Head to head

First Advantage vs Universal Background

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

First Advantage

Sales-quoted

Global background checks, identity verification and I-9 services. Pricing is quote-based. First Advantage now owns Sterling.

Where First Advantage fits

  • Global employers screening at scale
  • Teams that also need I-9 and E-Verify
  • Former Sterling customers
  • Buyers wanting identity checks and criminal checks together

Enterprise background, drug, and occupational-health screening. Pricing is sales-quoted. PBSA-accredited CRA.

Where Universal Background fits

  • Healthcare and staffing employers with safety-sensitive roles
  • Transport and DOT-regulated fleets
  • Enterprises that want a dedicated service team
  • HR teams that also need drug tests and physicals

At a glance

DetailFirst AdvantageUniversal Background
Starting priceSales-quotedSales-quoted
Free tier–No–No
MCP server–No–No
Public API✓Yes–No
Listed underBackground checkBackground check

Where they pull apart

First Advantage

Stands out: Background and identity checks across more than 200 countries and territories, with ATS integrations and REST APIs.

Watch out: No published per-check price. Former Sterling customers are moving onto First Advantage, so confirm which platform your contract runs on.

Not the right fit for

  • Small firms wanting a published per-check price
  • Individuals ordering a personal check

Universal Background

Stands out: White-glove client teams plus criminal results in under two days on the vendor's own figures.

Watch out: There is no public per-check menu. Buying starts with sales, aimed at healthcare and transport employers.

Not the right fit for

  • Small shops that want a printed $ per check
  • Buyers who need instant self-serve checkout

Pros and cons

First Advantage

  • Coverage in 200+ countries and territories
  • Identity checks and I-9 in one vendor
  • ATS integrations and REST APIs
  • No published per-check price
  • Enterprise sales cycle
  • Sterling migration may change workflows

Universal Background

  • PBSA-accredited enterprise CRA
  • Criminal results under 2 days claimed
  • Drug tests and physicals in the same shop
  • No public per-check prices
  • Buying starts with a sales conversation
  • Built for enterprise, not DIY small biz

What each one costs

First Advantage

Sales-quoted

Sales-quoted. No public rate card on the vendor site. Pricing depends on check types, volume and regions. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Universal Background

Sales-quoted

Sales-quoted. No public rate card on the vendor site. Packages cover background checks, drug testing, occupational health, and verifications. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Can you try First Advantage or Universal Background for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing.

Not the pair you wanted?

All First Advantage alternatives All Universal Background alternatives Every Background check tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?