Amazon Flex Background Check: What’s Involved & How Long Does It Take?
When it comes to driving gigs that pay, Amazon Flex is one of the best jobs out there.
Amazon Flex drivers can earn $18 to $25 per scheduled hour. And you have the flexibility to claim blocks (shifts) when they fit your schedule.
But landing a job as a Flex driver is easier said than done.
There's an interview process, a potential waitlist, and you also have to complete the Amazon Flex background check.
The background check is one of the most important parts, and it can make or break your chances at becoming an active driver.
That's why this post is covering important details about this process including what the background check looks at and how long the Amazon Flex background check takes.
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What Is The Amazon Flex Background Check?
Amazon uses background checks to help them find reliable drivers for Amazon Flex. It works with an outside service called Accurate Background for these background checks. This background check examines a variety of items including your:
- Employment history
- Driving history and record
- Criminal history
Before you start to panic, be reassured there are some limitations to what this report can include.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (also known as the FCRA) places limits on what background checks can include. Typically it will limit the inclusion of arrests, tax liens, or judgements older than 7 years and bankruptcies over 10 years.
The seven year limit is the main rule to look for, and many gig apps like Amazon Flex or DoorDash can't see information on your driving or criminal record if it's older than seven years.
How Long Does The Amazon Flex Background Check Take?
The Amazon Flex background check typically takes 2 to 5 business days on average. If you have a clean background with no criminal charges, it usually comes back quickly. If you have incidents in your history that may require a further look, it can take longer.
Results may occasionally take up to 10 days, and keep in mind weekends or business holidays may extend this slightly.
According to some other Amazon Flex applicants on Indeed, it took around 25 days for their background check to clear and another two weeks for them to get assigned to a warehouse. This driver even had a clean criminal record and just two speeding tickets.
So long story short, your Amazon Flex background check should take about a week, but it can take up to two to three weeks.
If it’s been longer than a week or two and you haven’t heard anything, reach out to Amazon Flex support who should be able to assist you.
Amazon Background Check Requirements & Process
A background check for Amazon Flex or any employer is typically pretty comprehensive. Here are some of the things that it may include:
- Identity Confirmation – Confirming who you are is common for most types of employment including Amazon Flex. You will be asked to verify your Driver’s license to provide proof of identity and to provide your Social Security Number.
- Employment History – Your past employment history will be verified.
- Driving Record – Because Amazon Flex workers are on the road constantly, it’s important that they are safe drivers. The company might be willing to overlook a speeding ticket from years ago, but a past DUI or a hit-and-run on your record may be grounds for disqualification if it's within the last seven years.
- Felony Conviction – A felony conviction may or may not be a problem on your background check for Amazon Flex. Read below for more information.
- Sex Offender Registry – Part of the Amazon Flex background check is checking the National Sex Offender Registry. If your name is on the sex offender list, you wil not be hired by Amazon Flex or other similar delivery services.
- Credit Information – Your credit history will be reviewed, although its relevance may depend on where you live, since some states prohibit credit checks by employers. A low credit score may cause your application to be declined or flagged.
If you have had a name change (such as by marriage) or have used other names for employment or credit in the past, you may need to provide those additional names. When I have had background checks in the past I’ve had to provide my maiden name so that all of my information can be accessed.
Note that Amazon Flex doesn't conduct drug tests because like other gig jobs, you're an independent contractor, not an employee. But if you ever become an employee or switch to a permanent driving role Amazon Flex can drug test.
Does Amazon Flex Hire Felons?
Amazon Flex can sometimes hire felons, but it depends on a few factors. If your felony conviction was more than 7 years ago, it might not show on your background check. But the type of crime you were charged with can also impact the hiring decision.
Typically, individuals who had convictions for murder, assault, theft, credit card fraud, or violent crimes may have their applications rejected. However, most (but not all) misdemeanors won't create an issue.
Status on past felonies may or may not show up on your background check depending on where you live.
As part of the FCRA, these states are unable to provide information on felony convictions that are over seven years old:
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
Amazon may also reject applications for dishonesty, so lying on your application could lead to you being automatically disqualified from Amazon Flex positions.
What Happens If I Fail Amazon Flex’s Background Check?
If you fail the Amazon Flex background check, you're unfortunately disqualified and unable to reapply to be a Flex driver. There's not much you can do in this event, and Amazon won't dispute the results with you directly.
You can apply for other gig jobs like UberEats, Instacart or DoorDash. However, these gigs run similar background checks. If you're declined by Amazon Flex, chances are you will be declined by these other services as well.
As part of the FCRA, if you fail the Amazon Flex background check, you can receive an adverse action notice. This report includes the details of the information on your background, including the negative information.
With this report, you can review the results, and have the opportunity to dispute any inaccurate information before you apply for other positions.
If you do find incorrect information and dispute the report, the background check company has 30 days to correct any mistakes or errors.
Even if your Amazon Flex background check denied you to participate in their program, there are other types of part-time jobs and gigs that are available.
For example, you can use the Steady app to find new side hustles and cash gigs in your area. And you can always look on local job boards for flexible jobs as well to make extra money.
Alternatively, you can explore options to make money without a car, like starting a legit online job or using survey sites to earn some easy side money.
Can You Check Your Amazon Flex Background Check Status?
Before applying for Amazon Flex and consenting to the background check, make sure you check availability for your area, as it is not yet available in all areas.
As part of onboarding with Amazon Flex, you also need to download their app. With this app you can check out delivery opportunities for your area. You can also check your Amazon Flex background check status during the application process.
The Amazon Flex app is available for both Android and iPhone. When you check the app, you see a green colored check mark once your background check has cleared. You may also receive a message officially welcoming you to the Amazon Flex program.
Once your Amazon Flex application is approved, you will need to use the app to provide bank information for direct deposits and tax information. You also complete some video training.
The Amazon Flex app will also become your main way of claiming Amazon Flex blocks and handling your workflow.
What’s Amazon Flex’s Interview Process Like?
Once you pass the Amazon Flex background check, you usually complete an in-person interview or online one.
This interview asks questions about you and your background. There are also questions to assess your problem solving skills, but nothing too complicated. It's typically quick and easy, so just be honest and be yourself.
Some of the questions you may be asked will be regarding your availability. You may also be asked for other information which can be used to verify identity.
While not all applicants pass this stage in the process, it’s important to tell the truth and have your information match up with the information in your background.
Extra Reading – Is Walmart Spark Worth Driving For?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Amazon Flex Background Check Taking So Long?
Most Amazon Flex background checks process in a few business days. However, the process can take longer depending on your history and how many new driver sign ups Amazon and its partner Accurate Background are dealing with.
What Are Some Other Options To Make Fast Cash?
Amazon Flex is one of the highest-paying apps in the gig economy world. But if you fail the background check, you still have plenty of options at your disposal.
For example, you can always try pawning stuff for cash if you need quick money. Using cash advance apps is also an effective option if you need money by tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
I hope our guide has explained how long the Amazon Flex background check takes and what the check actually looks for.
If everything checks out, you should be able to make money delivering packages within a few weeks, assuming there's openings in your city.
And if you pass Amazon's background check but it isn't currently accepting new drivers, don't give up!
You'll be placed on its waitlist, so you can eventually drive for Amazon Flex. And delivery gigs like DoorDash and Instacart can hold you over in the meantime.
Best of luck!
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