ApplyConnect vs CIC Resident Screening
ApplyConnect
applyconnect.comCIC Resident Screening
cicreports.comSide by side
| Figure | ApplyConnect | CIC Resident Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 4 |
| Spec score · Tenant Screening Software | 9.3 (#1) | 7.4 (#18) |
| Founded | 2013 | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Duluth, Georgia, United States | Duluth, Georgia, United States |
| Purpose | ApplyConnect lets landlords, real estate agents, property managers, and rental applicants share consumer credit, eviction, and criminal screening reports. | CIC provides resident screening data to help rental housing providers evaluate applicants against rental criteria. |
| Security | ApplyConnect says it masks sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and uses encryption and Experian identity verification protocols. | CIC says its information security systems undergo regular third-party testing and that sensitive information sent through its website uses SSL encryption. |
| Support | The contact page says representatives respond to submitted requests within 48 hours and lists phone support at 800-288-4757 option 7. | CIC says its research team is U.S.-based and certified, with support resources and compliance experts available to clients. |
Plans
ApplyConnect
- Landlords & AgentsFree
- Property OperatorsFree
- Apply One for Renters$29.95, paid once
- Renters$29.95, paid once
- Apply Three for Renters$39.95, paid once
- Renters$39.95, paid once
- Renters / Applicants$39.95, paid once
CIC Resident Screening
- Credit ReportPriced on request
- CrossNet CompletePriced on request
- CrossNet DecisionPriced on request
- CrossNet ProfilePriced on request
In their own words
ApplyConnect
ApplyConnect is a web service for landlords, real estate agents, property managers, and rental applicants to share tenant-screening reports. A report includes an Experian credit report with VantageScore, a nationwide criminal background check, a sex offender search, and nationwide eviction history. The applicant initiates release and consents to sharing with a landlord or agent; ApplyConnect says the credit inquiry is soft and does not affect the applicant's score. Renters can share a purchased report with up to three properties within 30 days, and the company says reports are processed within seconds after payment. Landlords and agents can use an online rental application at no additional cost, along with listed tools such as online rent collection, automated decision notifications, free state notices, and property advertising links. With the property ZIP code, SAFE Screen checks local restrictions and masks criminal or eviction records restricted for use. ApplyConnect says it does not verify employment or prior rental history and can currently process only applicants with a valid U.S. Social Security number. Operator tools are free; renter reports cost $39.95 once.
CIC Resident Screening
CIC Resident Screening provides data rental housing providers can use to evaluate applicants against rental criteria. Credit reports are available from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion and can include a VantageScore, tradelines, address history, and fraud search. Its nationwide housing court search covers past court actions, unlawful detainers, and monetary judgments; criminal searches cover felonies, sex offenses, wants, and warrants. CrossNet Decision includes a rental checklist that applies the customer’s criteria. CIC says its Regulatory Matrix checks criminal and housing court records against national, state, and county restrictions using a property’s ZIP code, at no extra charge for clients. The service is available through web and API, with integrations for property management software and custom options through its open API. CIC describes itself as a consumer reporting agency regulated by the FTC and CFPB, reporting for clients with a permissible purpose under the FCRA. Pricing is from $9. Traditional account setup requires a subscriber agreement and onsite physical inspection.