Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you get your data from?

Onfido is plugged into hundreds of registered databases and data sources, extracting up-to-date information every time a check is requested. We aggregate multiple suppliers to maximise match rates for a variety of checks.

How do you access these databases?

Onfido is registered with the Information Commissioner under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 (registration number Z2709206).

Do you sell my information or my applicant’s data?

No, we do not sell any information about you or your applicants to anyone.

Are your checks international?

Yes, we carry out checks on individuals in 132 countries.

Can I store the information on my employees for future reference?

You may legally keep the information for the length of time they are working for your company. However, you must delete their information within 7 years of the employment ending.

How secure is your cloud-based solution?

Numerous studies have established that data stored in the cloud is less likely to be lost, deleted or leaked than data stored on a personal computer. Onfido maintains bank-grade security using 256-bit SSL encryption. All our data is fully encrypted at rest and in transit, and we employ state-of-the-art firewall and back-up technology. All our data is continuously backed up in several high security access-controlled data centres in different locations.

What happens if I accidentally delete an applicant’s data? Will I be able to retrieve it?

Just in case you accidentally delete a record, we hold a backup on a secure remote server that holds the data for 24 hours.

Isn’t this an invasion of privacy?

We never carry out any checks without the applicant’s consent. Take a look at our Privacy Policy for more information.

How long is the applicant’s data held?

As long as an applicant gives us their consent, their data is held until the applicant or their employer requests for it to be deleted.

Will you charge me a monthly fee?

No. With Onfido, there are no monthly bills or payments. Our system is completely pay-as-you-go, and you’re free to top up whenever you like.

Is there a minimum spend?

No. You can buy as many checks as you like through our pay-as-you-go system.

What are my payment options?

Payment is automatically charged to your card at the end of each calendar month. Only completed checks are billed, there are no additional setup fees or additional charges unless otherwise specified.

Can I cancel my account?

You can always delete your account and all data in it. We ensure that data is irrevocably deleted once the need for it has ended, in accordance with Data Protection Regulations.

Do I need to pay for extra users?

No. You can add as many users as you want to your account.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes: with Onfido, you receive discounts depending on the amount you top up. Take a look at our Pricing to see exactly how the system works.

If I’m employing someone, when should I carry out a background check?

You should always carry out a background check on an applicant before they start work, and tell the applicant that the offer of employment is dependent on a completed background check. This way, you can ensure that undesirable applicants (i.e. those who have something to hide) will have an incentive to complete the check before they can start work. You may wish to subsequently withdraw the offer of employment based on the results of the check.

Can I carry out a check on someone without them knowing?

You cannot legally access personal information about an individual without first obtaining their permission. You must first collect the consent of the individual before running checks on them with Onfido. Take a look at our Privacy Policy or extended FAQs for more information.

How long do each of the checks take to be completed?

Our product page outlines the turnaround times of each of our checks.