Background checks have become the order of the day for many businesses. As many businesses transition their services into the online space, they need a way to authenticate the identity of everyone they interact with. The simple strategy in modern times is to integrate your website or app with a Background Check API Service.
Background Check APIs are integral tools that allow you to tap into the service provided by an external entity to access the facilities.
Currently, there are numerous tools available in the market to help with background checks. You definitely need a way to identify the reliable ones from those you should avoid.
Are you curious about finding the best Background Check API service for your needs? Here’s what you should look out for.
1. Accurate Data Source
The foundation of any background check API is the data it uses to authenticate the identity of the subjects. A background check works by evaluating various components relating to the data subject. This starts with checking whether the people you are evaluating are who they say they are. You need to have an accurate data source that can help you make an informed analysis.
Data sources vary across different jurisdictions. However, government records are the primary data source for all effective and reliable background checks. Government records provide insight into attributes such as criminal records and employment history. You can also get an excellent database to source information on credit history and verification of education records.
Once you have an accurate data source, you can be confident that the information you obtain from the background check is reliable. Always ask what sources the providers of the background checks API use to get their records before settling on them.
2. Easy Integration
Integrating the background check API into your website or platform is critical for the entire process. The background check service will only work as expected if you integrate it well with your system. While you may have the best team of engineers and developers in your fold, you still need an API service that provides an easy integration method. There are simple tips for identifying which ones do.
Always start by checking whether the API you are researching provides detailed yet easy-to-use documentation for their API. You never want to be in a state where your team hits some challenges when using the API and can’t find the right solutions on the documentation. API services that provide sample code are also ideal since they simplify the process.
Alternatively, always go for API providers that also offer a Software Development Kit in popular programming languages. That way, your team won’t hit a snag when integrating the API with your system.
3. Customizability And Flexibility
Every business has its specific needs when it comes to background checks. Relying on the standard options a typical background check API provides can be very limiting. You need some degree of flexibility to allow you to customize the API to your specific needs.
Flexibility can be a make-or-break feature for any background check API service considering how important it can be to customize the platform to your needs. Imagine needing to modify aspects such as search criteria or finding data based on certain data points and couldn’t? Would the API really be useful? Certainly not.
You can only enjoy the full range of benefits of using a background checks API service if you can tailor it to fit your business.
4. Compliance With Data Protection Regulations
In their very nature, background checks aim to access vital private information belonging to the subjects of the checks. Such private information is normally governed by different legislations. You might encounter some difficulties with the law if the API fails to meet the standards expected by the regulatory body.
Some of the common laws that affect data protection when it comes to background checks include the GDPR and the CCPA. Similarly, you also need to adhere to the dictates of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the United States. This can help to ensure that the financial data you access does not land you in problems.
5. Transparency With Excellent Customer Support
As with any kind of service provider, the background checks API service needs to have the best customer support. The integration process of any API can have a variety of issues of technical nature. Having a support staff on call can be advantageous in helping you sort out any issues that may pop up as you use the API.
Additionally, it is paramount to have a high degree of transparency with the service provider. No reliable background check API service will have hidden charges or unexpected changes to their terms. Always ensure that the provider clearly outlines all their charges and secondary costs before going for their API.
Final Thoughts
Background check APIs allow businesses to run background checks in-house without outsourcing the option to other companies. You need to use a reliable service for you to get the expected results. Hopefully, the discussion above has broken down everything you ought to know before going for a background checks API service.
Remember to take your time researching the different options available before settling on one that will meet your needs.