--- title: First Advantage Reviews meta\_title: 'First Advantage Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 111 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how First Advantage works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 3.4 review\_count: 111 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-09' parent\_category: name: Pre-Employment Screening url: https://www.g2.com/categories/pre-employment-screening --- ### First Advantage Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages #### Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews Generated from real user reviews Users commend the **exceptional customer support** at First Advantage, noting friendly reps and reliable assistance. [(15 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114282&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users appreciate the **ease of use** of First Advantage, highlighting its user-friendly system and quick service. [(15 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1113799&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users appreciate the **quick and responsive customer service** of First Advantage, enhancing their overall experience. [(12 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114446&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users appreciate the **responsive customer support** at First Advantage, highlighting effective communication and prompt issue resolution. [(8 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225265&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users commend the **knowledgeable staff** at First Advantage for their friendly support and effective problem-solving. [(7 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225631&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users report **poor customer support** , facing delays and multiple departments, leading to frustration and unresolved issues. [(10 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114471&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users often face **significant delays** with First Advantage, affecting hiring processes and causing frustration during support calls. [(7 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114414&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users express concern over **lack of clarity** in processes, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in managing results. [(7 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225352&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users report significant **process delays** in background checks, hindering hiring goals and causing frustrations with timelines. [(5 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225224&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users find the **complex processes** of First Advantage frustrating, as multiple departments complicate simple requests and resolutions. [(4 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114119&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) ### 5 Pros or Advantages of First Advantage ##### 1. Customer Support Users commend the **exceptional customer support** at First Advantage, noting friendly reps and reliable assistance. [ See 15 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114282&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Brooke B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Brooke B.") BB Brooke B. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1.0/5 "Be prepared to sit on hold for a long time!" What do you like about First Advantage? The customer service agents are genuinely nice people. Implementation was good, not great. ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") U Verified User Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.0/5 "Great Background Check service" What do you like about First Advantage? User friendly, I like it that the process is very easy to use and the customer support is great. ##### 2. Ease of Use Users appreciate the **ease of use** of First Advantage, highlighting its user-friendly system and quick service. [ See 15 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1113799&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews HM Harshita M. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.5/5 "Reviewing the First Advantage basis on running background check" What do you like about First Advantage? It is easy to use for beginners as well, different packages available as per client requirements MK Monika K. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 5.0/5 "Rate the background check" What do you like about First Advantage? It is a hub of candidate information that helps companies hire a good candidate with a clean record. Very simple to use. ##### 3. Helpful Users appreciate the **quick and responsive customer service** of First Advantage, enhancing their overall experience. [ See 12 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114446&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews MK Monika K. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 5.0/5 "Rate the background check" What do you like about First Advantage? It is a hub of candidate information that helps companies hire a good candidate with a clean record. Very simple to use. ![Brooke B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Brooke B.") BB Brooke B. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1.0/5 "Be prepared to sit on hold for a long time!" What do you like about First Advantage? The customer service agents are genuinely nice people. Implementation was good, not great. ##### 4. Representative Responsiveness Users appreciate the **responsive customer support** at First Advantage, highlighting effective communication and prompt issue resolution. [ See 8 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225265&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") E Verified User Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4.0/5 "Relationship Manager for First Advantage Account" What do you like about First Advantage? We have an evergreen agreement with FA and appreciate the responsivness and customer support. Easy to use the services. Our Account Manager is resp WC Wil C. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.0/5 "First Advantage Review" What do you like about First Advantage? The intergration with other employee systems like Workday is seemless and effective for everyday hiring and background check results, making FADV easy ##### 5. Knowledgeable Staff Users commend the **knowledgeable staff** at First Advantage for their friendly support and effective problem-solving. [ See 7 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225631&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") T Verified User Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 3.5/5 "First Advantage in Higher Education" What do you like about First Advantage? The customer service team is knowledgable about the services that First Advantage provides. The existing integrations support our business processes w ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") U Verified User Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4.0/5 "My overall experience with First Advantage is positive." What do you like about First Advantage? I like the fact that we have a dedicated representative who works with us. ### 5 Cons or Disadvantages of First Advantage ##### 1. Poor Customer Support Users report **poor customer support** , facing delays and multiple departments, leading to frustration and unresolved issues. [ See 10 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114471&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Melissa C.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Melissa C.") MC Melissa C. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0.0/5 "Sterling Review" What do you dislike about First Advantage? Dashboards, we had 3 to manage one process which was not doable. There is no customer support unless you are trying to cancel. When they were acquir ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") A Verified User Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0.5/5 "No Customer Service + Integration Broken" What do you dislike about First Advantage? The customer support is beyond abysmal. You do not have a Customer Success Manager, so you are sent into the void whenever you email their general hel ##### 2. Delays Users often face **significant delays** with First Advantage, affecting hiring processes and causing frustration during support calls. [ See 7 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114414&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Brooke B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Brooke B.") BB Brooke B. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1.0/5 "Be prepared to sit on hold for a long time!" What do you dislike about First Advantage? They have so many different departments, each of which has a very very specific task that they can perform. We only utilize First Advantage for Driver ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") E Verified User Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4.0/5 "Relationship Manager for First Advantage Account" What do you dislike about First Advantage? Wait times for Customer care team on the phone can be lengthy. We have experienced difficulty with prompt customer care and will escalate if necessa ##### 3. Lack of Clarity Users express concern over **lack of clarity** in processes, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in managing results. [ See 7 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225352&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Melissa C.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Melissa C.") MC Melissa C. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0.0/5 "Sterling Review" What do you dislike about First Advantage? Dashboards, we had 3 to manage one process which was not doable. There is no customer support unless you are trying to cancel. When they were acquir ![Verified User](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User") U Verified User Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 2.5/5 "Easy and painless switch" What do you dislike about First Advantage? layout of the reports and access to help center ##### 4. Process Delays Users report significant **process delays** in background checks, hindering hiring goals and causing frustrations with timelines. [ See 5 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2225224&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Melissa C.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Melissa C.") MC Melissa C. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0.0/5 "Sterling Review" What do you dislike about First Advantage? Dashboards, we had 3 to manage one process which was not doable. There is no customer support unless you are trying to cancel. When they were acquir WC Wil C. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.0/5 "First Advantage Review" What do you dislike about First Advantage? While it may not be a direct dislike with FADV, but the prolonged turn around time on some retults in some jusidictions without any real inforamtion o ##### 5. Complex Processes Users find the **complex processes** of First Advantage frustrating, as multiple departments complicate simple requests and resolutions. [ See 4 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1114119&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Brooke B.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Brooke B.") BB Brooke B. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1.0/5 "Be prepared to sit on hold for a long time!" What do you dislike about First Advantage? They have so many different departments, each of which has a very very specific task that they can perform. We only utilize First Advantage for Driver ![Amy P.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Amy P.") AP Amy P. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 0.0/5 "Sterling is absolutely impossible to cancel" What do you dislike about First Advantage? Sterling is impossible to cancel. We have sent multiple cancellation letters. They required one to be signed on company letterhead and we complied wit ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![Checkr](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c9d304ee8b6dabf3c1fcb082188993d7/checkr.svg "Checkr") Checkr 4.5/5(456) ](https://www.g2.com/products/checkr/reviews) [ ![HireRight](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/af2fbffc75ccc5347421dca86db0c7ee/hireright.svg "HireRight") HireRight 3.9/5(197) ](https://www.g2.com/products/hireright/reviews) [ ![GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/94f2451ce26478fb63621a2c593ba597/goodhire-a-checkr-company.svg "GoodHire (a Checkr company)") GoodHire (a Checkr company) 4.6/5(280) ](https://www.g2.com/products/goodhire-a-checkr-company/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/first-advantage/competitors/alternatives) ![Angela H.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Angela H.") AH Angela H. Project Management Support Consultant Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4/24/2018 "Sterling Talenteise " 3.5/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? Quick and easy process to run background investigations and I like that you can e-sign. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? There really wasn't anything I disliked. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? Quick and efficient way to run background investigations on employees. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Telecommunications](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Telecommunications") UT Verified User in Telecommunications Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4/26/2018 "This software has been an amazing asset and tool for my company " 5/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? It’s a very simple and easy to use software. I like that the interface is user friendly and simple. Also the few times I have had to use it getting results has never taken long which is a blessing Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? I honestly can’t think of a single complaint. The software is great Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? These days a new hire candidate can quite literally at times be too good to be true. As trusting as I am verification is a must and this software is an easy and simple way to achieve that Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Hospital & Health Care](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Hospital & Health Care") UH Verified User in Hospital & Health Care Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4/19/2018 "First Advantage Background Checks" 4.5/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? This is a very easy to use system to use for both the company and the candidate. Results are very timely in most situations and customer service can be reached when needed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? I do dislike that hold times for customer service can be very long at times. That is very frustrating when needing an update on a background check and no ETA is shown online. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering First Advantage: I recommend using it for background checks - mostly ease of use! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? It solves running background checks efficiently 9 times/10! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Real Estate](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Real Estate") CR Verified User in Real Estate Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 7/8/2018 Business partner of the seller or seller's competitor, not included in G2 scores. "Helpful for leasing consultants" 2.5/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? First advantage has great customer support and was user friendly when running checks on future residents Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? First advantage was often slow and took hours to approve someone Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? First advantage helped us keep our community safe by running checks Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting") AS Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4/14/2018 "First Advantage review" 3.5/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? First Advantage is easy to use and navigate. It’s very user friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? First Advantage can pull some inaccurate information for candidates with generic names. For example, I had a candidate who was 21 years old and lived in PA his whole life. It came back with information from someone with the same name in a different state for a different age. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? First Advantage offers options to do extensive background screens, which is great for clients that deal with sensitive information. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Carrie A.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Carrie A.") CA Carrie A. HR Coordinator Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 3/20/2018 "First Advantage" 4/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? I like that it is easy to submit background searches. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? I dislike that it requires a Middle Name or Middle Initial, but that is not in red like all of the other requirements. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? We are able to complete background checks in a short amount of time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Health, Wellness and Fitness](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Health, Wellness and Fitness") UH Verified User in Health, Wellness and Fitness Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 7/6/2018 "Cheap and simple" 4/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? I like that most background checks are instant and takes only a few minutes Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? Customer service is very spotty and doesn't often help Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? so often we need quick background checks. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Information Technology and Services](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Information Technology and Services") UI Verified User in Information Technology and Services Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4/10/2018 "Sterling Review" 3/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? There is an ETA of when the background check will come back. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? Sometimes, the ETA is not always accurate depending on county of candidate. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering First Advantage: ETA of when the bg check will come back is not always accurate. Sometimes it is. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? The dashboards we have built in our ATS system are not correct. Candidates are not moving from the dashboards "background check consent form sent" to the "In progress candidates". Integration is broken. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting") US Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4/27/2018 "No issues" 2.5/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? Used for screening applicants. We didn't have super strict screening material guidelines and used it rather simply. But that was exactly it, simple and easy. No problems experienced, but very basic use required. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? Layout of resulting information in applicant screening, totals on points would be great Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? Screening applicants, lower turnover rate based when decision is based upon extra information provided here. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad") UT Verified User in Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 4/27/2018 "Sterling Talent Solutions is a great choice for background checks" 4/5 What do you like best about First Advantage? Sterling Talent Solutions background check service is very easy to use. They do a wonderful job at keeping you up to date on the status of your order. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about First Advantage? Sometimes orders take a little too long. Sometimes the reports are not easy to follow. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is First Advantage solving and how is that benefiting you? Sterling Talent Solutions helped the company I used it with stay compliant with DOT regulations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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