Intelius Free Trial: The Complete Guide to What You're Actually Getting

Does Intelius Actually Offer a Free Trial?

Let's cut straight to the point: Intelius does not provide a free trial, though you can try the service for up to seven days for $0.95. Despite what you might expect when searching for "Intelius free trial," every trial option requires payment upfront. The company offers low-cost paid trials that give you temporary access to their services, but you'll need to enter payment information and pay a fee to get started.

Here's what's actually available:

• $0.95 trial (7 days): Typically offered for address lookup, giving you unlimited access to reports during the trial period.
• $1.99 trial (5 days): Usually available for people search features at $1.99 for a 5-day trial.

The key thing to understand is that these trials automatically convert to paid subscriptions. After the trial, the service will cost $35.30 monthly and provides unlimited phone, person, and address reports. You'll be charged the full monthly rate unless you cancel before the trial period expires.

Why Intelius Uses This Trial-to-Subscription Model

Many people wonder why Intelius charges for their "free" trial when competitors claim to offer completely free searches. The answer is straightforward: Intelius is known for its extensive collection of over 20 billion public records. Maintaining this massive database costs money.

The trial-to-subscription model serves multiple purposes for the company. It filters out casual browsers while giving serious users affordable access to test the service. It also ensures that people who benefit from the data contribute to maintaining the infrastructure. However, this model has sparked considerable controversy, particularly when users forget to cancel and face unexpected charges.

How the Intelius Trial Actually Works

Intelius uses what's called a "trial-to-subscription" model. This is common in the background check industry, but it catches many users off guard. Here's the typical flow:

1. You sign up for a low-cost trial ($0.95 or $1.99)
2. You get unlimited access to search features during the trial period
3. Your credit card is automatically charged the full monthly subscription fee when the trial ends
4. Cancellation requires contacting customer support or using your account dashboard

An important detail many people miss: opting out from the trial costs $7.95. This means even if you cancel, you might still pay more than you expected. This cancellation fee has been a major source of frustration for users who thought they were simply testing the service.

What's Included in the Trial?

During your Intelius trial, you typically get access to:

• People search reports including full names, aliases, age, relatives, addresses, phone numbers, and emails
• Reverse phone lookup
• Address lookup and property information
• Basic background information

However, full background check reports with criminal records, court documents, and other detailed information often require additional fees even during the trial period. A one-time standalone background check can be purchased for $49.95.

Understanding Intelius Data Sources and Accuracy

Before committing to any trial, it's crucial to understand where Intelius gets its information and how accurate you can expect it to be.

Where the Data Comes From

Intelius is a people search website that enables users to run background checks on any person. The company aggregates data from dozens of public sources, including federal, state, and local government agencies as well as private companies. This includes court records, property records, voter registrations, and other publicly available databases.

The aggregation process is automated, which means Intelius doesn't verify every piece of information manually. Instead, it relies on algorithms to match records to individuals based on identifying factors like names, dates of birth, and addresses.

How Accurate Is Intelius?

Reviews about Intelius have been mixed; while some users report satisfactory experiences, others raise valid concerns regarding the accuracy and consistency of the data provided. Several factors affect accuracy:

Data freshness: Criminal records and court data accuracy vary by jurisdiction. Some counties and states update records frequently, while others do not. As a result, Intelius may miss recent cases or show resolved matters without updated dispositions.

Common names: If you're searching for someone with a common name like "John Smith," you may receive results for multiple people. The system tries to narrow results by location, but false matches can occur.

Opt-out requests: People can now contact Intelius and have their addresses removed. This means some information may be deliberately suppressed at the individual's request, creating gaps in reports.

Because of the nature of public record information, the data used in background information services may contain errors or omissions. Source data can be reported or entered inaccurately, processed incorrectly, or otherwise incomplete. Intelius is not the original source of the information, and reports are not intended to be a comprehensive compilation of all records.

The Real Cost of Using Intelius

Let's break down what you'll actually pay if you continue past the trial:

• People Search Monthly: $24.86 per month
• Bi-Monthly Plan: $42.25 for two months ($21.13/month)
• Reverse Phone/Address Lookup: $34.95-$35.30 per month after trial
• Single Background Check: $39.95-$49.95 one-time
• PDF Download Fee: $3.99 per report
• Identity Protect: $9.95/month with credit monitoring and ID theft coverage

These prices add up quickly, especially if you need multiple searches or comprehensive background reports. For sales professionals, recruiters, or marketers who need to verify contacts regularly, the subscription model can become expensive. With plans costing between $24.86 and $34.95 per month, canceling saves you up to $420 annually.

Hidden Costs and Extra Fees

Additional charges often surprise users. Report downloads, detailed criminal checks, and premium features frequently carry hidden fees not mentioned in advertised prices. Many users report feeling misled when they discover that the trial price doesn't include access to all features they expected.

The PDF download fee is particularly controversial. After paying for a subscription, users must pay an additional fee to save reports for offline viewing. This feels like double-charging to many customers who assumed report downloads were included.

Important Limitations You Should Know

Before committing to Intelius, there are critical limitations to understand:

Not FCRA Compliant: Intelius explicitly states that their service cannot be used for employment decisions, tenant screening, credit decisions, or insurance purposes. You can't use it for screening potential tenants or employees. If you need background checks for hiring or rental applications, Intelius is not a legal option-you'll need an FCRA-compliant service.

Data Accuracy Varies: Like all people search services, Intelius aggregates data from public records. This means information can be outdated, incomplete, or occasionally inaccurate. Complaints usually center on outdated information, partial matches, or subscription expectations rather than total inaccuracy.

Auto-Renewal is Aggressive: Many negative customer reviews state, after agreeing to the trial period, their subscription was auto-renewed for full price without their knowledge. Set a calendar reminder to cancel before your trial expires if you don't want to continue.

No Mobile App Advantage: While Intelius does have mobile apps for iOS and Android, the experience is essentially the same as the website. Some users report the mobile site can be glitchy when trying to cancel subscriptions.

Common Complaints About Intelius

Understanding what frustrates current and former users can help you make an informed decision:

Cancellation Difficulties

Cancelling an Intelius subscription presents challenges that users frequently discuss in reviews. The process requires navigating customer service channels that many find difficult to access. Phone cancellations often involve long wait times and persistent retention attempts.

Pissed Consumer lists over 1,000 complaints in the last 3 years, mostly flagging "unauthorized charges" and "impossible cancellation loops." This pattern suggests systemic issues with the cancellation process rather than isolated incidents.

Unexpected Charges

Users report continued charges after cancellation attempts, suggesting system issues or unclear confirmation processes. Some find their cancellation requests ignored or delayed beyond billing cycles.

Some Intelius users online have claimed the firm charged them even after canceling the service. Some others have also mentioned being overcharged. While Intelius typically offers refunds when customers complain, the fact that this happens so frequently is concerning.

Pricing Transparency Issues

While it is commendable that the company offers various options to accommodate different budgets, the average individual would benefit from clearer pricing information. Many users report confusion about which plan they signed up for and what features are included.

A lot of customers are saying that the prices on the website are deceiving. You may be quoted one price for your initial signup, and then have surcharged fees once you actually create your account and get started.

How to Cancel Your Intelius Trial Safely

If you decide to try Intelius, knowing how to cancel is just as important as knowing how to sign up. Here are multiple cancellation methods:

Cancel Online (Desktop Method)

Most users report that the desktop site is the most reliable way to cancel. The mobile site can be glitchy. Go to the Intelius homepage and log in. If you forgot your password, reset it immediately because you cannot cancel without access.

1. Log into your Intelius account
2. Click on "My Account" and go to Membership Settings
3. Click "Cancel subscription" in Active Subscriptions
4. Follow the prompts and ignore retention offers
5. Save your cancellation confirmation

Cancel by Phone

Call their customer support line at (888) 245- . Be prepared for wait times and retention attempts. Customer service representatives may offer discounts to keep you subscribed-only accept if you genuinely want to continue using the service.

Cancel by Email

Send a request to [email protected]. Include your full name, the email address associated with the account, and a clear statement that you want to cancel immediately.

Cancel Through App Stores

If you subscribed through an iPhone or Android app, you may need to cancel through the app store rather than through Intelius directly. If you subscribed via the Intelius app on your iPhone, Apple handles the billing. If you do not see Intelius listed in your subscriptions, you likely signed up directly through their website.

Using Virtual Cards to Protect Yourself

One clever strategy for trying Intelius without risk is using a virtual credit card or prepaid card:

Visa gift cards provide a practical solution to auto-renewal problems. After the trial charge depletes the card balance, no further billing can occur. This method allows full exploration of Intelius search features without subscription concerns or cancellation hassles.

Several services offer virtual cards specifically designed for trial subscriptions. You load just enough money for the trial fee, and when the trial ends, there's no balance available for the company to charge. This completely eliminates the risk of unwanted charges.

Alternatives to Intelius: What Else Is Out There?

If you're looking for background information on potential contacts, partners, or leads, there are several approaches depending on your specific needs:

For Sales and Recruiting Professionals

If your primary goal is finding and verifying contact information for business purposes-not running formal background checks-you might be better served by tools designed specifically for B2B outreach.

For example, Galadon's free Background Checker tool provides trust scores and basic background reports without the subscription commitment. It's designed for professionals who need quick verification without getting locked into monthly fees.

Similarly, if you're trying to verify that an email address is valid before sending outreach, our Email Verifier can tell you instantly whether an address is valid, risky, or invalid-saving you from bounces and protecting your sender reputation.

For Finding Contact Information

Many people search for background check services when what they really need is contact information. If you're trying to find someone's email or phone number for legitimate business outreach, specialized tools often work better:

• Email finding: Tools like Findymail specialize in finding verified business email addresses
• Phone numbers: Our Mobile Number Finder can locate cell phone numbers from email addresses or LinkedIn profiles
• Lead enrichment: Clay and similar platforms combine multiple data sources for comprehensive contact profiles

For Comprehensive Contact Research

If you need deeper research on potential business contacts or partners, RocketReach or Lusha offer professional-grade contact databases designed for B2B use cases. These are typically more accurate for business purposes than consumer-focused background check services.

Comparing Intelius to Other Background Check Services

Founded in , Intelius is one of the longest-running internet background check companies in the business, and it offers one of the most reliable services in the data brokerage industry. Their reports are generally more accurate than those of competing sites, while Intelius's subscription prices are lower than those of major competitors Instant Checkmate and BeenVerified.

However, that doesn't mean Intelius is always the best choice. Services like Spokeo, TruthFinder, and BeenVerified each have different strengths. Some offer better mobile apps, others have more transparent pricing, and some specialize in specific types of searches.

How to Get Maximum Value from a Background Check Trial

If you do decide to use Intelius or a similar service, here's how to make the most of your trial period:

Prepare Before You Start

• Make a complete list of everyone you need to search
• Gather as much identifying information as possible (full names, approximate locations, ages)
• Know exactly what information you're looking for
• Have your cancellation strategy ready before you even start

Work Efficiently During the Trial

• Run all your searches within the first few days
• Download or save any reports you need (expect to pay the PDF fee)
• Cross-reference results with other sources to verify accuracy
• Screenshot important information as a backup
• Test the mobile app if you'll need on-the-go access

Protect Yourself from Unwanted Charges

• Set a calendar reminder for 24 hours before the trial ends
• Set a second reminder for the day the trial ends
• Take screenshots of your cancellation confirmation
• Consider using a virtual credit card or prepaid card to prevent unwanted charges
• Monitor your credit card statements for at least two billing cycles after cancellation
• Keep all email confirmations from Intelius

The Intelius Privacy Question: Removing Your Own Information

Interestingly, many people sign up for Intelius to search for others, only to discover that their own information is also listed in the database. If privacy is a concern, you should know about opt-out options.

How to Remove Your Data from Intelius

Canceling your subscription stops the billing, but it does not remove your data from their database. Intelius is a data broker. If you want your personal information removed from their search results, you have to go through a separate "Opt-Out" or "Data Suppression" process on their website.

To start the opt-out process, visit Intelius.com. Scroll down the homepage and click the "Exercise My Data Privacy Rights" link. On the appearing page, click on the "View public data tools" button in the Public Data Tools section. Click the "Manage my suppression rules" button in the appearing Suppress Your Public Data box.

The opt-out process requires email verification and proving your identity. Around 4.54 million people look up others on Intelius each month. Given this massive usage, removing your data from Intelius is an important privacy step if you're concerned about who can see your information.

When Intelius Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)

Intelius Might Work For You If:

• You need one-time access to someone's public records
• You're reconnecting with lost family members or old friends
• You want to see what information is publicly available about yourself
• You're willing to manage the cancellation process carefully
• You need to run multiple searches in a short time period
• You're comfortable with data that may not be 100% accurate

Intelius Probably Isn't Right If:

• You need FCRA-compliant background checks for employment or housing
• You're looking for ongoing, regular access without subscription commitments
• You primarily need business contact information (email, phone, LinkedIn)
• You want truly free access without payment information required
• You need guaranteed accuracy for legal or formal decisions
• You're uncomfortable with aggressive auto-renewal practices
• You want transparent, upfront pricing

Real User Experiences: What to Expect

User reviews for Intelius show mixed feedback. Many users find the platform useful for quick people searches, basic background check information, and identifying unknown phone numbers. The search interface is often described as simple, and some users report helpful results when looking up names, addresses, or public records.

However, complaints mainly focus on pricing and subscriptions. Users frequently mention unexpected charges due to auto-renewal and difficulty canceling plans. Accuracy is another concern, with reports of outdated or incorrect information appearing in search results.

The consensus seems to be that Intelius works well for casual, personal searches where you need a general overview of someone's background. It's less suitable for situations requiring verified, legally defensible information.

Questions to Ask Before Signing Up

Before entering your payment information for any Intelius trial, ask yourself these critical questions:

1. Do I really need a subscription service? If you only need one or two searches, a pay-per-report model might be more cost-effective.
2. What exactly am I trying to learn? If you just need an email address or phone number, tools designed specifically for contact finding will likely work better.
3. Am I prepared to cancel before the trial ends? If you're forgetful about subscriptions, consider setting up multiple reminders or using a virtual card.
4. Is this information legally required to be accurate? For employment, housing, or legal matters, you need FCRA-compliant services, not consumer databases like Intelius.
5. Have I tried free methods first? Sometimes a Google search, LinkedIn lookup, or free tools like Galadon's Email Finder can provide what you need without any cost.

The Bottom Line on Intelius Free Trials

Intelius's "free trial" is really a paid trial that converts to a subscription. While the initial cost is low ($0.95-$1.99), the ongoing monthly charges ($25-35+) add up quickly. Intelius operates on a strict "no refunds" basis for the most part. If you cancel in the middle of a billing cycle, you will retain access to the service until the cycle ends, but you will not get your money back for the remaining days. Users are frequently charged immediately after a trial period ends without warning. You must cancel before the trial expires (usually 7 days) to avoid the full monthly charge.

The service can be useful for one-time personal searches, but it's not designed for professional use cases like sales prospecting or recruiting. The data accuracy issues, FCRA non-compliance, and aggressive billing practices make it unsuitable for business-critical decisions.

For B2B professionals who need regular access to contact information and basic verification, tools specifically built for business outreach-like Galadon's free Background Checker, Email Verifier, and Mobile Number Finder-often provide better value without the subscription traps.

If you do decide to try Intelius, go in with your eyes open. Read every word of the terms and conditions. Set multiple cancellation reminders. Consider using a virtual credit card. And most importantly, cross-reference any critical information with other sources before making important decisions based on Intelius data.

Whatever path you choose, the key is understanding exactly what you're signing up for before entering your payment information. The "trial" may be affordable, but the real cost comes from unexpected charges, cancellation difficulties, and potentially inaccurate data that could lead you astray.