Front2Bax vs Squarepay

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.

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.