Alternative (cheaper) to USAA MySmartMove for background checks?

Question

Hey all,

I've been using Transunion's MySmartMove for several years - as a USAA member, I got good pricing. It was $26 for a background, credit, and eviction report. I have always had the tenant pay the fee directly and register, which helps the ones that feel skittish about privacy stuff. Within the last year they've gone up significantly in price - $40 if the tenant fills it out, and $38 if I do it. That's a pretty hefty jump. They don't even post the price on the web site any more, it's gotten that high - if you look under their FAQ for "How much does it cost" they say "You only pay when you use it". Well no you know what Sherlock.

Anyway, I'd like to make a move to something more cost effective, and something that the tenant pays for and provides me the access to the information. I want something that gives me the credit report itself, not a score, and the background & eviction check.

So I thought I'd toss it out here to see what you all are using and what you're paying. Thanks!

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@JD Martin I use Cozy who charges $40 for the combined credit and background check. Tenant pays them directly. I realize it is no better than MySmartMove, but gives you a point of reference. I use Cozy for rent collection, so it is easy to do this through them too. Cozy is building out more tools on their website with the goal of becoming a one-stop shop for landlords. I have not used all the features yet, but they seem to be on the right track.

Screening link:

https://home.cozy.co/screening-tools/request-repor...

Nicole A. · Answer

I have nothing useful to offer, except to say hello fellow USAA member. =P

(I'm sure other BP members will give you tons of alternatives to explore.)

Mike S. · Answer

$40 premium, $38 plus, and $25 basic. You get a $10, $9.50, and $6.25 discount from the listed price through USAA. So, $30, $28.50, and $18.75.  I miss the old $12.95 for everything, but the Plus is still a decent price.

Gelcys Nielsen · Answer

I noticed the jump a year ago - called SmartMove as the splash screen still said 25% off for USAA Landlords - but they told me to contact USAA and I got no where.  My tenant and cosigner were just charged $40 again each this week.  Did the discount you guys said you saw come back a year ago, go away again?  Is it just if I pay for it vs my tenants now?  and I am logging into https://usaa.mysmartmove.com/SmartMove/login.page

Anthony Wick · Answer

After much searching, I've decided a difference of $5-10 isn't worth my efforts to keep looking for a change. Tenant pays the $40. I tell them that up front. I do a prescreen of past landlords, income, local and state criminal checks on open databases. If they get past that for free, I feel good about them paying the $40 and getting approved. And, $40 is a small price when you consider they'll be paying $13-16,000 a year in rents at my places.

Shaun C. · Answer

I just signed up a new tenant on Sunday and noticed the increase. I don't have USAA so I'm looking at $40 for my tenants (I don't pay). Seems a little high, so I will be looking for a new service for the next one.

Mike S. · Answer

I always pay and collect application fee from the tenant. I’m logging into usaa.mysmartmove.com.

JD Martin · Answer

OK, now the discount is back up. I swear this just came back. I just ran a couple of applicants a week ago and they were charged full price, and I know I was logged on through USAA because you can't log on through the regular portal with your username and password, only through the usaa.mysmartmove portal. I went on USAA to inquire about this and saw several other posts with this same complaint.

It must have been something on Transunion's site that they just fixed.

JD Martin · Answer

Forgot to quote you so you'd see the post.

JD Martin · Answer

Thanks for the photo Mike. I wonder how come mine doesn't come up that way? How are you getting in to the site - what's the link you're using? Also, does it come up that way if your tenants pay?

Alternative (cheaper) to USAA MySmartMove for background checks?

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