Background check software · ranked #12 of 12
RefNow: review, pricing and alternatives
RefNow comes twelfth because it handles UK references, right-to-work and DBS well, but it is narrow and hides its amounts.
RefNow at a glance
- Rank
- #12 of 12 in background check software
- Best for
- UK HR teams that want references and ID checks without seat fees
- Pricing
- Credits, no seat charge
- Free option
- Free trial
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- Key features
- Automated reference requests with reminders, Fake-reference detection, Consent-based employment verification with PDF reports, Right-to-work ID checks with Share Code option, DBS Basic, Standard and Enhanced checks
- Last checked
- 2026-11-13
Where RefNow wins
- RefNow suits a UK employer that wants referencing, right-to-work and DBS in one place and prefers credits to seat licenses.
- Its Reference product chases referees automatically and logs each attempt, while Verify covers ID and DBS.
- A free trial lets a team test it before asking for bulk pricing.
- RefNow Screen, an AI CV screening product, is listed as launching soon and is not available today, so we did not weigh it.
Where it falls short
- The pricing page shows no amounts, and bulk or subscription terms are by enquiry.
- DBS is a UK scheme, so the product is built around UK hiring.
- RefNow Screen is not yet launched.
- Buyers in the US or EU who need criminal record checks outside the DBS scheme, and teams that want a published price list.
Our verdict on RefNow
RefNow suits a UK employer that wants referencing, right-to-work and DBS in one place and prefers credits to seat licenses. Its Reference product chases referees automatically and logs each attempt, while Verify covers ID and DBS. A free trial lets a team test it before asking for bulk pricing.
RefNow Screen, an AI CV screening product, is listed as launching soon and is not available today, so we did not weigh it. The ranking is low because the scope is built around UK hiring.
Where RefNow falls short
The pricing page shows no amounts, and bulk or subscription terms are by enquiry. DBS is a UK scheme, so the product is built around UK hiring. RefNow Screen is not yet launched.
Credit amounts must be requested, so budgeting needs a conversation.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers in the US or EU who need criminal record checks outside the DBS scheme, and teams that want a published price list. Look at Checkr for US checks or PESCHECK for EU screening.
RefNow pricing
Credit-based with no seat charge: one referencing credit covers up to 10 references for a candidate, and a Digital ID credit covers one candidate. No amounts are published.
Pricing as published by the vendor on the date above; check the vendor's pricing page before you buy.
RefNow fact sheet
| Rank | #12 of 12 in background check software |
|---|---|
| Category | Background check software |
| Best for | UK HR teams that want references and ID checks without seat fees |
| Pricing model | Credits, no seat charge |
| Free option | Free trial |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Company | RefNow Ltd |
| Address | 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9JQ, London, United Kingdom |
| Vendor size | Independent or mid-sized vendor |
| Website | www.refnow.com |
| Last checked | 2026-11-13 |
Key features
- Automated reference requests with reminders
- Fake-reference detection
- Consent-based employment verification with PDF reports
- Right-to-work ID checks with Share Code option
- DBS Basic, Standard and Enhanced checks
- Audit trail of email, text and phone attempts
- Custom branding and API add-ons
Alternatives to RefNow
CisiveScreening and ongoing monitoring sold through a sales assessment. Quote only.
VettyBackground checks and onboarding for high-volume hiring. Quote only.
Accurate BackgroundFull-range US screening provider with an API. Quote only.Also ranked in
- #12 of 12 in background check software
Sources checked
- Site owned and operated by RefNow Ltd; Company No 12118557; 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ Source
- Credit-based pricing; 1 referencing credit covers up to 10 references per candidate; no seat charge; no published amounts Source
- Products RefNow Reference, RefNow Respond, RefNow Verify (DBS and Digital ID) and RefNow Screen listed Source
RefNow: common questions
What is RefNow?
RefNow is reference, right-to-work and DBS checks for UK hiring. RefNow comes twelfth because it handles UK references, right-to-work and DBS well, but it is narrow and hides its amounts.
How much does RefNow cost?
Credit-based with no seat charge: one referencing credit covers up to 10 references for a candidate, and a Digital ID credit covers one candidate. No amounts are published.
Does RefNow have a free plan?
Free trial. Credit-based with no seat charge: one referencing credit covers up to 10 references for a candidate, and a Digital ID credit covers one candidate. No amounts are published.
What is RefNow best for?
RefNow is best for uK HR teams that want references and ID checks without seat fees. RefNow comes twelfth because it handles UK references, right-to-work and DBS well, but it is narrow and hides its amounts.
Where is RefNow based?
RefNow is published by RefNow Ltd, headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Who should not use RefNow?
Buyers in the US or EU who need criminal record checks outside the DBS scheme, and teams that want a published price list. Look at Checkr for US checks or PESCHECK for EU screening.
What are the best alternatives to RefNow?
In our background check software ranking the closest alternatives are Cisive, Vetty, Accurate Background. See the full ranking for the other options.