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Head-to-head · Employment Verification Software

The Work Number vs Zinc

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score The Work Number #3 in Employment Verification Software 7.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 2 features Try The Work Number
Zinc #7 in Employment Verification Software 6.9/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Zinc

The Work Number leads on 0 checks, Zinc on 1, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreThe Work Number · 7.7/10
  • Most featuresZinc · 2 of 2

The Work Number scores higher on our rubric for employment verification software: 7.7 against 6.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

Zinc offers ats integrations; The Work Number doesn't publish it.

The Work Number is the better fit for payroll-sourced, always-on verification workflows. Zinc is the better fit for recruiters combining references and employment checks.

  • The Work Number fits best

    Payroll-sourced, always-on verification workflows

  • Zinc fits best

    Recruiters combining references and employment checks

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature The Work Number 7.7/10 Visit ↗ Zinc 6.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.7 6.9
Ranking #3 in Employment Verification Software #7 in Employment Verification Software
Best for Payroll-sourced, always-on verification workflows Recruiters combining references and employment checks
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan Not published —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Phone Email, Live chat, Docs
Compliance GDPR SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Integrations 60+ integrations 20+ integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features The Work Number 1/2 · Zinc 2/2
API access ✓ ✓
ATS integrations Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Verification types Both Not published
Source coverage Payroll Not published
Typical turnaround Instant Not published
Geographic coverage Domestic Not published
Included verifications Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Instant employment and income reports from employer and payroll data
  • 24/7 access with credentialed verifier and permissible-purpose controls
  • API workflows plus Workday, Encompass and lending integrations
  • Automated requests, reminders, candidate submission, and progress tracking
  • Employment verification, background checks, and custom check packages
  • ATS, HRIS, Zapier, and open API integrations
Cons
  • Designed for domestic verification rather than international coverage
  • Access is limited to credentialed verifiers and permitted purposes
  • Contact-sales pricing may require procurement before evaluation
  • Broader reference software rather than a dedicated employment-verification tool
  • No free plan for teams wanting a no-cost starting option
  • Larger hiring volumes may require a bespoke custom solution
Our verdict

The Work Number is an Equifax Workforce Solutions service for automated employment and income verification. It is built for credentialed verifiers, including lenders, property managers, government agencies and pre-employment screeners,…

Read the review →

Zinc is a cloud-based platform for employers, recruiters, and HR teams managing employment references and background checks. Its workflow collects referee details, sends requests and follow-up reminders by email and text, and tracks…

Read the review →
  1. The Work NumberEmployment Verification Software 7.7Pricing on request
  2. ZincEmployment Verification Software 6.9Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • The Work Number — where it wins

    • Instant employment and income reports from employer and payroll data
    • 24/7 access with credentialed verifier and permissible-purpose controls
    • API workflows plus Workday, Encompass and lending integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Designed for domestic verification rather than international coverage
    • Access is limited to credentialed verifiers and permitted purposes
    • Contact-sales pricing may require procurement before evaluation

  • Zinc — where it wins

    • Automated requests, reminders, candidate submission, and progress tracking
    • Employment verification, background checks, and custom check packages
    • ATS, HRIS, Zapier, and open API integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Broader reference software rather than a dedicated employment-verification tool
    • No free plan for teams wanting a no-cost starting option
    • Larger hiring volumes may require a bespoke custom solution
  • The Work Number7.7/10 · Pricing on request

    A payroll-sourced verification service for instant domestic employment and income checks.

    Try The Work NumberFull verdict →
  • Zinc6.9/10 · Paid

    A broad reference and screening workflow for recruiters managing checks across hiring systems.

    Visit ZincFull verdict →

More comparisons

All employment verification software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update