Background Check & Verification Policy
Building trust through transparency. Background checks on Swipe-A-Shift are optional but encouraged. Our tiered verification system helps venues make informed decisions while giving workers opportunities to stand out. This policy explains how verification works, your rights, and what we check.
1. Our Approach: Optional, Not Mandatory
Unlike some platforms that require background checks for everyone, Swipe-A-Shift makes verification optional. We believe in second chances and know that many excellent hospitality workers have histories they're working to overcome.
Why optional verification is better:
- Inclusive: Workers with records aren't automatically excluded — they can still access Tier 1 shifts
- Fair: Venues decide their own risk tolerance and requirements
- Opportunity-driven: Workers who get verified access better-paying shifts and more bookings
- Market-based: High-trust venues (fine dining, hotels) can require verification; casual venues don't have to
Bottom line: Having a criminal record doesn't disqualify you from Swipe-A-Shift. Getting verified just opens more doors.
2. The Four Verification Tiers
Swipe-A-Shift uses a ladder approach. Start at Tier 1, climb higher as you choose:
What's included:
- Email verification (confirm you own the email)
- Phone verification (SMS code)
- Profile complete (name, location, roles, experience)
- Terms of Service acceptance
What you get access to:
- Shifts marked "No verification required"
- Entry-level positions at casual venues
- Full platform functionality
Status: ✅ Available now (automatic when you sign up)
What's included:
- Everything in Tier 1, PLUS:
- Government-issued ID verification (driver's license, passport, state ID)
- Verified through Stripe Identity (secure, instant)
- Confirms: Legal name, date of birth, photo matches ID
- Badge on your profile: ✓ ID Verified
What you get access to:
- All Tier 1 shifts
- Most front-of-house positions
- Higher visibility in search results
- Recommended for all workers (takes 5 minutes)
Why it's free:
We cover the cost (~$3-5 per check) to encourage widespread adoption and baseline trust.
Status: 🚀 Launching December 2025
What's included:
- Everything in Tier 2, PLUS:
- 7-year criminal background check via Checkr
- National criminal database search
- County criminal records (7 years)
- Sex offender registry check (all 50 states)
- SSN validation and trace
- Alias/AKA records
- Badge on your profile: ✓ Background Checked
What you get access to:
- All Tier 1 + 2 shifts
- Premium venues (upscale restaurants, hotels, private clubs)
- Cash-handling positions (bartenders with Tier 3)
- Priority placement in search results
- 30-50% more booking opportunities (verified workers report)
Cost & renewal:
- $35/year (you pay)
- Results valid for 12 months
- Renewal: $35 (same price)
- Email reminder at 11 months
What happens if something shows up:
Having a record doesn't automatically disqualify you. Checkr returns results as "Clear," "Review," or "Does Not Meet Criteria." Venues set their own standards:
- Some venues accept non-violent misdemeanors
- Some have zero-tolerance policies
- Some use case-by-case judgment
- You'll see which shifts you qualify for
Status: 🚀 Launching January 1, 2026
What's included:
- Everything in Tier 3, PLUS:
- Professional references verified (2-3 contacts)
- Work history verified (past employers contacted)
- Optional: ServSafe, alcohol service cert, food handler's permit upload
- Optional: Drug screening (if required by venue)
- Manual review by Swipe-A-Shift team
- Badge on your profile: ⭐ Elite Verified
What you get access to:
- All Tier 1 + 2 + 3 shifts
- VIP venues (country clubs, fine dining, luxury hotels)
- Private events (weddings, corporate functions)
- Highest priority in search (top of the list)
- Premium pay rates (venues pay more for Elite workers)
- Direct booking requests from top venues
Who is this for:
Serious professionals who want access to the best shifts and highest pay. Think of this as "pro-level" status.
Status: 🚀 Launching Q2 2026 (after critical mass of workers)
3. How Background Checks Work (The Checkr Process)
Swipe-A-Shift partners with Checkr, a leading background check provider trusted by Uber, DoorDash, and thousands of companies. They're FCRA-compliant and handle millions of checks annually.
Step 1: You initiate the check
When you're ready to upgrade to Tier 3, click "Get Background Checked" in your profile. You'll be redirected to Checkr's secure portal.
Step 2: Provide information
Checkr will ask for:
- Full legal name (including any previous names)
- Social Security Number (to validate identity)
- Date of birth
- Addresses for past 7 years
- Driver's license number (optional but speeds up process)
Step 3: Pay the fee
$35 payment via credit/debit card. This goes directly to Checkr (Swipe-A-Shift doesn't profit from background checks).
Step 4: Checkr runs the search
Typical turnaround: 1-3 business days. Some checks (common names, multiple addresses) may take up to 7 days. You'll get email updates.
Step 5: Results delivered
You receive a copy of the full report (legally required under FCRA). Venues see only "Clear," "Review," or "Does Not Meet Criteria" — NOT specific details.
Step 6: Badge appears on profile
If your check is "Clear," you immediately get the ✓ Background Checked badge and access to Tier 3 shifts.
What if something shows up?
If Checkr finds records, you'll see the full report. The result is categorized as:
- "Clear": No disqualifying records found — you get the badge
- "Review": Some records found, but venues decide if they'll accept you (many do!)
- "Does Not Meet Criteria": Records that most venues won't accept (violent crimes, theft, sex offenses)
Even "Review" status can access some Tier 3 shifts. Venues with more flexible standards will still consider you.
4. Your Rights Under FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act)
The FCRA is a federal law that protects you when background checks are used for employment or service decisions. Here are your key rights:
✅ Right to Disclosure
Before running a background check, we must clearly disclose that we're doing so. This policy serves as that disclosure for Swipe-A-Shift.
✅ Right to Authorization
You must give written consent (electronic is OK) before we can run a check. Clicking "I agree" in the Checkr portal is your consent. It's 100% voluntary — you're never required to get a background check.
✅ Right to a Copy of the Report
If Checkr finds anything, you receive a complete copy of the background check report. This includes all records found, sources, and how to dispute inaccuracies.
✅ Right to Dispute Inaccuracies
If the report contains errors (wrong person, expunged records, incorrect info), you can dispute it with Checkr. They're required to investigate and correct mistakes.
Dispute process: Contact Checkr support → Provide evidence → They re-investigate (typically 30 days) → Report corrected if error confirmed
✅ Right to Adverse Action Notice
If a venue declines to hire you based (even in part) on your background check, they must:
- Provide you with a "pre-adverse action" notice (giving you time to dispute)
- Wait at least 5 business days
- Then send a "final adverse action" notice with your rights
Note: This applies when venues reject you. Swipe-A-Shift doesn't make hiring decisions — venues do.
✅ Right to File a Complaint
If you believe your FCRA rights were violated, you can file a complaint with:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): ftc.gov/complaint
- CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau): consumerfinance.gov/complaint
- Your state Attorney General
Summary of Rights Under FCRA (Official Disclosure)
You have the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to review and dispute information in your consumer report. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
For more information, visit the FTC website: ftc.gov/credit or contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
5. What We Don't Check (Privacy Protection)
Swipe-A-Shift background checks are focused on safety and trust. We do NOT check:
✅ What we CHECK:
- Criminal records (7 years)
- Sex offender registries
- SSN validation
- Identity verification
- Alias/AKA records
❌ What we DON'T check:
- Credit reports or scores
- Medical records
- Bankruptcy history
- Civil lawsuits (unless criminal)
- Driving records (unless Tier 4 + venue requests)
- Education verification (unless Tier 4)
- Social media activity
Why? We focus on factors directly relevant to workplace trust and safety. Your financial history, health, or personal life aren't our business.
6. State-Specific Rules (Ban-the-Box, Lookback Limits)
Different states have different rules about what can be included in background checks. Checkr automatically adjusts based on where you live.
Lookback limits:
- Federal standard: 7 years for most records
- Some states: Longer lookback for serious felonies (10+ years)
- California: Can't report most misdemeanor convictions after 7 years
- New York: Can't report non-convictions (arrests without conviction) after 7 years
"Ban-the-Box" laws:
Some states and cities prohibit asking about criminal history until after a conditional job offer. This doesn't apply to Swipe-A-Shift because:
- We're a platform, not an employer
- Background checks are optional (you choose)
- Venues make their own hiring decisions
Compliance:
Checkr handles all state-specific compliance automatically. Your check will only include records allowed by your state's laws.
7. Disputing Errors or Inaccuracies
Background checks sometimes contain mistakes. If you believe your report has errors, here's how to fix it:
Step 1: Identify the error
Review your background check report carefully. Common errors:
- Records belonging to someone else with a similar name
- Charges that were dismissed or expunged
- Incorrect dates or jurisdictions
- Misdemeanor reported as felony (or vice versa)
Step 2: Contact Checkr
File a dispute through Checkr's candidate portal or email candidate@checkr.com
Include: Your full name, date of birth, what's incorrect, and any supporting documents (court records, expungement order, etc.)
Step 3: Checkr investigates
Checkr has 30 days to investigate (usually faster). They'll contact the original source (court, registry) to verify.
Step 4: Report corrected
If the error is confirmed, Checkr updates your report. Swipe-A-Shift is automatically notified, and your badge status updates if needed.
Step 5: Access restored
If the correction changes your result from "Does Not Meet Criteria" to "Clear," you immediately gain access to Tier 3 shifts.
While your dispute is pending:
- Your background check status shows "Under Review"
- You can still work Tier 1 and Tier 2 shifts
- Access to Tier 3 shifts is paused until resolved
- Contact Swipe-A-Shift support if you need help or the process is taking too long
8. Privacy & Data Security
Who sees your background check results:
You see:
Full report with all details (legally required)
Venues see:
Only your badge status: ✓ Background Checked or "Review" or "Does Not Meet Criteria"
They do NOT see specific charges, dates, or details
Swipe-A-Shift sees:
Check status (Clear/Review/Does Not Meet), completion date, expiration date
We do NOT see specific criminal details
Checkr retains:
Full report per FCRA requirements (7 years)
Data security:
- All data encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
- Background check data stored separately from other platform data
- Access restricted to authorized personnel only
- Checkr is SOC 2 Type II certified (highest security standard)
- Regular security audits
Data retention:
- Background checks valid for 12 months
- After expiration, your badge is removed (must renew)
- Historical check records retained for 7 years (legal requirement)
- If you close your account, check data is anonymized but retained per FCRA
9. Cost Breakdown (Where Your $35 Goes)
We believe in transparency, so here's how the $35 background check fee breaks down:
Swipe-A-Shift makes a small margin to cover support costs (helping with disputes, FCRA compliance, badge management). We're not trying to profit from background checks — we just want to maintain a trustworthy platform.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to get a background check to use Swipe-A-Shift?
A: No! Background checks are 100% optional. You can work Tier 1 and Tier 2 shifts without any background check.
Q: I have a criminal record. Will I be banned?
A: Absolutely not. Having a record doesn't disqualify you from Swipe-A-Shift. You can still work Tier 1 and 2 shifts. Some Tier 3 venues will also accept workers with records, depending on the nature of the offense and venue policies.
Q: How long does a background check take?
A: Typically 1-3 business days. Some take up to 7 days if you have a common name or have lived in multiple states.
Q: What if my record was expunged or sealed?
A: Expunged or sealed records should NOT appear on background checks. If they do, immediately dispute with Checkr and provide your expungement order. They'll correct it.
Q: Can I see my background check results before paying?
A: No. Checkr must be paid to run the check. However, if the report contains errors, you can dispute and get it corrected at no additional cost.
Q: Do I need to renew my background check?
A: Yes, every 12 months. You'll get an email reminder at 11 months. Renewal is the same price ($35). If you don't renew, your badge expires and you lose access to Tier 3 shifts.
Q: Can venues see the details of my background check?
A: No. Venues only see your badge status (Background Checked: Clear/Review/Does Not Meet). They don't see specific charges, dates, or details. This protects your privacy.
Q: What's the difference between Tier 3 and Tier 4?
A: Tier 3 is criminal background check only ($35/year). Tier 4 adds professional references, work history verification, and optional certifications ($79/year). Most workers only need Tier 3.
Q: Can I get a refund if I don't pass the background check?
A: No. The fee covers Checkr's work regardless of results. However, if there's an error in the report, you can dispute and get it corrected at no extra charge.
Questions About Background Checks?
We're here to help you navigate the verification process. Contact us:
- General support: support@swipeashift.com
- Background check issues: verification@swipeashift.com
- Checkr candidate support: candidate@checkr.com or call 1-844-824-3257
Building trust, one verified worker at a time. 🌊
Effective Date: November 5, 2025
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: November 5, 2025
Business Address: 170 Commerce Way, Suite 200, Portsmouth, NH 03801
© 2025 Swipe-A-Shift LLC | compliance@swipeashift.com