What Are Third-Party (Pass-Through) Fees?
Third-party fees, often referred to as pass-through fees, are costs charged by external data sources that provide access to official records used in background checks. These sources may include:
-
County, state, and federal criminal courts
-
State repositories and public record databases
-
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) providers
-
Education verification institutions
-
Professional license and credentialing boards
These fees are mandated by the data source itself and are outside the control of any background screening company. At 3rd Degree Screening, third-party fees are passed through at cost, with no markup and no hidden margins.
Why Transparent Background Check Pricing Matters
Many background check providers advertise low base prices, only to introduce unexpected fees later in the process. This can lead to unpredictable invoices, confusion, and frustration.
Our approach to transparent background screening pricing ensures clients know exactly what to expect. We clearly separate service fees from third-party costs and disclose required fees upfront so there are no surprises.
Our Commitment to Full Fee Disclosure
To support our commitment to honest pricing, we maintain a dedicated page that outlines common third-party and pass-through fees associated with employment background checks.
This page helps employers and screening partners better understand court access fees, government charges, and other external costs that may apply depending on jurisdiction.
A Better Background Screening Experience
Transparency is part of the standard of care at 3rd Degree Screening. By providing clear background check pricing and open communication, we help clients budget confidently and maintain trust throughout the hiring process.
-
Accurate and compliant background checks
-
Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
-
Clear disclosure of third-party costs
-
A trusted background screening partner
If you have questions about background check costs, third-party fees, or custom screening solutions, our team is always here to help.
