FundingShield vs The Work Number
Verification & Data head-to-head · axis by axis, same rubric for both
Verification & Data
Equifax Inc.
| Axis | FundingShield | The Work Number |
|---|---|---|
| Production impact | 3.6 | 4.1 |
| Functionality & depth | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Integrations & ecosystem | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| Adoption & support | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| Return on spend | 3.8 | 1.8 |
| Overall | 3.6 | 3.4 |
FundingShield wins 2 of 5 axes. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.
What the rubric says
FundingShield and The Work Number are both scored in Verification & Data. FundingShield carries an overall of 3.6, The Work Number an overall of 3.4. The widest gap between them is Return on spend, at 2 of a point. That axis measures what the spend returns, which is not the same as being cheap. FundingShield takes it, 3.8 to 1.8.
Where the five axes separate
On Return on spend the record favours FundingShield, 3.8 against 1.8. On Integrations and ecosystem the record favours The Work Number, 4.3 against 3.3. On Production impact the record favours The Work Number, 4.1 against 3.6.
Pricing posture
FundingShield does not publish pricing. Its listed model is pay per loan, rates quote only. The Work Number does not publish pricing. Its listed model is quote only, priced per verification.
Deployment and who each one targets
Deployment for FundingShield: Cloud, API-driven services. Deployment for The Work Number: Cloud, reached by REST API, batch SFTP, web portal or direct LOS integration. Segment focus for FundingShield: Lenders, warehouse lenders, title underwriters and settlement agencies exposed to third-party closing agents. Segment focus for The Work Number: Any lender that needs instant employment and income data with GSE rep and warrant. The two entries name different buyers.
What each record credits
FundingShield: Pay-per-loan keeps cost proportional to volume, with no platform commitment. The Work Number: Authorized for Fannie Mae DU validation and Freddie Mac AIM, so hits bring relief.
What each record holds against them
FundingShield: Headline claims like 860 billion dollars in flagged issues are vendor-reported, unvalidated. The Work Number: Highest per-verification cost in the category; a class action alleges $17.85 rose to $66.45.
Which one fits which shop
Best fit for FundingShield: Lenders closing through agents they do not own and want verified before funds move. Best fit for The Work Number: Lenders who need the highest instant hit rate and have decided to pay.
The short answer
FundingShield finishes ahead on the published rubric, 3.6 to 3.4. The margin comes mostly from Return on spend. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.
Both tools are scored on the same weighted rubric, production impact carries the most weight. Comparisons are never sponsored. Disclosure →