Connection types
COMMITLY offers several technically established and secure connection types:
PSD2 / FinTS via BANKSapi (Germany)
PSD2 / FinTS via finAPI (several European countries)
EBICS (for companies with the Enterprise Edition)
All methods provide legally regulated, data-protection-compliant access to bank data.
Under ACCOUNT SETUP > My Bank Accounts, select the menu item “Add new bank”.
An overview of the available technical connection types then opens.
When to use which connection?
BANKSapi (Germany): Recommended if you already use finAPI for other services. This avoids repeated TAN requests from the bank.
finAPI (EU-wide): Ideal if accounts outside Germany also need to be connected.
EBICS: Ideal for business customers who need a permanent connection that is not tied to a person.
Which connection fits best depends on the company's headquarters, bank connections and, if applicable, existing finAPI access.
PSD2 / FinTS via finAPI in COMMITLY
The connection via PSD2 / FinTS runs through our technical partner finAPI.
What is PSD2 / FinTS?
PSD2 is an EU directive that regulates how third-party providers (such as COMMITLY) may access bank accounts. It ensures uniform security and access requirements across Europe.
FinTS (Financial Transaction Services) is an established German standard for electronic bank access that many banks continue to support.
How does the connection work?
COMMITLY connects to the selected bank account via finAPI.
After you enter your online banking credentials, authentication takes place using the bank's procedure (e.g. with a TAN).
The connection provides read-only access to account balances and transactions.
For security reasons, renewed consent (e.g. TAN entry) is required every 90 to 180 days.
If needed, the connection can be renewed via "Update credentials".
This type of connection is included by default in all COMMITLY editions and is particularly suitable for users who work with personally linked online banking access in several European countries.
PSD2 / FinTS via BANKSapi in COMMITLY
The connection via PSD2 / FinTS is also possible in COMMITLY through BANKSapi.
What is BANKSapi?
BANKSapi is a technical service provider from Germany that also offers a PSD2-compliant connection to bank accounts. It is similar to finAPI but focused specifically on the German market.
How does the connection work?
After you select BANKSapi, your German bank account is connected through a secure interface.
Here too, authentication takes place using your bank's credentials and a TAN entry.
Renewed consent is required every 90 to 180 days.
If you already use finAPI for other services, we recommend BANKSapi for COMMITLY. This prevents the bank from asking for TAN consent multiple times for the same access.
This connection is included in all COMMITLY editions and is particularly useful for customers with purely German bank connections.
EBICS in COMMITLY
What is EBICS?
EBICS stands for Electronic Banking Internet Communication Standard and is a communication standard, established across Europe, for exchanging bank data in the corporate banking segment.
How does EBICS work?
Access is requested directly from the bank (e.g. with host name, customer ID, participant ID).
COMMITLY generates an INI letter that is sent to the bank.
Once activated, the connection stays permanently active, without a TAN or manual approvals.
EBICS is not tied to a person, which is especially helpful when team members with access change.
This connection is included from the Enterprise Edition.
Security and data protection
The following principles apply regardless of the connection method used:
All connections are encrypted and secure
All service providers used meet the necessary legal requirements as account information service providers or payment initiation service providers and are supervised by the relevant financial market authorities.
The application meets all requirements of the GDPR and the PSD2 directive
Technical differences at a glance:
| EBICS | PSD2/FinTS |
Tied to a person | No | Yes |
TAN required | No | Yes, every 90-180 days |
Permanently active connection | Yes | No, regular consent required |
Use in COMMITLY | Included from the Enterprise Edition | Available by default |
Both connection types meet the regulatory requirements and are technically established. Which variant is better suited for your company depends on individual requirements (e.g. team structure, bank access, convenience).