If you are shopping for a paternity test, you probably want to know the company behind it is legitimate. One of the fastest ways to check is through the Better Business Bureau. But most DNA testing companies either do not have BBB accreditation or do not have a BBB listing at all.
That is a problem if you are trying to decide who to trust with something this personal. BBB accreditation is not automatic. A company has to apply, meet specific standards, and agree to resolve complaints through the BBB process. It is a real commitment, and most companies in this space have not made it.
This article explains what BBB accreditation actually means, why it matters for DNA testing, how it differs from lab accreditation like AABB, and which companies have it.
What Is BBB Accreditation?
The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit organization that has been evaluating businesses since 1912. Any business can have a BBB listing, which includes basic information, a rating, and any consumer complaints. But accreditation is different from simply being listed.
To become BBB accredited, a company must apply and meet a set of standards that the BBB calls its Standards for Trust. These cover things like:
- Complaint history — how the business handles and resolves consumer complaints filed through the BBB.
- Transparency — whether the business is open about its practices, pricing, and policies.
- Business practices — advertising honestly, honoring commitments, and safeguarding customer privacy.
- Licensing and government actions — whether the business has any unresolved regulatory issues.
BBB ratings go from A+ (highest) to F (lowest). The rating reflects a combination of complaint history, time in business, how responsive the company is, and other factors. A company can have a BBB listing and a poor rating. Accreditation means the company has actively committed to the BBB's trust standards and been approved.
Think of it this way: a BBB listing is like a report card that anyone gets. Accreditation is more like a credential you have to earn and maintain.
Why BBB Accreditation Matters for DNA Testing
Paternity testing is not like buying a pair of shoes. The results can affect custody arrangements, child support, family relationships, and personal identity. There is a lot riding on getting it right.
You are sending DNA samples to a company and trusting them with sensitive biological material. So some basic questions matter. Is the company transparent about pricing? Will they actually deliver results when promised? If something goes wrong, is there a clear path to resolve it?
BBB accreditation addresses those questions. It means the company has agreed to resolve disputes through a neutral third party. It means they have been vetted for honest business practices. And it means there is a public record of their complaint history that you can check before you buy.
For something as sensitive as a paternity test, that layer of accountability matters. It does not tell you anything about the lab science, but it tells you a lot about the company you are doing business with.
BBB vs. AABB: Two Different Accreditations
People confuse these two all the time, so it is worth spelling out the difference clearly.
BBB accreditation and AABB accreditation are completely different things. They evaluate different aspects of a company, they are granted by different organizations, and having one does not mean you have the other.
BBB Accreditation (Business Practices)
The BBB evaluates how a company operates as a business. It looks at complaint handling, advertising practices, transparency, and whether the company follows through on its commitments to customers. BBB accreditation tells you the company is trustworthy and accountable in how it conducts business.
AABB Accreditation (Laboratory Standards)
AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) accredits laboratories for specific types of testing, including relationship testing like paternity. AABB accreditation means the lab follows strict protocols for sample handling, chain of custody, and testing procedures. It is primarily relevant for legal paternity tests that need to be admissible in court.
Why Both Matter for Different Reasons
A company can be BBB accredited without having AABB accreditation. A company can be AABB accredited without having BBB accreditation. They are not connected.
BBB tells you the business is trustworthy. AABB tells you the lab meets specific scientific and procedural standards for legal testing. For a peace-of-mind home paternity test, BBB accreditation gives you confidence in the company you are ordering from. For a legal test that will be submitted to a court, AABB accreditation is what matters on the lab side.
If you are comparing paternity testing companies, look at both. They answer different questions, and both are worth asking.
Which Paternity Test Companies Are BBB Accredited?
BBB accreditation is not common in the DNA testing industry. Here is what we know about some of the major providers.
US Diagnostics Center
US Diagnostics Center is BBB accredited with an A- rating. The accreditation has been active since March 2026. You can view the full BBB profile, including complaint history and company details, at US Diagnostics Center on BBB.org.
The company offers a Home Paternity Test Kit at $79 all-inclusive. That price covers the kit, lab analysis of up to 28 genetic markers, a prepaid return shipping envelope, and secure online results. There are no hidden lab fees or separate charges. Results are typically ready in 2 to 3 business days after the lab receives samples.
EasyDNA
EasyDNA is an international DNA testing company that has been in business for over a decade. For their current BBB rating and accreditation status, check their listing directly at bbb.org.
Pharmacy Store-Brand Kits (CVS Health, Walgreens)
Paternity test kits are available at major pharmacies under store brands like CVS Health and Walgreens. Their BBB accreditation status should be confirmed directly through bbb.org by searching for the parent company behind each kit.
PaternityUSA
PaternityUSA is an online DNA testing provider. For their current BBB status and rating, search for them directly at bbb.org.
Other Providers
There are dozens of paternity testing companies operating online. Most do not prominently display their BBB status, and many are not BBB accredited. If a company you are considering does not mention BBB accreditation, look them up yourself. It takes about 30 seconds.
How to Check a Company's BBB Status
Checking any company's BBB status is free and takes less than a minute.
- Go to bbb.org.
- Type the company name in the search bar.
- Look at the result. You will see the company's rating (A+ through F) and whether they are BBB accredited.
- Click into the profile for details: complaint history, time in business, customer reviews, and any government actions.
A few things to look for:
- "BBB Accredited Business" badge — this means they applied and were approved. Not just listed.
- Complaint volume and resolution — every business gets complaints. What matters is how they handle them. Look at whether complaints were resolved and how long it took.
- Time in business — newer companies have less BBB history, but that does not automatically mean they are less trustworthy.
- Rating vs. accreditation — a company can have a high rating without being accredited, or be accredited with a lower rating. They are related but separate.
Do this for any paternity testing company you are considering. It costs nothing, takes a minute, and tells you a lot about how the company treats its customers.
What to Look for Beyond BBB
BBB accreditation is a good trust signal, but it is not the only thing that matters when choosing a paternity test provider. A few other things are worth checking.
Pricing Transparency
Some companies advertise a low price for the kit but charge a separate lab fee that doubles the total cost. Look for all-inclusive pricing where the number you see is the number you pay. The complete paternity test cost guide breaks down how pricing works across the industry.
Genetic Marker Count
The industry standard is 20 or more genetic markers. More markers mean stronger statistical confidence in the result, especially when the mother's sample is not included. Some providers test the minimum of 20. Others, like US Diagnostics Center, test up to 28. The article on home paternity test accuracy explains why marker count matters.
Turnaround Time
Most labs process results within 2 to 5 business days after receiving samples. The total timeline from ordering to getting results also depends on shipping speed. Ask about both lab processing time and total timeline before you order.
Customer Support
Paternity testing can be stressful. You may have questions about how to collect samples, when results will be ready, or what your results mean. Responsive customer support makes a real difference when you are dealing with something this personal.
Legal Test Options
If you think you might need results for a court proceeding, make sure the company offers a legal testing option with proper chain of custody. Peace-of-mind home tests and legal tests serve different purposes. The home vs. legal paternity test comparison covers the differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BBB accredited mean for a paternity testing company?
It means the company applied to the Better Business Bureau, met its Standards for Trust, and agreed to resolve consumer complaints through the BBB process. It is a signal that the business operates transparently and handles customer issues responsibly. It does not evaluate the lab science itself — that is what AABB accreditation covers.
Is US Diagnostics Center BBB accredited?
Yes. US Diagnostics Center is BBB accredited with an A- rating. The accreditation has been active since March 2026. You can view the full profile at bbb.org.
Is BBB accreditation the same as AABB accreditation?
No. They are completely different. BBB accreditation evaluates a company's business practices: complaint handling, transparency, and customer accountability. AABB accreditation evaluates a laboratory's testing standards: sample handling, chain of custody, and procedural compliance. A company can have one without the other. Both are worth looking into, but they answer different questions.
Do most paternity testing companies have BBB accreditation?
No. Most DNA testing companies are not BBB accredited. Some have BBB listings but have not applied for accreditation. Others have no BBB presence at all. If BBB accreditation matters to you, search for the company at bbb.org before ordering.
Can I trust a paternity test company that is not BBB accredited?
BBB accreditation is one indicator of trustworthiness, but it is not the only one. A company without BBB accreditation might still deliver accurate results and good service. Look at the full picture: pricing transparency, marker count, turnaround time, customer reviews from multiple sources, and whether the company is responsive when you contact them. That said, BBB accreditation does provide an added layer of accountability that is hard to replicate otherwise.
How much does a BBB accredited paternity test cost?
US Diagnostics Center, which is BBB accredited with an A- rating, offers its Home Paternity Test Kit at $79 all-inclusive. That covers the collection kit, lab analysis of up to 28 genetic markers, a prepaid return shipping envelope, and secure online results. No separate lab fees or hidden charges.
Related Reading
- Are Home Paternity Tests Accurate? What the Science Says
- How Much Does a Paternity Test Cost in 2026? Complete Pricing Guide
- Home DNA Paternity Test Kit Reviews: Comparing the Top Options in 2026
- Home Paternity Test vs. Legal Paternity Test: What Is the Difference?
- Court-Ordered Paternity Test: Process, Cost, Timeline, and What to Expect
- How DNA Testing Works: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
This article is part of our Paternity Testing: The Complete Guide guide.
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