ClearDebit vs Squarepay

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.

Squarepay is a web service for collecting recurring payments within a domestic scheme. It provides mandate management and API access, with a free plan and named transaction-based tiers. The No Commitment plan lists $1.32 per debit, $5.50 per dishonour, 2-day settlement, and a $2.20 one-off charge per customer. Plus lists $1.10 per debit, $4.40 per dishonour, 2-day settlement, and a $1.10 one-off customer charge. Premium lists $0.88 per debit, $3.30 per dishonour, 2-day settlement, and a $0.00 one-off customer charge. Enterprise pricing is for businesses processing more than $100K per month. Access is through the web, and the listed supported-country count is 1. Squarepay’s pricing model is freemium, with recurring payment frequency and domestic scheme coverage.