BeenVerified Free Trial: Everything You Need to Know Before Signing Up

Does BeenVerified Actually Offer a Free Trial?

Let's cut straight to what you're really asking: BeenVerified does not offer a truly free trial. What they do offer is a 7-day trial membership for $1 that gives you access to up to 100 reports. It's an aggressive pricing tactic designed to get you in the door, and then the subscription auto-renews at around $26.89 to $36.89 per month depending on current promotions.

Here's what makes this tricky: that $1 trial isn't always visible on their website. Multiple sources report that you're more likely to trigger this offer by visiting the pricing page and then appearing to leave without subscribing. It's a retention tactic, not a prominently advertised feature.

If you don't cancel before your 7 days are up, your payment method gets charged the full monthly rate automatically. And cancellation isn't as simple as clicking a button-you'll need to contact customer support directly via phone or email, which some users report can take significant effort.

Current BeenVerified Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay

Understanding the full cost structure helps you make an informed decision about whether the trial is worth it. After the 7-day trial period ends, BeenVerified charges vary significantly depending on the plan you're automatically enrolled in.

The monthly membership typically costs $26.89 per month for most users, though some reports indicate pricing as high as $36.89 per month depending on when and how you sign up. The three-month plan offers better value at approximately $17.48 per month (billed as $52.44 upfront), representing about a 35% discount compared to monthly billing.

Both plans provide the same core features: up to 100 reports per month across all search types, including people searches, reverse phone lookups, email searches, address lookups, and vehicle history reports. You can allocate these 100 reports however you need-50 people searches and 50 phone lookups, or 100 criminal background checks-the choice is yours.

It's worth noting that BeenVerified doesn't offer per-report pricing. You're committing to a subscription model whether you need one report or one hundred. This makes the service economical only if you genuinely need multiple searches, not for one-off background checks.

What You Get with BeenVerified's Trial

To be fair, the $1 trial does give you access to the same features as a full paid subscription. During those 7 days, you can run up to 100 reports that include:

• People searches by name, phone number, email, or address
• Criminal record checks from public databases
• Contact information including phone numbers and email addresses
• Address history showing current and previous residences
• Social media profiles linked to the individual
• Property records and ownership information
• Vehicle records including registration details

BeenVerified has been operating since and processes over 38 million searches monthly, so their database is substantial. The platform works on both desktop and mobile, with apps available for iOS and Android.

The Hidden Catch: Understanding Data Accuracy Issues

Before you hand over even that $1, you need to understand a fundamental truth about BeenVerified: data accuracy is inconsistent, and many users report outdated or incomplete information.

BeenVerified holds a BBB rating of C, which is below average for background check services. The complaints center around two primary issues: billing problems and data accuracy concerns. While the company addresses many complaints through refunds, the volume of issues suggests systemic problems.

What Users Report About Accuracy

Real user experiences reveal several patterns:

• Outdated addresses: Reports frequently show previous residences but miss current locations, or list addresses from years ago as current
• Missing criminal records: Some users discovered that BeenVerified failed to show criminal records that actually existed-a critical gap for safety-focused searches
• Incorrect associations: Common names lead to mixed records, where information from multiple people gets combined into one report
• Employment history gaps: Professional information is often incomplete or entirely missing, as this data isn't part of most public records
• Social media links: Profiles are sometimes misattributed to the wrong person with a similar name

One verified user noted that "nothing that they have in file is accurate," while another mentioned the quality of searches had "decreased over time." These aren't isolated complaints-they represent a consistent pattern across multiple review platforms.

Why the Data Is Inconsistent

BeenVerified aggregates information from public records, which means several factors affect accuracy:

• Source delays: County courts, property records, and other databases update at different rates. A recent move or court case might not appear for months.
• No original investigation: BeenVerified doesn't conduct any firsthand research. They compile what's already public, which may already be outdated.
• Algorithm matching: Automated systems connect records based on name and location similarity, which can lead to false matches.
• Incomplete databases: Not all jurisdictions report to the same databases, creating geographic gaps in coverage.

This is why professionals warn against using BeenVerified for any high-stakes decisions. The data provides a starting point, not a definitive answer.

Important Limitations You Must Understand

Before you hand over even that $1, there are critical restrictions to understand:

Legal Use Restrictions

BeenVerified cannot legally be used for:

• Employment screening or hiring decisions
• Tenant screening
• Credit decisions
• Insurance eligibility determinations

This is because BeenVerified is not a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If you need background checks for business purposes like hiring, you'll need an FCRA-compliant service-which BeenVerified explicitly is not.

Why FCRA Compliance Matters

The Fair Credit Reporting Act exists to protect consumers from inaccurate or misused information in employment, housing, and credit decisions. FCRA-compliant services must:

• Verify information at the original source before reporting it
• Follow strict adverse action procedures if information leads to denial
• Provide consumers the right to dispute inaccurate information
• Exclude certain records that are legally not reportable (dismissed charges, expunged cases, outdated information)
• Obtain proper consent and provide required disclosures

BeenVerified explicitly states they are not FCRA-compliant, which means they don't follow these protections. Using their reports for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions isn't just inadvisable-it's illegal and exposes you to lawsuits and penalties.

Data Accuracy Concerns

BeenVerified aggregates publicly available information, which means:

• Records can be outdated or incomplete
• Information accuracy varies by source
• Some data may be associated with the wrong person (especially for common names)
• You're essentially paying for convenience, not proprietary information

The company pulls from public court records, property databases, and social media, but they're not performing original investigations. Everything they provide is technically available to you for free if you know where to look and have the time to dig.

How to Actually Get the $1 Trial Offer

If you're determined to try BeenVerified, here's the step-by-step process that seems to work for triggering the trial offer:

1. Visit BeenVerified's website and run a preliminary search
2. Navigate to the pricing page as if you're going to subscribe
3. If the $1 trial doesn't appear, try closing the tab or clicking away from the page
4. A popup may appear offering the 7-day trial for $1
5. If that doesn't work, try visiting again from a different browser or incognito mode
6. You'll need to provide payment information and agree to FCRA compliance terms

Pro tip from experienced users: Use a prepaid Visa card loaded with exactly what you're willing to spend. This prevents automatic renewal charges if you forget to cancel, and keeps your primary banking information private. Once the card balance is depleted, renewals simply fail.

The Cancellation Process: What to Expect

This is where BeenVerified gets frustrating for many users. To cancel, you cannot simply click a button in your account settings. Instead, you must:

• Call their customer service line at 1-866-885- , or
• Email [email protected]

Some users report spending 30+ minutes on hold trying to cancel, and there have been complaints about surprise charges after cancellation requests. Set a calendar reminder for day 5 of your trial so you have time to navigate the cancellation process before auto-renewal kicks in.

Multiple Cancellation Methods

Based on recent user experiences, you have several options:

Via Website: Log into your account, navigate to "Contact Us" in the footer, select "Cancel My Account" from the dropdown options, and follow the prompts. Some users report this works quickly, while others say the option isn't always available.

Via Live Chat: Look for the chat feature on their contact page during business hours. Type "Cancel Subscription" clearly to get past the automated responses. This method tends to be faster than phone support when available.

Via Email: Send a message to [email protected] with your full name, email address on the account, and a clear request to cancel. Request confirmation in writing.

Via Phone: Call 1-866-885- (some sources also list 1-888-579- ). Have your account details ready. Business hours are typically Monday-Sunday, 6am-11:30pm EST, though wait times vary.

What About Refunds?

BeenVerified operates on a "no refunds" policy for most cases. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you keep access until the period ends, but you won't get money back for unused days. However, the company does handle refund requests on a case-by-case basis, particularly when there are billing errors or customer service issues.

If you believe you're entitled to a refund, contact customer service immediately with your specific situation. Some users report success getting refunds for the first charge after a trial, particularly when they claim they didn't understand the auto-renewal terms.

BeenVerified vs Competitors: How It Stacks Up

Understanding how BeenVerified compares to similar services helps you make an informed choice about whether the trial is worthwhile.

TruthFinder

TruthFinder costs around $28.78 per month, slightly more than BeenVerified's standard pricing. However, it includes dark web monitoring-a feature BeenVerified lacks. TruthFinder reports are generally considered more detailed and narrative-style, though they take longer to generate. The downside: TruthFinder doesn't offer any trial period, free or paid, so you're committing upfront.

Instant Checkmate

Instant Checkmate charges approximately $34.78 monthly, making it the most expensive option. It's known for comprehensive criminal records searches with more detail than BeenVerified typically provides. However, users complain about aggressive upselling and numerous pop-ups during the search process.

Intelius

Intelius offers a monthly plan around $24.86, making it slightly cheaper than BeenVerified. The reports are similar in scope but sometimes lack the extensive public records search that BeenVerified offers. Intelius provides better previews before you commit to payment, which reduces the risk of paying for incomplete information.

The Value Proposition

BeenVerified sits in the middle of the price range with moderate accuracy. Its main advantages are the $1 trial (when you can find it) and a relatively user-friendly interface. The disadvantages include inconsistent data quality, difficult cancellation, and no standout features compared to competitors.

For most casual users, the deciding factor should be: Are you comfortable with the cancellation process? If the answer is no, the trial isn't worth the risk.

Free Alternatives for Background Research

Here's where we can actually help. If you're doing personal research-reconnecting with old contacts, verifying someone you met online, or general due diligence-there are ways to get useful information without subscription commitments.

Use Galadon's Free Background Checker

Our free Background Checker tool provides comprehensive background reports with trust scores at no cost. It's designed for exactly the kind of personal verification that brings people to BeenVerified in the first place. You get instant access without credit card requirements or subscription traps.

The tool aggregates public data to give you a clear picture of someone's online presence and available public records. No 7-day countdown, no cancellation hoops to jump through.

Combine Multiple Free Tools

For thorough research, consider combining several free resources:

For contact information: Our Email Finder can locate someone's email from their name and company or LinkedIn profile. If you need phone numbers, the Mobile Number Finder can help track down cell phone numbers from email addresses or LinkedIn profiles.

For verifying email addresses: Before reaching out to someone, use our Email Verifier to confirm the email is valid and not a disposable or risky address. This saves you time and protects your sender reputation.

For court records: Many state and county court systems offer free public access to criminal records, civil filings, and court documents. Start with your state's judicial branch website. For example, most states have online portals where you can search by name or case number.

For property records: County assessor websites typically provide free access to property ownership, tax records, and transaction history. Sites like Zillow and Realtor.com also aggregate some of this public information in user-friendly formats.

For professional verification: LinkedIn remains the gold standard for verifying employment history and professional credentials-and it's free to browse basic profiles. You can confirm where someone works, their job history, and professional connections without any payment.

Building a Complete Picture Without Paying

The reality is that most information BeenVerified provides is publicly available if you know where to look. Here's a research strategy that costs nothing:

1. Start with Google: Search the person's name in quotes along with their city or known employer. This surfaces social media, news articles, and professional profiles.
2. Check social media directly: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter all have robust search functions. You can often find addresses, family connections, and employment information from public profiles.
3. Search court records: Visit your county or state court website and search criminal, civil, and traffic records. Most jurisdictions offer this for free, though the interfaces aren't always user-friendly.
4. Look up property records: County assessor and recorder websites show property ownership, purchase prices, and tax information. This confirms addresses and can reveal financial information.
5. Use Galadon's free tools: For contact information verification, our suite of free tools covers email, phone, and background information without subscriptions or credit cards.

This approach takes more time than a one-click BeenVerified search, but you avoid the cost, cancellation hassles, and data accuracy concerns.

When BeenVerified Might Make Sense

Despite the frustrations, there are scenarios where the BeenVerified trial could be worth it:

• You need to run many searches quickly: If you have 50+ people to research in a short window, paying $1 for 100 reports is genuinely economical
• You want everything in one place: The convenience of aggregated data in formatted reports has value if your time is expensive
• You're checking someone before meeting in person: For online dating safety or meeting strangers from marketplace apps, quick verification has real value
• You're comfortable with aggressive cancellation: If you're confident you'll remember to cancel and can handle the phone call or email process, the trial is low-risk

Just go in with clear expectations: set your cancellation reminder immediately, use a payment method that limits your exposure, and don't expect the data to be any more accurate than what you could find yourself with enough digging.

Real User Experiences: What People Actually Say

Looking at verified user reviews across multiple platforms reveals consistent patterns that prospective users should understand.

Positive Experiences

Some users genuinely find value:

• "I subscribed by accident and emailed support. The issue was taken care of immediately and money refunded. In this day and time where good customer service rarely exists, I was extremely impressed with how quickly and hassle-free this was resolved."
• Users reconnecting with old friends or family members often report finding useful address and contact information that helped them make connections.
• For casual curiosity about neighbors or acquaintances, many users feel the reports provide enough context without being invasive.

Negative Experiences

However, complaints significantly outweigh praise:

• Billing issues: "The company used $1 as bait to trick people for initial 1 week trial subscription. Unlike other online services providers, BeenVerified would never refund the full price after trial period."
• Inaccurate data: "Nothing that they have in file is accurate. I tried the trial version for $5. They charged me $33 for useless data. I requested my money back and they declined it."
• Cancellation difficulties: Users report being unable to reach customer service by phone, getting no email responses, or discovering charges continued even after cancellation requests.
• Declining quality: "The quality of the searches had decreased over time, after using it off and on for many years."

The Better Business Bureau shows over 400 complaints in recent years, primarily about billing issues and difficulty canceling-precisely what the trial is designed to rope you into.

B2B Considerations: Why BeenVerified Won't Work

If you found this article because you're doing prospect research, due diligence on business partners, or any professional vetting-BeenVerified isn't your answer. Their FCRA restrictions explicitly prohibit business use cases.

What B2B Users Actually Need

For sales prospecting and lead generation, you need:

• FCRA-compliant data if you're making decisions that affect people's employment, credit, or housing
• Verified contact information that's current and direct, not aggregated guesses
• Company information including firmographics, technology stack, and decision-maker details
• Bulk processing capabilities to research hundreds of prospects efficiently
• Integration options to connect with your CRM and sales automation tools

BeenVerified provides none of these capabilities.

Better Alternatives for B2B Research

For sales professionals, recruiters, and marketers who need business contact information, use tools built specifically for B2B applications:

For sales prospecting and data enrichment: Platforms like Clay provide legitimate data enrichment with proper compliance. They integrate with multiple data providers and let you waterfall through sources to find verified contact information at scale.

For email finding and verification: Our free tools at Galadon are built specifically for business use. The Email Finder locates business emails from LinkedIn profiles or name + company combinations. The Email Verifier confirms deliverability before you send. The Mobile Number Finder helps you reach decision-makers directly.

For finding companies using specific technologies: If you're selling software or services to companies using particular tech stacks, our Tech Stack Scraper identifies websites using specific technologies, giving you warm leads based on their current tools.

For targeted prospecting: Use our B2B Company Finder to identify potential customers based on industry, size, location, and other firmographic criteria.

These tools operate within legal boundaries for business use and provide the type of verified, current information that actually supports sales and marketing efforts.

Privacy Concerns and Opting Out

If you're concerned about your own information appearing on BeenVerified, you have rights-though exercising them isn't as straightforward as it should be.

How to Remove Your Information

BeenVerified allows individuals to opt out and request removal of their personal information. The process requires:

1. Finding your information on BeenVerified first by searching for yourself
2. Visiting their "Do Not Sell My Info" page (usually found in the footer or privacy policy)
3. Submitting an opt-out request with specific information about which records to remove
4. Verifying your identity through their process
5. Waiting up to 48 hours for removal (though some users report longer delays)

Important caveat: Opting out of BeenVerified doesn't remove your information from public records-it only removes it from their specific platform. Your information may still appear on similar services like PeopleLooker, Instant Checkmate, or TruthFinder, each requiring separate opt-out requests.

Why Privacy Matters for Everyone

Background check services operate in a legal gray area where public information is aggregated in ways that can feel invasive. While the underlying data is public, the ease of access these platforms provide changes the practical reality of privacy.

Consider that public records searches used to require visiting courthouses, submitting requests, paying per-page fees, and waiting days or weeks for results. Now anyone with $1 can access similar information in seconds. This democratization of access has both benefits (transparency, safety) and drawbacks (stalking risks, inaccurate impressions).

If you're privacy-conscious, regularly search for yourself on multiple people-search platforms and submit opt-out requests when you appear. It's not a perfect solution, but it reduces your digital footprint.

The Bottom Line on BeenVerified's "Free" Trial

The $1 trial is real, but it's not free-and the friction around cancellation is by design. BeenVerified is a legitimate service that works well for personal use cases, but the subscription model with difficult cancellation has generated enough complaints that you should approach it carefully.

For most casual users who need one or two background checks, free alternatives will serve you better. Use our Background Checker for instant results without the commitment. For ongoing personal research needs where you genuinely need 100 reports per month, BeenVerified's paid plans become more reasonable-just skip the trial dance and commit to what you actually need.

The smartest approach? Start with free tools, understand what information you actually need, and only pay for aggregation services when the time savings genuinely justifies the cost. In most cases, a combination of Google searches, social media browsing, public records websites, and Galadon's free tools will give you what you need without subscription headaches.

If you do decide to try the BeenVerified trial, protect yourself:

• Use a prepaid card with limited funds
• Set calendar reminders for day 5 of your trial
• Screenshot all terms and conditions
• Have customer service contact information ready
• Verify cancellation in writing
• Check your statement after the trial period to confirm no charges

Remember: BeenVerified exists to convert trial users into long-term subscribers. Every friction point in the cancellation process is intentional. Go in with your eyes open, or choose truly free alternatives that don't require the hassle.