Instant Checkmate Reviews

4,861,149reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.

About Instant Checkmate

Instant Checkmate is one of the leading public records search tools on the internet, providing instant access to millions of documents. Instant Checkmate’s information is generated by searching public records that include federal, state, and county databases and compiling them all into one report. Users can look up addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles, driving records, arrest records and more. Just enter a name and state to start your search.

Pros
  • Unlimited reports with subscription
  • Detailed reports
  • Easy to use
  • Use 30 data points for reports
Cons
  • Not a traditional background check
  • Subscriptions automatically renew

Featured Reviews

Vancouver, WA
Verified purchase
Checkmate does what it advertises - reveals otherwise difficult to obtain information about individuals. We found it useful recently when a home inspector gave misleading informat...

Read more

Los Angeles, CA
Verified purchase
I have never felt so unsafe in my life with scammers who claim to be one and they are not. Instant Checkmate helped me tremendously to remove those who are not legitimate and are ...

Read more

ConsumerAffairs operates independent of Instant Checkmate and does not offer background check services. Per the Instant Checkmate terms, you may not use this service or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require Federal Credit Reporting Act compliance. Instant Checkmate does not provide consumer reports and is not a consumer reporting agency.

What is Instant Checkmate?

Instant Checkmate lets you look up a person’s information by typing in their name, age and location in the search console. Instant Checkmate asks you questions about the person as it searches databases to narrow results down to the right match.

Once you have a match, you purchase a membership subscription to access the report. A subscription gives you access to unlimited reports for as long as you are enrolled.

You can look up the following information and more using Instant Checkmate:

  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Age
  • Location history
  • Job histories
  • Criminal records
  • Sex offenders registration
  • Arrest records
  • Census data
  • Social media profiles
  • Bankruptcy history

Strict guidelines dictate how and why you can use a public records search service. Instant Checkmate is not a consumer reporting agency, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibits using Instant Checkmate to look up any information governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Before using Instant Checkmate, make sure you review the guidelines of what you can and can’t do with the information found on its site.

Instant Checkmate cost

Instant Checkmate offers two subscription plans. Both plans give you access to unlimited reports. The company bills one-month subscriptions every 30 days and three-month subscriptions every 90 days.

PlanPrice per month
One-month$35.12
Three-month$28.09 (Billed at $84.28 every three months)
Reverse phone lookup$5.99

Membership subscriptions automatically renew every 30 or 90 days unless you cancel before the start of the next payment period. You can cancel your membership through your online account or by phone.

Instant Checkmate FAQ

Is Instant Checkmate safe?

Yes, Instant Checkmate is safe. The company has a verified Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate and uses 128-bit encryption. Instant Checkmate also runs malware checks with Norton Antivirus software daily.

Does Instant Checkmate notify the person you’re searching?

No, Instant Checkmate does not notify any search subjects.

Is Instant Checkmate legal?

Yes, it is legal to use Instant Checkmate, but it is illegal to use the service to look up any information governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), including screening someone for employment, a lease or credit eligibility. Make sure you follow the search guidelines when using Instant Checkmate.

Is Instant Checkmate free to use?

No, Instant Checkmate is not free. You must sign up for a membership. Memberships start at $35.12 a month and give you access to unlimited reports.

Is Instant Checkmate worth the price?

Yes, if you need the company’s service, it is worth the price. Even though the information on Instant Checkmate comes from public records, you would have to search through each individual federal, state and county database to find the information. Instant Checkmate compiles it all into one easy-to-read report, and all subscriptions include unlimited reports.

Is Instant Checkmate legit?

Instant Checkmate saves you time searching through numerous government databases to find the information you need. Sometimes people aren’t who they say or keep things from you that they don’t want you to know. Using Instant Checkmate helps you verify someone’s identity before meeting them in person or going into business with them, which protects you in the long run. Instant Checkmate is not a substitute for a traditional background check, however.

Instant Checkmate Reviews

Filter by Rating

  • (1,016)
  • (373)
  • (426)
  • (688)
  • (1,577)

Popular Mentions

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Instant Checkmate?
    • 4,861,149 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Top reviews
    • Top reviews
    • Recent
    • Oldest
    • Most helpful

    A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

    2 featured reviews
    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Instant Checkmate?
    • 4,861,149 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPriceStaffBillingRates

    Reviewed March 18, 2026

    I cancelled my monthly subscription over a year ago. I only needed it for 1 search. I have still received a monthly 3.99 charge, monthly after but haven't called until today. I thought it was going to be long and drawn out to get this fixed but turns out I actually had 2 separate subscriptions, and I only cancelled the one. The customer service rep was able to find my account see the cancellation date of the initial service and why I was still being billed and get this cancelled in under 5 minutes. He also saw I had a discount offer on my account and asked if I was interested, but was not pushy in making the sale. I said I was not interested at the moment, and that was that. Definitely a pain-free customer service experience.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Instant Checkmate
    Response from Instant Checkmate

    Hi Casey,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We are thrilled to hear that our representative was able to quickly identify the issue, get everything resolved in a timely manner, and provide you with a pain-free experience. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to the team!

    We are glad everything has been sorted out for you. If you ever need any further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Holiday hours may vary.

    Sincerely,

    InstantCheckmate Customer Support Team

    Not sure how to choose?

    Get buying tips about Background Check Companies delivered to your inbox.

      By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Thanks for subscribing.

      You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceSales & MarketingStaffRates

      Reviewed Dec. 5, 2025

      I received notice that a password for Instant Checkmate had recently been leaked. As a victim of scams, it was imperative to me that this be addressed. My call to Instant Checkmate resulted in a lengthy conversation with Christopher. He explained all my options and guided me through the steps needed to remedy the situation. He went above and beyond by actually calling back when our initial phone call was dropped. He is knowledgeable, personable and was interested in helping me achieve my goal. He uncovered two old email which I had completely forgotten! I am completely satisfied with the work Christopher performed for me, and greatly appreciate his dedication.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Dear Lanie,

      Thank you for your review. We're so glad to hear Christopher was able to support you through this stressful situation. Recovering from scams and handling security concerns can be overwhelming, and it’s wonderful to know he guided you through your options, helped you update your account details, and even called back when the line disconnected.

      We’re especially pleased he was able to help identify those old emails and ensure everything was properly secured. Your feedback means a lot, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

      If you ever need further assistance, you can reach Instant Checkmate Customer Support at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      Instant Checkmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceRefunds & Payouts

      Reviewed Nov. 21, 2025

      I called to get refunded as the information I received was not current. I spoke with a man named Lucca! I was completely impressed with this man and his customer service skills. He is so great on the phone with explaining information about how your company works that I thought this person must be the owner of the company!!! If he is NOT the owner he should be commended and promoted and GIVEN ownership shares!!! You really should listen to him in our phone conversation!!! You don’t have conversations like this when you are disappointed in a product and you have to call and potentially meet up with opposition to your request of a cancellation and refund. It made me like your company!!! Thank you, Lucca!!! I hope your company realizes what a tremendous asset they have in you!!! If not, you deserve BETTER!!!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Dear Candace,

      Thank you for your review and for sharing such thoughtful feedback about your experience with Lucca. We’re truly grateful you took the time to let us know.

      We’re thrilled to hear how impressed you were with his customer service, clarity, and professionalism. It’s wonderful to know that even during a refund request, Lucca was able to turn the interaction into a positive experience and leave such a meaningful impression. We absolutely agree that team members like him are invaluable, and your comments will definitely be shared so his excellent work is recognized.

      If you ever need further assistance in the future, our Customer Support team is available at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. PT (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      Instant Checkmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed Nov. 6, 2025

      I was very upset today to find that my previous attempt to cancel my membership did not go through either due to the problem of intermittent phone & Internet connection or my ignorance in what I was doing. Thankfully, I talked to Christopher who was so easy to talk to & he explained what may have happened & it was likely my fault & I should have checked my email which I usually don’t use. He was very clear & when I had to interrupt him, he let me talk rather than continuing to speak over me. You have a gem of an employee & I hope you appreciate what a great customer service person he is. He is ONE in a million because he truly listens & tries to understand callers. Kudos to Christopher! Today I spoke with Christopher.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi Andrea,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that Christopher provided such helpful and understanding support. We truly value team members who take the time to listen and ensure every customer feels heard, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him and our leadership team.

      If you ever need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Support team at 877-564-3003 or email us at support@instantcheckmate.com. Our team is always happy to help.

      Sincerely,

      Instant Checkmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServicePriceStaffRatesHonesty & Transparency

      Reviewed Sept. 17, 2025

      Had called to cancel because of price change to over $35.00 per month. Was honestly surprised when offered a good deal of around $16.00 when agent saw my history with Checkmate. And I accepted the new offer!!! Wish I had gotten his name so I could ask for him if a problem ever arises.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi there,

      Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re glad to hear our agent was able to review your account history and find a plan that better fit your needs. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with our team—it’s always encouraging to know when our representatives make a positive difference.

      If you ever need assistance in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 877-564-3003 or by emailing support@instantcheckmate.com

      . We’ll be happy to help.

      Sincerely,

      Instant Checkmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      Staff

      Reviewed April 8, 2026

      The review was very helpful. The gentleman that I spoke with was very helpful and professional. I really do enjoy the service that Checkmate provides. I will be more than happy to recommend to anyone.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi Bobby,

      Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and recommendation! We are thrilled to hear that our representative was helpful and professional, and that you are enjoying the service. Comments like yours truly mean a lot to our team!

      If you ever need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      InstantCheckmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed April 7, 2026

      My error in signing up accidentally for this program twice. The person on the phone was very helpful and he helped me maneuver through all of the emails etc. to get the credit put back on my account.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi Sherry,

      Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We are glad to hear that our representative was able to help you navigate everything and get your account sorted out. Mistakes happen and we are always happy to help make things right!

      If you ever need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      InstantCheckmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed April 6, 2026

      The customer service rep was able to answer my questions quickly and cancel my account with Instant Checkmate. I am an old tech-challenged guy who likely got confused when just trying to get a background check on one person. I have no further need whatsoever to check on anyone. Thank you for your assistance and great customer service.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi Bruce,

      Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We are glad to hear that our representative was able to answer your questions quickly and get everything taken care of for you. We completely understand that navigating new technology can sometimes be confusing, and we are always happy to help guide our members through the process.

      We hope you will keep us in mind should you ever need our service again in the future. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      InstantCheckmate Customer Support Team

      Verified purchase
      PriceRefunds & PayoutsEase of Use

      Reviewed April 6, 2026

      I have used other websites for searches and this one, by far, was the most expensive and difficult to navigate and read or follow the format. Also, the information I already knew as factual was in error or omitted on this report. I chose to cancel and request a refund and will not be using your service in the future.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi Carol,

      Thank you for your feedback, and we are sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. We want to address your concerns directly.

      Regarding the information in your report, InstantCheckmate is not the source of the data — all information is pulled from public records and commercially available data sources, which may contain errors and are not always complete. Source data is sometimes reported or entered inaccurately, processed poorly, or is generally not free from defect. We encourage our members to use our reports as a starting point and to independently verify any information before relying on it.

      We also appreciate your feedback regarding the navigation and format of our site as we are always looking for ways to improve the overall experience for our members.

      We can confirm that during your recent call with our Customer Care team, your account was cancelled and the charge was reversed. Please allow 3–5 business days for this to reflect in your account, as processing times may vary depending on your financial institution.

      If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      InstantCheckmate Customer Support Team

      Resolution In Progress
      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed April 4, 2026

      I called in because I had recently purchased Guardio for security for my devices and they felt your site was putting me at risk. The associate I spoke with helped me in a very efficient manner, he was kind and very helpful when I asked extra questions.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Instant Checkmate
      Response from Instant Checkmate

      Hi Karen,

      Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We are glad to hear that our representative was able to assist you efficiently and answer all of your questions with kindness. Your feedback is truly appreciated and we will make sure it gets passed along to the team!

      If you ever need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care team at 877-564-3003, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Holiday hours may vary.

      Sincerely,

      InstantCheckmate Customer Support Team=

      Loading more reviews...

      Instant Checkmate Company Information

      Social media:
      Company Name:
      Instant Checkmate
      Company Type:
      Private
      Year Founded:
      2010
      Address:
      3110 Camino Del Rio N Suite 400
      City:
      San Diego
      State/Province:
      CA
      Postal Code:
      92108
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.instantcheckmate.com

      Media

      VIDEOS & IMAGES