ClearDebit vs Paystack
ClearDebit
cleardebit.comPaystack
paystack.comSide by side
| Figure | ClearDebit | Paystack |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | 1 NGN/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 10 |
| Spec score · Direct Debit Processing Software | 7.6 (#9) | 8.8 (#1) |
| API | ClearDebit Bureau integrations can use either SFTP or an API to upload Bacs files and retrieve reports. | The public API is RESTful and JSON-based, uses HTTPS, and provides separate test and live keys. |
| Headquarters | 107 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6DN, UK | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Integrations | ClearDebit says it is integrated with a range of membership CRMs, but the page does not name them. | Paystack advertises more than 50 integrations spanning ecommerce, accounting, invoicing and CRM platforms. |
| Reporting | Mosaic users can view payer and payment details, customer and Bacs reports, historic data, and automatically applied Bacs messages in the software. | The dashboard provides reporting, alerts, exports, transaction reports, customer search, and customer purchase insights. |
| Security | ClearDebit says its Bacs Approved Bureau and software follow data protection rules and regulations set out by the FCA and Bacs. | Paystack states it is PCI DSS Level 1 certified and ISO 27001:2022 certified. |
| Support | ClearDebit lists support by email at [email protected] and provides separate software support contact details. | Paystack says its Customer Success team is available around the clock. |
| What it does | ClearDebit provides services and software for businesses to process Direct Debits with Bacs. | Paystack is a payment service provider for African businesses supporting online and in-person payments. |
| Who it serves | Mosaic software is presented for businesses with internal resources to submit Direct Debits and for businesses that want to manage them in-house. | Paystack describes its customers as businesses ranging from startups and entrepreneurs to large corporations and global brands operating in or serving Africa. |
Plans
Paystack
- AccountFree
- Paystack transaction pricing (Nigeria)Free
- Dedicated virtual accounts1 NGN a month
- Nigeria local transactions1.51 NGN a month
- Nigeria international transactions3.91 NGN a month
- Nigeria transfers up to NGN 5,00010 NGN a month
- Nigeria transfers NGN 5,001–50,00025 NGN a month
- Nigeria transfers above NGN 50,00050 NGN a month
- Test SmartPeak P1000 terminal85,000 NGN, paid once
- Live SmartPeak P1000 terminal100,000 NGN, paid once
In their own words
ClearDebit
ClearDebit provides Direct Debit processing services, software, and training for businesses collecting payments through Bacs. Its Mosaic options address different levels of involvement: Mosaic Submit sends files to Bacs and returns reports with an audit trail, while Mosaic Managed supports the wider Direct Debit cycle, including advance notice letters and transaction codes before processing. Businesses can collect one-off, regular, or variable payments and manage payment timing and changes in the software. Mosaic reporting includes payer and payment details, customer and Bacs reports, historical data, and automatically applied Bacs messages. ClearDebit says its Bureau, Mosaic software, and training are Bacs Approved, and that its Bureau and software follow data-protection rules set out by the FCA and Bacs. For in-house software users, processed collections go directly to the business’s bank account; ClearDebit says it does not hold funds. Bureau integrations can use SFTP or an API to submit files and retrieve reports. The service requires a Service User Number (SUN), and ClearDebit says it cannot support businesses without one. Pricing is on request.
Paystack
Paystack helps businesses in Africa accept online and in-person payments from customers around the world. Listed channels include cards, bank accounts and transfers, USSD, POS, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa QR, and mobile money. Its APIs support one-time and recurring payments through an app or website, instant transfers, and customer identity verification. The dashboard provides reporting, alerts, exports, transaction reports, customer search, and purchase insights. Listed integrations include WooCommerce, Shopify, Chargebee, Zapier, Wix, and Xero; developer materials include an API and SDKs for Android, iOS, and Flutter. Paystack says its automated and manual fraud systems help protect against fraudulent transactions and related chargeback claims. It states that it is PCI DSS Level 1, ISO 27001:2022, and ISO 27701 certified. The pricing page lists no subscription, integration, or maintenance fee, but transaction fees apply. In Nigeria, local transactions cost 1.5% plus NGN 100; that NGN 100 is waived under NGN 2,500, with local fees capped at NGN 2,000. Automatic settlement is free and generally reaches the merchant's bank account the next working day.