API Differences

The Payment APIs and Collection APIs currently use different protocols and authentication mechanisms. In most cases, you will need to integrate with both APIs, so this section discusses the high-level differences between them.

API Differences

Compare the main feature and technology differences between the Payment APIs and the Collection APIs.

Payment APIsCollection APIs
ProtocolSOAPREST
Usually used byMobile Network Operators
Money Transfer Organizations
Merchants
E-commerce use-cases
Bi-directional use-cases
Includes portal accessAccess reports in Portal- Access reports in Portal
- Initiate transactions in Portal
Supports funds disbursementsSync or AsyncAsync Only
Supports funds collectionsNoYes
Supports forex rates retrievalYesNo
Supports Webhooks (IPNS)YesYes
Supports retrieval of other objectsAccount Balance OnlyAccount Balances,
Contacts, Transactions, Currencies,
Networks, Banks, Events and others
Includes client librariesNoYes

What’s Next

Get an overview of the first set of APIs - the Payment APIs