Truework vs The Work Number

What the rubric says

Truework and The Work Number are both scored in Verification & Data. Truework carries an overall of 4, The Work Number an overall of 3.4. The widest gap between them is Return on spend, at 2.2 of a point. That axis measures what the spend returns, which is not the same as being cheap. Truework takes it, 4 to 1.8.

Where the five axes separate

On Return on spend the record favours Truework, 4 against 1.8. On Functionality and depth the record favours Truework, 4.4 against 3.6. On Integrations and ecosystem the record favours The Work Number, 4.3 against 3.7. On Adoption and support the record favours Truework, 3.8 against 3.5. On Production impact the record favours The Work Number, 4.1 against 4.

Pricing posture

Truework does not publish pricing. Its listed model is quote only, priced per verification. The Work Number does not publish pricing. Its listed model is quote only, priced per verification.

Deployment and who each one targets

Deployment for Truework: Cloud, web platform and REST API with LOS and POS connections. Deployment for The Work Number: Cloud, reached by REST API, batch SFTP, web portal or direct LOS integration. Segment focus for Truework: Lenders and credit unions that want one order to cover instant, permissioned and manual verification. 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

Truework: One order spans instant records, payroll, bank and tax credentials, documents and outreach. Truework: Named LOS connections to Encompass and Empower; POS connections to Blend and nCino. Truework: Names lender and credit union clients, Pennymac and CMG Financial among them. The Work Number: Authorized for Fannie Mae DU validation and Freddie Mac AIM, so hits bring relief. The Work Number: Equifax states 839 million-plus employee records from over five million contributing employers. The Work Number: Named Encompass and Empower connections, plus REST API, batch SFTP and portal access.

What each record holds against them

Truework: All headline figures, coverage and completion included, are company claims without third-party validation. Truework: No per-verification pricing is published, only a percentage against an unnamed baseline. Truework: GSE validation participation is not stated publicly, so confirm relief in diligence. The Work Number: Highest per-verification cost in the category; a class action alleges $17.85 rose to $66.45. The Work Number: The same complaint puts historical record pulls at up to $200 each. The Work Number: No pricing published; the site only splits card payment from monthly invoicing.

Which one fits which shop

Best fit for Truework: Shops where processors still end up phoning employers when the instant source misses. Best fit for The Work Number: Lenders who need the highest instant hit rate and have decided to pay.

What each entry concludes

Truework: Truework sells orchestration rather than a single data source. Truework: One order routes across instant records, payroll and bank credentials, tax credentials, document upload and employer outreach. The Work Number: The Work Number is Equifax’s employer-contributed payroll database, and for most lenders a default rather. The Work Number: Equifax states it holds more than 839 million employee records from over five million contributing employers.

The short answer

Truework finishes ahead on the published rubric, 4 to 3.4. The margin comes mostly from Return on spend. Same rubric, same weights, no sponsorships.