Refchecks vs fit2work (Equifax): Pre-Employment Screening Compared

fit2work, backed by Equifax, is one of Australia's longest-running screening providers. While the Equifax brand carries weight in enterprise procurement, fit2work's platform feels dated and their pricing is opaque. Refchecks offers a modern alternative with AI fraud detection, deep credit checks, psychometric testing, international screening, native ATS integrations, and transparent pricing.

RecommendedOur verdict

For most Australian employers, Refchecks offers the better combination of features, pricing, and fraud protection compared to fit2work.

Features

Feature Comparison

FeatureRefchecksfit2work
Reference ChecksAutomated with AI fraud detection and cross-referencingAutomated with standard questionnaires
Police Checks
ID VerificationDVS-integrated 100-point checkDVS-integrated with Equifax identity data overlay
Right to Work (VEVO)Automated VEVO checks with real-time results
Credit / Financial ChecksDeep credit checks — credit history, bankruptcy (AFSA), directorship (ASIC)Direct Equifax credit file access
Medical ScreeningIn-house booking and result trackingPartner network referrals
AI Fraud DetectionBuilt-in fraud database with AI pattern analysis
Employment Cross-ReferencingAI comparison of candidate claims vs referee responses
Psychometric Testing
Global Screening CoverageInternational criminal checks and screening availableInternational checks available via Equifax global network
ATS IntegrationsNative integrations with Bullhorn, JobAdder, Greenhouse, Lever, Manatal, Monday.comIntegrations with major enterprise HRIS and ATS platforms
Real-Time DashboardModern live dashboard with instant notificationsPortal-based tracking with email notifications
Sanctions & PEP ScreeningDFAT Consolidated List, UN Security Council sanctions, and PEP database screeningAvailable via Equifax IDMatrix identity and compliance suite
Continuous MonitoringAutomated re-screening on configurable schedules (VEVO, police, sanctions, adverse media, licences, credit)
White-Label PortalAgencies can brand the candidate portal with their own logo, colours, and company name

Pricing

Pricing Comparison

TierRefchecksfit2work
Starter / Small TeamFrom $8.50 per check (pay-as-you-go)From $40 per check (account required)
Professional / Growth$199/month — includes 30 checks, then $6.50 eachTiered volume pricing, quote required
EnterpriseContact sales — custom SLAs and API accessContact sales — full Equifax enterprise packages

Analysis

Strengths

Refchecks Strengths

  • AI fraud detection identifies suspicious referees and fabricated employment history
  • Deep credit checks covering credit history, bankruptcy (AFSA), and directorship (ASIC)
  • Native ATS integrations with Bullhorn, JobAdder, Greenhouse, Lever, Manatal, and Monday.com
  • Modern, intuitive interface that requires minimal training for new users
  • Transparent pricing published on the website — no surprises or quote-gated plans
  • Faster turnaround times with automated processing and real-time results
  • Employment cross-referencing provides an extra layer of verification at no additional cost
  • Continuous monitoring with automated re-screening keeps your workforce compliant post-hire
  • White-label portal lets agencies brand the candidate experience as their own
  • Unified platform for all check types without navigating separate portals

fit2work Strengths

  • Backed by Equifax — a recognised brand in enterprise and government procurement
  • Longest-running screening provider in Australia with deep enterprise relationships
  • Established compliance frameworks trusted by government and regulated industries
  • Dedicated account management for enterprise clients

Verdict

The Bottom Line

fit2work trades on the Equifax brand name, and that still carries weight in government tenders and large enterprise procurement where "nobody gets fired for choosing Equifax." But brand recognition is not a product advantage — and on product, Refchecks is ahead in every area that matters.

Refchecks now offers deep credit checks (credit history, bankruptcy via AFSA, directorship via ASIC), psychometric testing, and international criminal checks — closing the gaps that previously gave fit2work an edge. On top of that, Refchecks provides AI fraud detection and employment cross-referencing that fit2work simply does not have. The modern dashboard, native ATS integrations with six major platforms, and real-time notifications make daily screening work faster and easier.

Refchecks has also added sanctions and PEP screening against DFAT, UN Security Council, and PEP databases. While fit2work offers similar compliance checks through the Equifax IDMatrix suite, Refchecks goes further with continuous post-hire monitoring — automated re-screening on configurable schedules across VEVO, police, sanctions, adverse media, professional licences, and credit checks. fit2work has no equivalent ongoing monitoring capability. Refchecks also now offers a white-label portal so agencies can brand the candidate experience as their own — something fit2work does not support.

fit2work's portal feels dated, their pricing is opaque, and their per-check costs start at nearly five times what Refchecks charges. For organisations that are not locked into Equifax by procurement policy, Refchecks delivers a more capable platform, ongoing compliance monitoring, a better user experience, and significantly better value for money. It is the smarter choice for modern recruitment teams.

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