Comparison
Background Check Solutions vs TransUnion SmartMove
Both services offer tenant screening — but they serve very different needs. Here is an honest, feature-by-feature comparison to help you choose.
Feature comparison
| Feature | BCS | SmartMove |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant credit report | ||
| Nationwide criminal background check | ||
| Eviction history | ||
| SSN / identity verification | ||
| Employment background checksSmartMove is tenant-only | ||
| Driving record (MVR) | ||
| Monthly fee required | ||
| Landlord pays for reportSmartMove defaults to applicant-pay; landlord-pay available | ||
| Report delivered to landlordSmartMove shows a recommendation score; full report visible to landlord | ||
| FCRA-compliant since | 1982 | 2010 |
| Live customer supportSmartMove is self-service only | ||
| Intro pricing | $29.95 / report (first 60 days) | $25–$40 / report |
| Standard pricing | $46.95 / report | $25–$40 / report |
| Volume / property management pricing | ||
| Staffing & employment use case |
SmartMove pricing and features based on publicly available information as of August 2026. Subject to change.
Key differences explained
Employment screening
TransUnion SmartMove is built exclusively for tenant screening. If you hire employees, contractors, or work with a staffing agency, you need a provider authorized for employment background checks under the FCRA. Background Check Solutions has offered both tenant and employment screening since 1982.
Live customer support
SmartMove is a self-service platform. Background Check Solutions provides live customer support Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm CST, at 1-512-451-2734. When you have a question about a report or need help with adverse action notices, you can talk to a real person.
FCRA experience
Background Check Solutions has been a consumer reporting agency under the FCRA since 1982 — nearly 30 years before SmartMove launched. FCRA compliance is not a feature we added; it is the foundation our business was built on.
Pricing model
Both services charge per report with no monthly fee. New BCS customers receive their first 60 days at $29.95 per report, then standard pricing of $46.95 applies. SmartMove ranges from $25 to $40 depending on the package. For landlords who need employment screening or live support, BCS is the only option regardless of price.
Frequently asked questions
Is Background Check Solutions cheaper than TransUnion SmartMove?
New customers pay $29.95 per report for the first 60 days, then $46.95 at standard pricing. SmartMove ranges from $25 to $40 per report depending on the package. For landlords who need employment screening, driving records, or live support, Background Check Solutions is the only option — SmartMove does not offer those services.
Does SmartMove give landlords the full credit report?
SmartMove provides landlords with a ResidentScore and a recommendation (accept, consider, decline), along with access to the underlying report. Background Check Solutions delivers the full credit report directly to the landlord, giving you more detail to make your own decision.
Can I use SmartMove for employment background checks?
No. TransUnion SmartMove is designed exclusively for tenant screening. If you need employment background checks — for hiring, staffing, or any non-rental purpose — you need a provider like Background Check Solutions that is authorized for both tenant and employment screening.
Does Background Check Solutions offer applicant-pay screening like SmartMove?
Yes. Background Check Solutions supports both landlord-pay and applicant-pay models. Contact our team to set up applicant-pay screening for your properties.
Which service has been around longer?
Background Check Solutions has been providing FCRA-compliant background checks since 1982 — nearly three decades before SmartMove launched in 2010.
Ready to get started?
New customers receive their first report for just $29.95. No monthly fees. Live support Mon–Fri.