Comparison
Smile Checks vs First Advantage
First Advantage is a global screening and identity verification provider serving large enterprises. Smile Checks is a focused platform for Philippine employers. Here is how they differ.
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Smile Checks vs First Advantage: at a glance
| Feature | Smile Checks | First Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Operating model | Self-serve, automated platform; HR launches and tracks checks | Large, established global screening provider with a traditional services model |
| Data sources | Connects to candidate data from authoritative sources such as government portals, and processes documents automatically | N/A |
| Decision support | AI-assisted review of results | N/A |
| Billing | Prepaid credits; checks not performed are credited back to your wallet | N/A |
| Branding, API and MCP | Custom branding; REST API and MCP support for agents | N/A |
| Scale | Focused on Philippine employers | Claims coverage of 200+ countries and territories; 80K customers |
| Check types | 16+ check types, Basic/Plus/Advanced bundles or à-la-carte | Identity, criminal, verifications, drug and occupational health, fingerprinting, international, sanctions and more |
| Integrations | REST API and webhooks; ATS integrations such as Zoho Recruit and Greenhouse | States 100+ ATS and HCM integrated partners, including Workday, Greenhouse, Lever and SAP SuccessFactors |
| Pricing | Credits shown before you commit; 5 free credits on sign-up | N/A |
| Customer size | Teams of all sizes, with CSV bulk import and API | Small, mid-market, enterprise and global organizations |
| Privacy and security | NPC-registered; candidate-authorised data sharing under RA 10173 | N/A |
First Advantage information is based on its public website (fadv.com) as of October 19, 2026 and may have changed. Check the provider directly for current details.
Smile Checks may suit you if…
- You want to launch, track and download reports yourself, without waiting on a case officer.
- You want consistent, automated results rather than outcomes that depend on who handles your case.
- You want to pay only for checks that are delivered, with unperformed checks credited back to your wallet.
- You want branding, API and MCP support so checks plug into your ATS and AI agents.
First Advantage may suit you if…
- You are a global enterprise that screens in many countries.
- You need services such as drug screening, fingerprinting or I-9/E-Verify.
- You require a very large ATS and HCM integration catalog.
Self-serve platform vs traditional people-led agencies
Traditional background check agencies rely on staff to receive requests, contact sources and compile reports. That model can work, but it tends to bring trade-offs that a self-serve platform is designed to avoid. These are general characteristics of the people-led model, not statements about any one provider's practice; ask any provider, including First Advantage, how it handles each point.
- Manual work takes time: each case passes through people and queues, so turnaround depends on workload.
- Variable quality: outcomes can depend on the case officer assigned to your request.
- More hands on candidate data: every handoff between people widens the surface to secure and control.
- Upfront payment and commitments: some agencies bill in advance regardless of outcome or ask for minimum volumes.
How Smile Checks is different
Smile Checks replaces manual case handling with an automated, self-serve workflow:
- Connects to a candidate's data from authoritative sources such as government portals, so facts are checked at the source.
- Collects documents from the candidate and processes them automatically.
- Quick turnaround because the workflow is automated end to end.
- AI-assisted decision making that helps reviewers read results faster.
- Customisable branding, so candidates see your logo and colours throughout.
- REST API and MCP support, so checks can be started and tracked from your ATS, internal tools or AI agents.
Fewer hands, more control over candidate data
Because verification is automated and candidates authorise data sharing themselves, fewer people need to touch personal data along the way. Your team keeps control through role-based access, a full audit trail and a dashboard showing each check's status. Smile Checks is registered with the National Privacy Commission and built around RA 10173.
Prepaid credits and fair billing
- Prepaid credits: buy credits, see the cost of each check before you start, and spend only when you initiate checks.
- Fair billing: you pay for value delivered. Checks that are not performed are credited back to your wallet automatically.
- No lock-in required to start: try it with 5 free credits before you spend anything.
- Local payment methods: top up by bank transfer, e-wallet, credit card or invoice.
Looking for a First Advantage alternative?
If most of your hiring is in the Philippines, a smaller focused platform with a free trial and visible pricing can be quicker to adopt. You can start with Smile Checks using 5 free credits.
How to evaluate any provider
- Ask for a written list of check types and what each verifies.
- Ask who handles your case and how consistency is maintained.
- Walk through the candidate experience on a phone.
- Ask how pricing works, whether payment is upfront, and what happens to checks that are not performed.
- Confirm how personal data is collected, used, shared and retained.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to run your first background check?
Try Smile Checks free with 5 credits included, talk to our team, or book a call and we will help you set up.
All product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. Smile Checks is not affiliated with or endorsed by First Advantage. Comparisons reflect publicly available information and our own product at the time of writing.