# Introduction

In this section:

* [​Introduction to Background Checks](https://docs.zapsign.com.br/english/introduction#introduction-to-background-checks)
* [​What is a Check and Why is it Useful for Businesses?](https://docs.zapsign.com.br/english/introduction#what-is-a-check-and-why-is-it-useful-for-businesses)
* [​Check Lifecycle](https://docs.zapsign.com.br/english/introduction#check-lifecycle)
* [​Types of Available Checks](https://docs.zapsign.com.br/english/introduction#types-of-available-checks)
* [​Background Check Pricing](https://docs.zapsign.com.br/english/introduction#background-check-pricing)

### Introduction to Background Checks

The background check functionality allows companies to obtain key information about individuals or companies from various public and private databases. This process helps businesses make informed decisions in hiring, risk assessment, or identity verification processes.

### What is a Check and Why is it Useful for Businesses?

A **Check** is a query that verifies the background of a person or company across multiple databases. This process generates a detailed report with an overall **risk score**, along with the specific results from each database consulted.

Businesses use Checks to:

* Evaluate the trustworthiness of clients, suppliers, or employees.
* Identify potential financial or legal risks.
* Comply with regulatory requirements (KYC, AML).

### Check Lifecycle

The process of a Check follows a simple flow:

1. **Creation**: A request is sent to initiate the Check with the individual or company’s information.
2. **Processing Queue**: The Check enters a queue where it is distributed to systems responsible for running the queries.
3. **Results**: Once the queries are completed, the results are consolidated into a report with the overall score and detailed findings from each database.

The availability of public database results depends on the entity managing each one. If a database is unavailable at the time of the query, the system will automatically retry for two hours. If no response is received during this period, that database will not be included in the final report.

This process ensures that reports are as complete as possible while maintaining the reliability and accuracy of the Checks.

### Types of Available Checks

The following types of background checks are currently available:

#### **Individual**

A comprehensive verification of a natural person’s profile, querying multiple official and public sources to identify relevant background information. This includes identity, criminal records, affiliations, and other relevant data to assess risk level.

#### **Company**

A verification of a legal entity, querying both public and private databases to detect links to legal processes, sanctions, tax history, media alerts, and more. Ideal for due diligence or evaluating business partners.

#### **Individual Credit History**

A specialized check providing the credit history of a person, including financial information, debts, payment behavior, and risk bureau reports. Useful for evaluating an individual’s financial reliability and creditworthiness.

#### **Company Credit History**

A check focused on obtaining a company’s credit history. Includes information on tax compliance, debts, protests, and payment behavior. Useful for credit decisions or forming commercial partnerships.

### Background Check Pricing

Each time a background check is created, the corresponding cost is automatically deducted based on the type of query.

{% hint style="warning" %}
📌 **Important:** The charge is made **at the moment the check is created**, not when the results are received.
{% endhint %}

**How to Reload Your Account**

You can reload your account from your user dashboard by going to:\
[**Plans and Pricing > Credits**](https://app.zapsign.co/conta/configuracoes/plans?tab=credits)

#### Credit Costs by Type of Check

Below is the credit amount required per type of check:

**Individual Check**

* Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru: **90 credits (USD $1.80)**
* Mexico: **130 credits (USD $2.60)**

**Company Check**

* Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru: **90 credits (USD $1.80)**
* Mexico: **130 credits (USD $2.60)**

**Credit History Check**

* Individual (Colombia and Brazil): **200 credits (USD $4.00)**
* Company (Colombia and Brazil): **200 credits (USD $4.00)**

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Tip:** Before performing a bulk integration, make sure you have enough credits to avoid interruptions in the checks. We recommend using the **Plan Information** endpoint to check your account's credit balance.
{% endhint %}


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