ClearDebit

ClearDebit is a Bacs Direct Debit service combining Mosaic software, Bureau integrations and training. It suits organisations that already hold a Service User Number (SUN) and have staff to run collections themselves. Its strongest case is controlled, auditable in-house processing; custom pricing and the SUN requirement rule out casual or newly eligible users.

Overview

Founded in 1993 and based in London, ClearDebit provides Direct Debit processing for one-off, regular and variable payments. Mosaic Submit focuses on sending files to Bacs and returning results, while Mosaic Managed covers more of the operating cycle. The service is domestic and supports both payment frequencies, with mandate management and a hosted payment page.

ClearDebit cannot currently support a business without a SUN. For organisations with a bank-sponsored SUN, it says its Bureau and software impose no limit on the number or value of Direct Debits processed. That removes a significant scaling concern, but eligibility must be settled before the service is considered.

Key features

Mosaic processing and controls

Mosaic Submit sends Direct Debit files to Bacs, returns reporting and keeps a full audit trail. It is the sensible fit when a finance team already manages mandates and collection activity but wants a dedicated submission and reporting layer.

Mosaic Managed supports the wider Direct Debit cycle, including advance-notice letters and transaction codes before Bacs processing. This is more appropriate for teams that want those preparatory steps inside one system, although ClearDebit still positions Mosaic for businesses with internal resources rather than as a fully outsourced operation.

Mosaic provides payer and payment details, customer and Bacs reports, historic data and automatically applied Bacs messages. Users can control payment timing and manage changes in the software. Those records and controls are useful for recurring operational oversight and audit work.

Bureau and integrations

ClearDebit Bureau integrations can upload Bacs files and retrieve reports through either SFTP or an API. It says Mosaic is integrated with a range of membership CRMs, but no products are named, so prospective buyers should confirm compatibility with their existing CRM. The software supports collections flowing directly to the business's bank account; ClearDebit says it does not hold funds for in-house software users.

Compliance and protection

ClearDebit says its Bureau, Mosaic software and training are Bacs Approved, and that its Bureau and software follow data-protection rules set by the FCA and Bacs. Customers remain covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee. These statements provide a relevant compliance foundation, but the business still owns the responsibilities associated with operating its SUN and collection processes.

Pricing

ClearDebit uses paid, custom pricing: request a quote for the service that matches your processing and integration needs. There is no published free plan, trial, seat allowance or subscription term to compare. That approach may suit organisations needing Bureau, API or software arrangements tailored to their operation, but it makes budget comparison harder than with transaction-priced alternatives.

Platforms

ClearDebit is offered through web software and an API. Bureau integrations can also use SFTP for file exchange. This combination fits finance teams working in a browser and technical teams connecting an existing system, while businesses seeking a named native mobile application should look elsewhere.

Who it's for

ClearDebit is aimed at businesses with a SUN, internal staff and a need to submit or manage Bacs Direct Debits in-house. Mosaic Submit fits a focused file-and-report workflow; Mosaic Managed is better when advance notices, transaction codes and broader cycle administration belong in the same process. The service is not suitable for a business that lacks a SUN, and it is less compelling for organisations wanting a provider to assume all operational duties.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Choice of operating depth: Submit handles file submission and reporting, while Managed covers more of the cycle.
• Strong audit and reporting coverage: full audit trails, historic data, payer details and Bacs messages support ongoing reconciliation.
• Flexible connectivity: API and SFTP options accommodate Bureau integrations and existing systems.
• No stated volume or value ceiling: businesses with a bank-sponsored SUN can process any number or value of Direct Debits according to ClearDebit.
• Funds go directly to the business: in-house software users do not have collections held by ClearDebit.

Cons

• SUN is mandatory: businesses without one cannot use the service.
• Custom pricing only: buyers cannot assess cost from a public rate card or trial.
• CRM integrations are unnamed: compatibility requires confirmation before purchase.
• In-house capability remains necessary: the product is designed for organisations with staff to run Direct Debit operations.

Alternatives

Paystack is worth considering when Nigeria-focused online payments, Android or iOS access and a free plan matter; its listed local transaction pricing is 1.5% plus NGN 100, with that NGN 100 waived below NGN 2,500.

Razorpay e-Mandate is an alternative paid service with Android, iOS, web and API platforms.

Powens suits buyers wanting a free trial and custom API plans, with enterprise dedicated hosting and support.

Rotessa is the clearer choice for published transaction pricing: its 251–1000 tier charges $0.35 per transaction, with no free plan or trial.

Debit Success offers paid API and web access.

GoCardless Bank Account Data is another paid API and web option.

IBANC pay-collect-control fits buyers wanting a free trial and a one-time IBANC Standard plan at 279.00 EUR, including one bank account and batches of up to 1,000 transactions.

SlimPay is a paid Android, iOS, web and API alternative with pricing supplied by contacting SlimPay.

See the Direct Debit Processing Software category for more options.

Verdict

Choose ClearDebit if your business already has a SUN, internal Direct Debit expertise and a need for auditable Bacs submission or broader cycle management without stated volume limits. Look elsewhere if you lack a SUN, need transparent pricing or want a provider to take over the operational workload rather than support an in-house team.