Sterling Pricing 2026
Complete pricing guide with plans, hidden costs, and cost analysis
Sterling pricing ranges from $20 to $500/month.
Sterling costs $20 to $500 per month as of May 2026. The median contract is $564/year based on 408 verified purchases.
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.
- Median contract: $564/yr from 408 purchases
- 7 documented hidden costs beyond list price
How much does Sterling cost?
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..
The median Sterling customer pays $564/year based on 408 verified purchases.
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 April 24, 2026.
Sterling pricing starts at custom pricing.
How Sterling Pricing Compares
Compare Sterling pricing against top alternatives in Background Checks.
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)
Compare Sterling vs Alternatives
Before committing to Sterling, compare pricing with these 3 alternatives in the same category.
Large enterprises and Fortune 100 companies requiring global screening capabilities with the highest accuracy standards, particularly in regulated industries needing comprehensive compliance support and extensive ATS integrations.
Full comparisonBasic background check needs
Full comparisonBasic background checks
Full comparisonWhat Companies Actually Pay for Sterling
The median Sterling buyer pays $564/year based on 408 verified purchase transactions.
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 |
Detailed pricing comparisons:
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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