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Estimate

Sterling costs $20 to $500 per month as of March 2026. Pricing depends on your chosen tier, contract length, and negotiated discounts.

Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.

  • Free tier: No free tier available

Sterling offers 1 pricing tiers: Standard. The Standard plan is large enterprises and fortune 100 companies in regulated industries (fintech, healthcare, logistics, enterprise saas) requiring scalable global screening programs with advanced compliance and customization capabilities..

Compared to other background checks software, Sterling is positioned at the mid-market price point.

  • 7 documented hidden costs beyond list price

How much does Sterling cost?

Sterling pricing starts at $20/month across 1 plans, with enterprise pricing available on request. Plans include Standard (custom pricing).

Sterling Pricing Overview

Sterling has 1 pricing plans ranging from $20 to $500/month. The Standard plan requires contacting sales for a custom quote and is designed for large enterprises and fortune 100 companies in regulated industries (fintech, healthcare, logistics, enterprise saas) requiring scalable global screening programs with advanced compliance and customization capabilities..

There are at least 7 documented hidden costs beyond Sterling's list price, including implementation, training, and add-on fees.

This pricing was last verified in February 4, 2026.

All Sterling Plans & Pricing

Plan Monthly Annual Best For
Standard Contact Sales Contact Sales Large enterprises and Fortune 100 companies in regulated industries (fintech, healthcare, logistics, enterprise SaaS) requiring scalable global screening programs with advanced compliance and customization capabilities.
View all features by plan

Standard

  • Highly configurable API with 13+ years of innovation and development
  • Global screening programs scalable to anywhere you hire
  • Machine learning algorithms for social media screening with EEOC/FCRA/GDPR compliance
  • Extensive service suite customizable to business needs
  • Integration with major enterprise systems (Workday, Oracle Taleo, SAP SuccessFactors, Lever)

How Sterling Pricing Compares

Software Starting Price Top Price
Sterling $20/month $500/month
Certn $4.99/month $69.99/month
Checkr $29.99/month $79.99/month
GoodHire $29.99/month $89.99/month
HireRight $55/month $55/month

7 Sterling Hidden Costs Beyond the List Price

Beyond the listed price, Sterling has at least 7 documented hidden costs that can significantly increase total cost of ownership.

Watch for 7 hidden costs
  • Custom pricing means costs vary significantly by contract
  • No transparent pricing available without sales consultation
  • Pass-through fees from courts, DMVs, and other agencies
  • International screening can add substantial costs
  • Premium services and faster turnaround times cost extra
  • Implementation and integration fees for enterprise deployments
  • Volume commitments may be required for better pricing
Tip

Ask your Sterling sales rep about these costs upfront. Getting them in writing before signing can save you from surprise charges later.

Full hidden costs breakdown →

Sterling Pricing FAQ

01 How much does Sterling background screening cost?

Sterling uses custom enterprise pricing without public rates. Costs typically range from $20 to $500+ per check depending on screening complexity, volume, and service level. Contact their sales team for a customized quote.

02 What types of companies use Sterling?

Sterling primarily serves large enterprises and Fortune 100 companies in regulated industries such as fintech, healthcare, logistics, and enterprise SaaS that require global screening capabilities and advanced compliance.

03 Does Sterling offer international background checks?

Yes, Sterling provides comprehensive global screening programs and can conduct background checks in countries worldwide, making it ideal for companies with international hiring needs.

04 What ATS systems does Sterling integrate with?

Sterling integrates with major enterprise systems including Workday, Oracle Taleo, SAP SuccessFactors, Lever, iCIMS, LinkedIn, Jobvite, and many others through their highly configurable API.

05 Is Sterling suitable for small businesses?

Sterling is primarily designed for enterprise clients and may be cost-prohibitive or overly complex for small businesses. Smaller companies may find better value with providers like Checkr, GoodHire, or Certn.

06 What happened to Sterling after the First Advantage acquisition?

Sterling is now a First Advantage company, which may result in branding changes and service updates. However, Sterling continues to operate as a trusted global screening provider with its existing technology and partnerships.

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