--- title: "Checkmate Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about Checkmate Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Background Check products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/181402/Checkmate/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-11-12" --- # Checkmate Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on November 12, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Integrations](#integrations)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) Checkmate ## What is Checkmate ? Checkmate is a fully automated online reference checking and background screening software. Simplify your recruitment and onboarding experience by fully automating the process. Checkmate is fully mobile, branded and offers comprehensive customization. ## What is Checkmate used for? [Background Check](https://www.capterra.com/background-check-software/)[Reference Check](https://www.capterra.com/reference-check-software/) Overall rating Based on 18 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive \- Neutral \- Negative \- Starting price $17 Per Feature, One Time Free trial available Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... ## Checkmate alternatives Highest Rated [4.9 (49)](https://www.capterra.com/p/183558/Vitay/reviews/) Starting price $699.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 100% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.4 (1,400)](https://www.capterra.com/p/130949/Paycom/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 87% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.5 (305)](https://www.capterra.com/p/177814/Checkr/reviews/) Starting price $29.99 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 91% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.6 (36)](https://www.capterra.com/p/276237/AssureHire/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/181402/Checkmate/alternatives/) ## FAQs about Checkmate Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from Checkmate ? Checkmate is most used by talent acquisition and recruitment teams, including managers, coordinators, advisers, and team leaders, who manage candidate screening, reference checks, and hiring workflows. HR partners, directors, and advisers use it to support compliant onboarding, while business leaders and project professionals track hiring progress and candidate records. Answer based on 18 reviews Overview ### What company size and specific industries is Checkmate built for? Checkmate is designed for human resource departments of any company size that want to automate reference checking. It is suited to organizations across industries that handle employee hiring and need a faster, more organized reference-checking process. Features and Usability ### What are the key features of Checkmate ? Checkmate offers background screening, employment eligibility verification, and reference checking for candidate evaluation. It includes reference request automation, bulk reference request, and batch processing, plus customizable forms, questions, and templates. Additional features include compliance, status tracking, reporting/analytics, alerts/notifications, mobile access, integrations, and a self-service portal. Integrations ### Which third-party tools and platforms does Checkmate integrate with? Checkmate integrates with Avature, BambooHR, Bullhorn, Expr3ss!, JazzHR, JobAdder, Lever, LinkedIn for Business, PageUp, SmartRecruiters, Teamtailor, and Workday Talent Management. These integrations cover applicant tracking systems, HR platforms, and recruiting channels, giving Checkmate support across common talent acquisition workflows. Getting Started and Support ### What training and onboarding options does Checkmate offer? Checkmate provides live online sessions, documentation, and videos to help teams get started. Live online sessions support guided instruction, documentation offers written reference materials, and videos provide visual walkthroughs for reviewing features and setup steps at any time. Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does Checkmate offer? Checkmate provides Email/Help Desk, FAQ/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 Live Rep, and Chat. No reviewer feedback about support is available, so user experience with response times or helpfulness cannot be assessed from the provided data. ## Features AI summary Based on 709 Background Check reviews Capterra reviewers highlight these as the features buyers value most when choosing background check software: - **Background Screening** (**54%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **Identity Verification** (**50%**) - **Criminal History Verification** (**56%**) Checkmate supports **Background Screening**, which covers one of the top capabilities buyers look for in this category. However, it does not include **Identity Verification** or **Criminal History Verification**. Instead, the product offers **Status Tracking** (**41%**) and **Employment Screening** (**47%**), which still address important hiring and screening needs. These features help businesses monitor screening progress and review candidate employment records, providing teams with clearer visibility and more informed hiring decisions. Status Tracking 5.0 (2) 100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Track the status over time for a request, process, asset, or transaction Reminders 5.0 (2) 100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Timed notification for any upcoming task, deadline, appointment, or activity Self Service Portal 5.0 (2) 100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Online portal through which end users can access the system, manage tasks, or obtain information Activity Dashboard 5.0 (1) 100.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities Alerts/Notifications 5.0 (1) 100.00% of 1 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Alerts or notifications of various types such as pop-up messages, sounds, banners, or badges Automated Automated process for quick response and bulk reference checks. Checkmate 27 features ### All Features - Activity Dashboard: Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities - Alerts/Notifications: Alerts or notifications of various types such as pop-up messages, sounds, banners, or badges - Automated: Automated process for quick response and bulk reference checks. - Background Screening: Researching and validating a person's criminal, educational, job or financial records - Batch Processing: Software's ability to perform similar action on multiple similar files simultaneously - Bulk Reference Request: Ability to request multiple references in the same batch - Candidate Scoring: Assign a qualitative score to a candidate - Compliance: Implements policies and controls to help the organization meet various compliance certifications and standards, such as SOC 1, SOC 2, SSAE 18, ISO 27001, HIPAA and PCI DSS. - Customizable Branding: Add customized logos and colors to align with company branding - Customizable Templates: Pre-designed layouts that can be customized to match preferences and requirements - Email Reminders: Reminders sent via email - Email/Online: The method of requesting and completing tasks or providing/accessing information - Employment Screening: Screen and verify candidates for professional roles - Feedback Management: Collecting, analyzing, and utilizing feedback from users or customers to improve a product or service - Integrations: Ability for the product to integrate with software to view and utilize contact and account buyer intent data (i.e. CRM software, marketing automation software, account- based marketing software, etc.) - Mobile Access: Access software remotely via mobile devices - Online Applications: Ability to fill out and submit application forms on the web - Recruitment Management: Tools to find, assess, and hire suitable candidates for a job within an organization - Reference Checking: Process used by hiring managers to get more information about a candidate by contacting previous employers - Reference Request Automation: Ability of the software to take the manual effort out of the process of requesting and collecting references - Reminders: Timed notification for any upcoming task, deadline, appointment, or activity - Reporting/Analytics: View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data - Screening Services Integration: Screening performed by employees working for the vendor. Software functionality is offered on top of these services. - Self Service Portal: Online portal through which end users can access the system, manage tasks, or obtain information - Status Tracking: Track the status over time for a request, process, asset, or transaction - Survey Builder: Create and manage surveys - Survey Library: Repository of pre-built questionnaires that can be used as is --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.8 (18) 4.8 Based on 18 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 5.0 (17) Free Trial Free Version Basic $17.00 Per Feature,One Time Value for money 5.0 (17) 5.0 Based on 17 reviews ## Integrations [ BambooHR](https://www.capterra.com/p/110968/BambooHR/)[ Bullhorn](https://www.capterra.com/p/140531/Bullhorn-Recruiting-Software/)[ Lever](https://www.capterra.com/p/142452/Lever/)[ JazzHR](https://www.capterra.com/p/87750/JazzHR/)[ JobAdder](https://www.capterra.com/p/135918/JobAdder/)[ SmartRecruiters](https://www.capterra.com/p/123833/SmartRecruiters/)[ Teamtailor](https://www.capterra.com/p/144801/Teamtailor/)[ Humanforce](https://www.capterra.com/p/122077/Humanforce/) Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.9 (17) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.9 (17) 4.9 Based on 17 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.8 Based on 18 reviews Filter by rating Counts reflect reviews available in this feed. 5(16) 4(1) 3(1) 2(0) 1(0) Mentioned topic Recent reviews first, then most helpful TA Talent Acquisition and Pathways Manager Talent Acquisition and Pathways Manager Used the software for: 1-3 years ### "Best background checking and pre-employment screening tool on the market" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 February 5, 2026 Checkmate has been a fantastic addition to our tech stack, allowing our recruiters to focus more on strategic initiatives and offering our candidates an smoother, integrated experience for background and reference checks Pros The ease of use and integration with our ATS. ,The UX for candidates and TA team means a more simplified and better all round process. Quicker results and better confidence in outcomes. The customer support is excellent and the value for money is also great give the quality and speed of the background checks and references. The roadmap for future functionality and offerings is also impressive. Cons Nothing to say here as it has been a great product to help in meeting our regulatory requirements, but also offering an improved experience. My team have found it invaluable, Matt W. Head of TA, Australia Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Great experience! " 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 September 15, 2025 The team are great to deal with, very personable and down to earth. The tool is easy to use, set up and manage. I'm glad I found Checkmate and will be using the tool for a long time to come. Pros I have really enjoyed how easy and accessible this tool is. With the level of security in place at my company, Checkmate have made the background checking process seamless. The UI is clean and, for the level of service, they provide great value for money. Cons I have been using the product for the last 6 months and, as yet, I've experienced no significant challenges. Anything I didn't understand during initial set-up was addressed and resolved by the superb Customer team immediately. BA Bartender Bartender Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "People info " 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 December 28, 2020 Overall experience was ok..You can find out a lot..The money you got to pay is not worth it when it gets the info wrong on the person .But they are good about giving you the money back Pros Well I like best about this software is it is so EASY TO USE.Really common sense to use this..You can find out alot Cons What I like the least is some of the information is incorrect because a lot of the info on me was most definitely incorrect. PM Project Manager Project Manager Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Best Addition to our Process Since We Started!" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 30, 2019 Pros Since using Checkmate, we've been able to hire more candidates, take on more clients, and most importantly spend time in more pressing areas. To date we've turned 26 referee's into candidates that we've now placed - through them showing interest and openness for new roles within the questionnaire! Cons Best addition to our process since we started! SR Senior Recruitment Advisor Senior Recruitment Advisor Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Increased user experience and reduced follow up required" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 May 4, 2020 We have seen a number of benefits through CheckMate including, but not limited to cost savings, increased candidate and referee experience, reduced follow up time due to automatic reminders via email and text to candidates and referees, openness to introducing new features based on customer feedback. We have also seen an increase in completion of reference checks. Pros Ease of use for both internal users and candidates and referees has been a big positive. The mobile optimisation available to candidates and referees leads to a positive user experience. Ability to build customised reference templates for specific roles enables us to have a unique approach. CheckMate is integrated with our applicant tracking system which allows information to be available through one source. The support we have received has been fast and efficient. The CheckMate team are open to suggestions and feedback and are able to implement changes quickly. The pricing of the software is extremely competitive in the market. Cons Anything extra we have needed has been implemented through new releases over time. RT Recruitment Team Leader Recruitment Team Leader Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Excellent Product" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 April 30, 2020 Excellent. \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] responds quickly and is able to help with any minor issue we have had with our own internal systems. More than helpful and very generous when we were trialing the product to ensure it worked for part of our organization that we were trialing it on. Pros The product is easy to use, you can customize your template and you don't spend hours of wasted time try to contact the referee as they can complete the template in the time that suits them. The time it traditionally takes for references to be completed has reduced significantly. Cons Just the number of reminder messages - but Checkmate is very open to feedback and looking to always improve processes. RC Recruitment Coordinator Recruitment Coordinator Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Cost-Effective, Easy and Fast!" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 May 16, 2019 We hire high volume roles and we have seasonal variance so this is a great tool to assist with streamlining the process for everybody, it's easy for the candidate and referees which is important to us. Pros I really liked how easy it was to get set up and start using the system, we had urgent roles we were hiring and we could get these references completed within a few hours. The ability to control our brand was a really unique cool feature, and being able to design our questionnaires allowed me to tailor them to the unique roles we often hire. Being able to do everything via SMS and on mobile is also an awesome feature! The service was really helpful, and always available to answer any questions I had. Cons The only con was that the system didn't integrate with our recruiting system, however, this is currently being built and expected in the coming months. Louise M. Talent Acquisitions Manager Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Fantastic Referencing Software" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 May 1, 2020 Fantastic - \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] has very much partnered with us to ensure we are receiving the best possible experience and maximising the software to its fullest. Pros The ease of use of the software, the ability to integrate with our ATS system, the local and hands on account management support, and not to forgot how user friendly it is for both candidates and referee's to complete. Cons Nothing springs to mind. I think the software is brilliant and \[SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN\] is absolutely open to receiving feedback on possible tweaks. SE Sales Engineer Sales Engineer Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Intuitive, Flexible, and Effective" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 28, 2019 Pros I really enjoyed how intuitive and efficient the software is to use throughout the entire process. I work in a very fast-paced environment where time is money, and Checkmate's simplicity and ease of use is a game-changer. Being able to easily and quickly create checks, and then monitor everything in a simple dashboard is great. Cons I have nothing negative to say about the software. AD Architectural Designer Architectural Designer Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "Save time, money and effort for everyone involved in the reference checking process" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 May 21, 2019 Pros We found Checkmate to be super efficient and cost-effective solution for streamlining the reference checking process. By using this product, we've managed to save an incredible amount of time wasted chasing both candidates and potential referees. Every aspect of the product was designed with the hiring managers, candidates and referees best interests at heart. Cons The only minor downside was that the product didn't integrate with Talent App Store, but that is a feature they are going to be rolling out later this year. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/181402/Checkmate/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.