Research: Evaluate Checkr API Sandbox for Criminal Record Pricing at Low Volume

Completed Jun 01, 2026

Executive Summary

Confirmed criminal record APIs (Checkr, GoodHire, Sterling) are gated behind FCRA compliance + business entity requirements — not viable for investigative research. Pricing data collected: Checkr from $29.99/check (basic) to $55-130/check (comprehensive), GoodHire Complete at $89.99/check all-inclusive, Sterling enterprise-only.

📊 Key Findings

PACER remains the only viable federal criminal record source ($0.10/page, no FCRA gate). This hard gap is confirmed — professional CRA APIs require permissible purpose, subject consent, and FCRA certification that an OSINT research pipeline cannot satisfy.

📈 At a Glance

Recommendation: Accept as hard gap; pursue PACER + state/county public portals + Phase 0b OSINT

Key Finding: FCRA gate is absolute — Checkr/GoodHire/Sterling require business entity, permissible purpose, subject consent, and FCRA certification

⏱ Timeline