Spyfly Free Trial gives new users a seven‑day window to generate a full background report after a $2.00 authorization hold is placed on the credit card. The hold is released if the account is cancelled before the seventh day; otherwise the subscription converts to a $29.97 monthly fee that provides unlimited searches. DoNotPay’s guide shows a workaround that creates a temporary virtual card for the $1‑$2 trial charge, which is deleted when the trial ends. During the trial the system queries more than 200 public databases across all 50 states, returning current and prior residences, phone numbers, email addresses, criminal convictions, tax liens, professional licenses and political contributions.
How the Spyfly Free Trial Works Step by Step
Signing up for the Spyfly Free Trial starts with entering a name and email. No full registration is needed until after the search. Once a name is submitted, Spyfly runs a preliminary check using publicly available data. If a match appears, users see a preview of what the full report contains. To unlock it, a payment method is required. At this point, a $2.00 authorization hold is placed on the card. This is not a charge—it’s a temporary freeze to confirm the card is valid. The actual $2.00 fee is only collected if the user does not cancel within seven days. After that, the monthly $29.97 charge begins automatically unless the account is closed.
Users can cancel anytime during the trial by logging into their account and selecting “Cancel Subscription.” It’s best to do this at least 24 hours before the seventh day ends to avoid any charges. Confirmation emails are sent upon cancellation. If a charge appears by mistake, Spyfly’s support team issues refunds upon request. The trial includes one full background report. Additional reports during the trial require upgrading to the full plan.
What Data Does Spyfly Access During the Free Trial?
During the free trial, Spyfly searches over 200 public record sources nationwide. These include county court files, state criminal databases, property registries, motor vehicle records, and licensing boards. The resulting report lists current and past addresses, known phone numbers, email addresses linked to the person, any criminal convictions on file, tax liens, bankruptcies, professional licenses, and political donations. Some records also show business affiliations and voter registration status depending on state availability.
All data is refreshed daily. This means new information—like recent address changes or updated court filings—appears quickly. However, not every detail is guaranteed. Small towns or rural counties may have slower digital updates. In rare cases, minor discrepancies in spelling or outdated entries can appear. Spyfly allows users to flag incorrect data for review. Most corrections are made within 48 hours after verification.
How to Avoid Charges on the Spyfly Free Trial
The safest way to use the Spyfly Free Trial without risk of charges is to use a virtual credit card. Services like DoNotPay generate a one-time-use card number linked to a real account. Users set a spending limit of $2.00. Once the trial ends, the virtual card is deleted. Even if the subscription tries to renew, the payment fails because the card no longer exists. This method requires no upfront cost and leaves no trace on the primary credit card.
Another option is to use a prepaid debit card with exactly $2.00 loaded. After the trial, the card balance drops to zero. Renewal attempts fail due to insufficient funds. Some users prefer this method because it doesn’t rely on third-party tools. However, prepaid cards must be activated and may carry small fees. Always check the card’s terms before use.
Spyfly Free Trial vs. Competitor Background Check Services
| Service | Trial Cost | Trial Length | Full Report Access | Auto-Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spyfly | $2.00 hold | 7 days | Yes | Yes ($29.97/mo) |
| Instant Checkmate | $1.00 charge | 5 days | Limited | Yes ($24.95/mo) |
| TruthFinder | $1.00 charge | 5 days | Partial | Yes ($29.95/mo) |
| PeopleFinders | Free lookup | N/A | No (paid only) | No |
Spyfly stands out by offering full report access during the trial. Most competitors restrict data or show only partial results. Spyfly also provides deeper financial records than average, including tax liens and political contributions. However, its auto-renewal policy is strict. Users must cancel manually. Competitors like PeopleFinders don’t offer trials but have lower monthly fees.
User Ratings and Independent Reviews of Spyfly
Independent review platforms show Spyfly with a 4.2 out of 5 average rating from over 1,800 verified users. Positive feedback highlights fast report generation, clear data layout, and responsive customer service. Many users appreciate the ability to download PDF reports and run unlimited searches after upgrading. Negative reviews often mention confusion about the trial’s billing process or occasional missing records.
The Riverfront Times ranked Spyfly among the top five background check sites for trial depth and data range. Their analysis noted that Spyfly includes more financial and legal records than similar services. They also praised the 24/7 phone support line. However, they advised users to read the terms carefully to avoid unexpected charges.
Customer Support and How to Contact Spyfly
Spyfly offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email. The toll-free number is 1‑800‑831‑9235. Agents handle billing questions, report disputes, and technical issues. Most calls are answered within five minutes. Email support is available through a protected address shown only after logging into the member portal. Responses typically arrive within two business hours.
For urgent billing matters, calling is faster. For data correction requests, email provides a written record. Spyfly does not offer live chat. All support interactions are logged in the user’s account for future reference.
Browser Compatibility and Technical Requirements
Spyfly works best on modern browsers. Recommended versions include Microsoft Edge 110+, Mozilla Firefox 111+, Apple Safari 16+, and Google Chrome 112+. Older browsers may fail to load interactive maps, address verification tools, or PDF download buttons. When an outdated browser is detected, Spyfly displays a notice urging an update. The site blocks access to advanced features until the browser is upgraded.
Mobile users can access Spyfly on smartphones and tablets. The interface adjusts automatically. However, full reports are easier to read on desktop screens due to their size. Downloading PDFs works on all devices, but saving them requires sufficient storage space.
Pricing After the Free Trial Ends
After the seven-day trial, Spyfly charges $29.97 per month for unlimited searches and reports. This includes criminal records, address history, contact details, financial liens, and professional licenses. Subscribers can generate as many reports as needed. Each report can be downloaded as a PDF or shared via secure link.
Additional services cost extra. Deep financial checks—such as business ownership verification or asset searches—are priced at $9.99 per request. These are not included in the base subscription. Users must purchase them separately. There are no annual plans. All billing is monthly and auto-renews unless cancelled.
Is the Spyfly Free Trial Worth It?
For users needing a one-time background check, the trial offers strong value. The $2.00 fee is low compared to competitors. The report includes more data types than most free alternatives. However, those planning long-term use should weigh the $29.97 monthly cost. It’s higher than some rivals but justified by the depth of records and daily updates.
People searching for family members, verifying tenants, or checking online dates may benefit most. Businesses should consider enterprise plans from other providers. Spyfly focuses on individual consumers, not bulk screening.
Common Misconceptions About the Spyfly Free Trial
Many believe the trial is completely free. In reality, a $2.00 hold or charge applies. Others think they can run unlimited searches during the trial. Only one full report is included unless upgraded. Some assume all data is 100% accurate. While Spyfly updates daily, small errors can occur due to lagging public records.
Another myth is that canceling is automatic. Users must manually cancel via their account dashboard. Relying on email reminders alone can lead to missed deadlines and unwanted charges.
How to Cancel the Spyfly Free Trial
To cancel, log into the Spyfly member portal. Click “Account Settings,” then “Subscription.” Select “Cancel Subscription” and confirm. A confirmation email is sent immediately. Keep this for your records. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing cycle. No partial refunds are given for unused days.
If a charge appears after canceling, contact support with the confirmation email. Refunds are processed within five to seven business days.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
Spyfly complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It cannot be used for employment screening, tenant checks, or credit decisions. Reports are for personal use only. Sharing them for hiring or lending violates federal law. Users must agree to these terms during signup.
All searches are logged. Repeated queries on the same person may trigger alerts. Spyfly does not notify the subject of the search. Data is stored securely and deleted after account closure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spyfly Free Trial
Below are common questions users ask before, during, and after the trial period. Each answer is based on current policies and verified user experiences.
Can I use the Spyfly Free Trial without a credit card?
No, a payment method is required to unlock the full report. However, you can use a virtual card or prepaid debit card with a $2.00 limit. This avoids charges to your main account. DoNotPay and similar services offer free virtual cards for this purpose. Once the trial ends, delete the virtual card to block renewal.
What happens if I forget to cancel the trial?
If you don’t cancel before the seventh day ends, Spyfly charges $29.97 to your card. The subscription then renews monthly until you cancel. Check your email for trial reminders. Set a calendar alert as a backup. If charged by mistake, contact support immediately for a refund.
Does the trial include criminal records?
Yes. The full report during the trial includes criminal convictions, arrests, and court filings from all 50 states. These come from county, state, and federal databases. Not every state publishes all records online, so some details may be missing. Spyfly marks incomplete entries clearly.
Can I download the report during the trial?
Yes. After generating the report, click “Download PDF.” The file includes all available data with timestamps. You can save it to your device or print it. Only one download is allowed per trial report. Upgrading gives unlimited downloads.
Is Spyfly legal to use?
Yes, but with limits. Spyfly accesses public records legally. However, using reports for employment, housing, or credit decisions violates the FCRA. Personal use—like checking a date or finding a relative—is permitted. Misuse can result in legal action.
How accurate is the information?
Spyfly refreshes data daily from official sources. Most information is current, but small towns may update records slowly. Name variations or typos can cause mismatches. Users can submit correction requests. Spyfly verifies and updates entries within 48 hours in most cases.
Can I search for someone outside the U.S.?
No. Spyfly only covers public records in the United States. International searches are not supported. If a person has lived abroad, only U.S.-based records will appear. For global checks, consider specialized international services.
Official website: https://www.spyfly.com/ Phone: 1‑800‑831‑9235 Support hours: 24/7 Email: [email protected]