Tracking DNA Will Lead The Way!
DNA is sometimes needed for the extreme brick wall cases. There are several DNA services nowadays that one can choose from, however the one we recommend is from ancestry.com. That doesn’t mean that’s your only option, however.
There are a variety of DNA services that allow you to search for DNA relatives. After taking a DNA test, you will be able to download your “DNA File” in the majority of these services. This is often not talked about, but this is very important. You will want to download your DNA file for safe keeping as doing so will also allow you to track your DNA relatives in other systems if ever needed (such as Gedmatch). In addition, there are even services available to check for potential health issues related to your DNA, your best diet based on DNA, etc if you choose to upload your DNA file to those web sites. Each has their own privacy policy and most claim to delete your dna file immediately. The bottom line is you need to get to your DNA file! Note: As of 2024, 23andme does NOT allow you to download your DNA file!
Some services offer easier integration among users. If we cannot get account access to the service you chose, we will ultimately need this DNA file to begin researching for you. More information below on some of the more common DNA services.
Ancestry DNA – Ancestry DNA is our preferred choice as they offer tools that assist with not only tracking DNA relatives but many users have also set up their own family trees. Ancestry DNA also offers ethnicity information and gives you a summarized “DNA story”. Integration is easy and we will be able to manage your DNA account to research without any issues at all, another reason why we recommend this service over the others. The cost is $99 normally but you can save 15% with our referral link. They also have specials throughout the year as well!
https://refer.ancestry.com/pearjas
23andme – While this service is getting better, it still lacks what ancestry offers. If you can get this test for a promotional cost, it might be worth it so you can take your DNA file to other services. Very few people on 23andMe have a family tree built and many users have no information filled out in their profile at all. The cost is $99 for this test and our referral link will get you 10% off.
https://refer.23andme.com/s/6m4r5
MyHeritage – Myheritage has a similar method of viewing DNA matches as Ancestry, however it is not as user friendly and doesn’t offer an easy way to map relatives currently. It is better to ultimately get the DNA test from another source and then upload your DNA file to this service if you want to use it (That’s what we typically do). Their DNA test is $89 and they offer promotions are various times of year.
https://www.myheritage.com/dna
FamilyTreeDNA – This site offers DNA testing but is most often used with very troublesome mysteries involving one line of the family. These tests are much more expensive and it is always recommended to start out with a traditional DNA test as the family line is usually clear when tracking DNA matches. Ancestry, for example, allows you to view your matches by which parent they match. FamilyTreeDNA has various tests at various prices
https://www.familytreedna.com/#productCards
There are other DNA testing services you will find, but these are the four you will likely read about the most right now. If you have any questions about this or want to get our help with anything, feel free to contact us.