Compare/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.

Starting price

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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?