of pop-up prompts requesting additional details to help refine your results. These prompts may ask for information such as the gender of the individual you’re searching for and the names of known relatives.

During this process, users are often bombarded with warnings that graphic content may be included in the search results. These alerts are repetitive, with users potentially encountering up to five such notifications before being granted access to the report. While warning users about potentially sensitive content is important, the frequency and intensity of these alerts can feel excessive and somewhat distracting, detracting from the overall user experience.

As part of the registration process, you’ll need to provide your name and email address, and you will be required to consent to receive promotional emails from Instant Checkmate, which could be viewed as an annoyance by some users.

The experience does improve once you finally access a report. Users can expect to find primarily accurate information, although some mistakes can occur, particularly regarding address details. One noteworthy feature is that criminal records are accompanied by a likelihood score, serving as a reminder that while Instant Checkmate strives to provide accurate data, it can’t guarantee its correctness.

Overall, while Instant Checkmate offers a wealth of information that can be valuable, the user experience could benefit from a more streamlined process and fewer interruptions.

Instant Checkmate: mobile app

Instant Checkmate offers an Android app, but it does not have an iOS app, which is a drawback since iOS is another widely used smartphone platform. Users on the Google Play Store have given the app a high rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. They praise its ease of use and the accuracy of the data, although some users have expressed frustration with the login process and noted that the information provided lacks depth.

Instant Checkmate: support

Instant Checkmate provides support via phone and email from 10 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you encounter issues signing up for the service or locating a report, you can visit the online help center, which offers tutorial videos and answers to frequently asked questions. Additionally, canceling your Instant Checkmate subscription is straightforward and can be done at any time.

However, it's important to note that Instant Checkmate lacks additional support options, such as chat or a user portal, which are available in similar services.

Another significant advantage of Instant Checkmate is that it makes it easy to remove your information from its search database. Unlike many other people search tools that obscure this option, the opt-out request link is conveniently located in the footer of the Instant Checkmate website. Typically, your data is removed within two days after you submit an opt-out request.

Instant Checkmate: security

Instant Checkmate’s website is secured with Norton Symantec, and all payment data is transferred using 256-bit encryption. Since all of the information on the site is available through public records, there’s relatively little emphasis on keeping reports secure. The connection is also a secure SSL connection that uses “A private and safe 128-bit encrypted connection.”

Instant Checkmate: the competition

Instant Checkmate is one of the most reliable people search tools available. However, it tends to be more expensive compared to competitors like US Search. If your budget allows, choose Instant Checkmate, as the information provided is generally much more accurate than what you'll find with US Search.

If you require a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant background check, you might want to consider other services like GoodHire or Checkr. Both platforms are considerably more expensive and charge on a per-search basis, but their data is suitable for use in employment and rental application decisions.

Instant Checkmate: final verdict

Instant Checkmate is an accessible and budget-friendly people search tool that offers a wealth of information to users. One of its standout features is the extensive range of data available, surpassing many similar services in the market. From basic contact information to more in-depth records, it provides a comprehensive overview of individuals, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to reconnect with old friends, conduct background checks, or gather information for various reasons.

However, the user experience can be somewhat frustrating due to the cumbersome process involved in accessing reports. Subscribers often find themselves navigating through numerous pop-up ads and promotional screens before reaching the final results, which can be overly tedious and detracts from what is otherwise a straightforward search experience. This issue persists even for paying members, which could be disappointing for users who expect a smoother service.

Despite these annoyances, Instant Checkmate remains relatively user-friendly once you get past the initial hurdles. The platform typically delivers complete and accurate results, making it a worthwhile option for those who prioritize thoroughness over seamless navigation. For users willing to endure the pop-up barrage, Instant Checkmate can be an effective tool for uncovering detailed personal information. Overall, it balances affordability and depth of data, making it a notable choice in the realm of people search services.

We've also highlighted the best people search finder and best background check services for individuals.