Front2Bax vs London & Zurich Direct Debit

Front2Bax is self-hosted Windows software for organisations transmitting electronic transactions to Bacs. It supports Bacs Direct Debit collections and Direct Credit payments, including employee salaries and supplier payments. The software can process AUDDIS Direct Debit Instructions and generate them automatically when needed. Input can come from ASCII accounting files, Excel or simple text files, with tailored schemas for payroll systems or Excel. Installed directly on customer systems, it keeps payment data within the customer’s IT environment according to its maker. Supported systems include Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit recommended, or equivalent Windows Server versions. Microsoft SQL Server 2014 or later is required, with SQL Server 2019 Express recommended, and broadband is needed for Bacs transmissions. Users must hold their own Service User Number. The maker states there is no limit on copies, clients, transactions or users. Email and telephone support is included throughout the year. Standard Bacs User costs £650 a year; Bacs Bureau User costs £1,200 a year, both with no transaction fees.

London & Zurich Direct Debit provides collection services and administration software for businesses. It supports regular, recurring, and one-off payments after customers authorise Direct Debit collection. The DDMS portal handles mandate creation, Bacs submission, compliance, reporting, failed payments, reconciliation, accounting, and scheduling. Businesses can use their own Service User Number or operate under London & Zurich’s; the company says it can obtain one through its sponsor bank for organisations without a SUN. Integration options include a RESTful API, accounting connections, a test environment, developer documentation, and specialist integration support. API access is included within a solution, with costs depending on integration needs and setup. The service can be white labelled so bank statements show the customer business’s name. London & Zurich describes AWS hosting, UK-based servers, multi-factor authentication, 24/7 monitoring, Cyber Essentials Plus, FCA authorisation, and Bacs Approved Bureau status. Pricing is on request, with Business, Foundation, and Enterprise/Reseller options.