Comparison
Smile Checks vs Vanguard Screening Solutions
Vanguard Screening Solutions, founded in 2010, describes itself as one of the Asia-Pacific region's largest background verification and employment screening providers. It works in a traditional, consultative model. Smile Checks is a self-serve, automated platform. Here is how they differ.
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Smile Checks vs Vanguard Screening Solutions: at a glance
| Feature | Smile Checks | Vanguard Screening Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Operating model | Self-serve, automated platform; HR launches and tracks checks | Traditional, consultative service: works with clients to design a solution rather than use standard templates |
| 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 |
| Check types | 16+ check types, Basic/Plus/Advanced bundles or à-la-carte | Describes a wide scope of service offerings; specific checks not listed on the company page |
| Billing | Prepaid credits; checks not performed are credited back to your wallet | N/A; says it keeps costs low without sacrificing quality |
| Branding, API and MCP | Custom branding; REST API and MCP support for agents | N/A |
| Security and certifications | NPC-registered; candidate-authorised data sharing under RA 10173 | States ISO 27001:2013 certification for its information security management system |
| Memberships | NPC-registered | States membership of PBSA (formerly NAPBS), IBPAP, PMAP, CMAP and SHRI |
Vanguard Screening Solutions information is based on its public website (vanguardscreen.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.
Vanguard Screening Solutions may suit you if…
- You want a consultative partner that builds a custom screening solution around your exact requirements.
- You value an established provider with ISO 27001:2013 certification and industry association memberships.
- You prefer a relationship-led, hands-on service over self-serve tools.
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 Vanguard Screening Solutions, 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 Vanguard Screening Solutions alternative?
If you would rather launch checks yourself, get automated results and pay with prepaid credits, a self-serve platform may suit you better than a consultative, people-led service. Smile Checks lets you start with 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 Vanguard Screening Solutions. Comparisons reflect publicly available information and our own product at the time of writing.