Two published ways to pay, no software lease fees, and a published enterprise threshold. These are the figures CRA Syndicate advertises publicly — nothing hidden behind a discovery call.
The CRA Syndicate license is $65,000 cash, or $75,000 with one-half down followed by 24 zero-interest monthly payments. CRA Syndicate advertises $0 ongoing software lease fees. For qualifying organizations spending more than approximately $300,000 annually on background screening, CRA Syndicate states it will waive the license fee.
Both options include the same licensed infrastructure. The difference is the total investment and the timing of your payments.
$65,000
One-time, paid in full
$75,000
Half down + 24 zero-interest payments
$0
License fee waived at $300K+ annual screening spend
All figures above are the published CRA Syndicate license terms as of the date this page was published. Monthly payment math assumes the published structure of one-half down followed by 24 equal zero-interest monthly payments. Enterprise savings and waivers depend on qualifying terms and your existing pricing and screening mix.
According to CRA Syndicate, licensees receive access to the following. This list reflects what the company publicly describes as included.
CRA Syndicate advertises $0 ongoing software lease fees. That is a meaningful differentiator, because software leases are a recurring operating cost that typically has to be paid whether or not you sell any screening. Ask every provider you compare — including CRA Syndicate — for a written list of every recurring fee, transaction fee, and per-report charge before you sign.
Four ways to own a screening company, compared on cost, speed, control, and operational burden.
Scroll the table sideways to compare all four paths.
| Factor | CRA License CRA Syndicate model | Buy an Existing CRA | Build From Scratch | Screening Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $65,000 cash, or $75,000 seller-financed | Varies widely with client book and revenue | $50,000–$250,000+ in software alone | Franchise fee plus buildout and royalties |
| Time to first revenue | Approximately 4 weeks | Immediate, if clients transfer cleanly | 12–18 months | Several months |
| Software platform | Included, white-labeled to your brand | Whatever the seller already runs | You build or license it separately | Franchisor system, limited customization |
| Vendor pricing | Network wholesale rates from day one | Inherited contracts, may need renegotiating | Startup-tier pricing until volume grows | Franchise network rates |
| Compliance and disputes | Shared, compliance-certified team assists | Inherited processes and staff | Your legal and operational responsibility | Franchisor support and playbooks |
| ATS integrations | 50+ included | Depends on the platform acquired | Must be built or bought | Set by the franchisor |
| Recurring fees | $0 software lease fees | Existing leases and contracts carry over | Software lease plus hosting and maintenance | Ongoing royalties on revenue |
| SBA financing | Pre-qualified; SBA Express pathway described | Possible; depends on the seller and deal structure | Possible, but must be arranged independently | Varies by franchisor |
| Brand control | Your own brand, domain, and identity | Yours, but may require a rebrand | Fully yours | Franchise brand rules apply |
| Best fit for | Sales-led founders who want speed and structure | Buyers who want existing clients and revenue | Well-funded teams with deep screening expertise | Buyers who prefer a prescribed playbook |
Read this chart as a planning tool. Ranges shown for buying, building, and franchising are illustrative industry estimates, not quotes. CRA Syndicate figures reflect publicly published terms at the time this page was published and may change. Financing is subject to lender approval, SBA requirements, and borrower qualification. Actual results vary by market, product mix, and execution.
How this compares: at the time this page was published, a specific base license price comparable to CRA Syndicate's published $65,000 cash price was not publicly displayed on the Brango/Background Startup website, which describes its offering as a "high-ticket license" with pricing that depends on market, volume objectives, and desired support level. That is a statement about public disclosure only — it does not mean Brango's pricing is less favorable.
Review with counsel before relying on this page. Pricing and inclusions shown reflect CRA Syndicate's publicly published terms as of the date this page was published and may change. This page is not an offer, contract, or legal agreement, and it is not financial, legal, or tax advice. The license is governed solely by the executed licensing agreement. Consult your own attorney and accountant before entering any agreement.
The questions buyers ask most often before requesting the agreement
Not an offer or a financing guarantee
Figures reflect CRA Syndicate's published terms as of the date of publication and may change. The license is governed solely by the executed licensing agreement. Financing is subject to lender approval, SBA requirements, and borrower qualification. Consult your own attorney and accountant before entering any agreement.