Front2Bax vs Rotessa

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.

Rotessa schedules one-time and recurring payments taken directly from customers’ bank accounts. Businesses can add customers individually, import a CSV, or bring records in through accounting software, then obtain authorization and set the amount, frequency, and date. Its listed industries include property management, financial services, schools and childcare, health services, professional services, and nonprofits. Accounts include API access, CSV imports, an authorization tool, payment schedules, settlement reports, and multiple users with permissions. QuickBooks Online and Xero integrations can import customers and outstanding invoices, initiate withdrawals based on due dates, and report settlements while marking invoices paid. Zapier supports customized workflows connecting Rotessa with over 1,000 apps. Pricing starts at $17/mo for 1–10 transactions; listed monthly tiers are $39 for 11–50, $65 for 51–100, and $94 for 101–250. From 251 to 1,000 transactions, the listed rate is 35¢ per transaction; higher-volume pricing is custom. Rotessa launched in 2010 and is based in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.