Side by side
First ACH API vs OpenACH
Both stand on ach payment processing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose First ACH API if you need ACH payments connected to an existing system, with transaction updates in your own interface and support for recurring payments. The 30-day trial provides time to process payments, but processed-payment fees still apply. Businesses needing custom work should expect a custom proposal.
Visit First ACH APIChoose OpenACH if you need ACH processing with a bring-your-own-bank setup and want an API, NACHA libraries or self-hosted deployment. Organizations distributing it with products without GPL source distribution should consider the separate commercial license.
Visit OpenACHThe facts
| First ACH API | OpenACH | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Not published | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | firstach.com | openach.com |
| On ach payment processing software | #4 of 21 | #1 of 21 |
First ACH API: what it does well
- Processes transactions submitted from a business’s own account database.
- Provides transaction updates for monitoring in the business’s system.
- Supports recurring ACH payments and ACH credits.
- Offers a 30-day processing trial.
- Technical support is free by phone and email.
What to know first
- A live Internet connection is required to begin integration.
- Fees still apply to payments processed during the trial.
- Custom integration, programming, and customization require a proposal.
OpenACH: what it does well
- Open-source software is available under GPL v3.0.
- Supports recurring ACH payments and ACH credits.
- REST/JSON API connects business software to ACH processing.
- NACHA libraries convert data into NACHA files.
- Can be installed from a Docker image or source.
What to know first
- Free GPL plan requires open-source applications distributed under GPL v3.0.
- Distributors that do not distribute GPL source need a separate commercial license.
- Docker setup requires protecting the configuration file containing the encryption key.
Alternatives to First ACH API Alternatives to OpenACH The whole list