Astra vs Solaris
A transparent comparison of a deployable core banking platform versus a Banking-as-a-Service API layer.
Core Banking Comparison
How Does Astra Compare to Solaris?
Solaris (solarisbank) is a German BaaS provider with a full banking licence, offering API-based banking infrastructure to fintechs. Astra is a deployable core banking platform you own and operate. Here is an honest, side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Astra | Solaris |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | ✓ Deployable core banking platform you own and operate | Banking-as-a-Service API layer; not a deployable platform |
| Banking Licence | Works with your existing EMI or banking licence | ✓ Full German banking licence (BaFin regulated) |
| European Regulatory Standing | ISO 27001 certified; supports 17 jurisdictions including EEA | ✓ BaFin-licensed; strong European regulatory footprint |
| Platform Ownership | ✓ You own the platform; licence-based with full source access | You rent API access; Solaris owns and operates the infrastructure |
| Deployment Flexibility | ✓ Private cloud, on-premise, or hybrid deployment | Cloud-hosted only; no self-hosting option |
| Source Access | ✓ Full source code under licence; unlimited customisation | API access only; underlying platform is fully proprietary |
| MNG Portal | ✓ Comprehensive management portal with real-time metrics and controls | API dashboard for developer integration management; limited operational depth |
| Client Portal | ✓ Full self-service client portal with branded interface | No standard client portal; frontend must be built by the integrating company |
| Ledger | ✓ Optimised double-entry ledger with full transaction history | Ledger maintained by Solaris infrastructure; not directly accessible |
| Transaction Management | ✓ 7 transaction types: Payin, Payout, Currency Conversion, Operational, Fees, Partner Bank Fees, and Reversals — with per-type action sets | Payment initiation via API; limited operational control for the integrator |
| Maker-Checker (4-Eyes) | ✓ Built-in 4-eyes approval on all critical operations | Approval workflows not part of BaaS offering; must be built by client |
| Account Management | ✓ Client, internal, partner bank, and designated accounts; participants, invitations, and account users hierarchy | Account opening via API; limited account type flexibility |
| Multi-Currency | ✓ Real-time FX rates, conversion settlement, multi-currency ledger | EUR-focused; limited multi-currency support |
| KYC / AML | Built-in KYC workflow integration with major providers | Integrated KYC/AML as part of BaaS licence obligations |
| SEPA / Cross-Border Payments | SEPA and cross-border via corridor services and integration corridors | Direct SEPA access as a licensed bank; strong European payment coverage |
| Bulk Processing | ✓ Batch and bulk transaction processing with rule-based workflows | Bulk payments via API; processing managed by Solaris infrastructure |
| Recurring Payments | ✓ Configurable recurring payment schedules with automated processing | Standing orders available via API |
| Invoice Generation | ✓ Built-in invoice generation and management | No invoice generation; must be built by integrating company |
| Service Fees | ✓ Fees, spreads, commissions, and partner bank fees all configurable | Revenue share model; fee configuration is limited by BaaS contract terms |
| Reports | ✓ 18 built-in report types with export options | API-level transaction data; reporting must be built by the client |
| Mobile Apps | Web-based management and client portals accessible from any device; responsive design for mobile access | No standard mobile app; frontend entirely client-built |
| Pricing Predictability | ✓ Flat licence-based pricing; costs do not scale with volume | Revenue share and per-transaction fees; cost scales with business growth |
| Prepaid Cards | Prepaid card management integrated into platform | Card issuing available as a BaaS service |
| Roles & Permissions | ✓ Granular roles and permissions with field-level controls | Basic API key and webhook management; no granular operational RBAC |
| System Logs & Notifications | ✓ Full system logs and configurable notification engine | Webhook notifications for API events; limited operational logging for clients |
| AI Chatbot | ✓ Integrated AI chatbot for operational support | No AI chatbot; not part of BaaS offering |
| Payment Processor Network | ✓ 12+ payment processors including MONEYNETINT, PAYSWIX, REVOLUT, FREEMARKET, CLEAR JUNCTION, OPENPAYD — supporting SEPA, SWIFT, and local corridors | BaaS model with built-in payment rails for SEPA, cards, and direct debits; limited processor choice |
| Compliance Screening | Built-in BRIDGER integration for real-time payment compliance checking | Solaris provides compliance screening as part of BaaS offering |
| Transaction Monitoring | Native ORION integration for real-time suspicious activity detection | Built-in transaction monitoring included in BaaS compliance layer |
| Admin Portal | ✓ Full admin portal: email/SMS templates, system templates, DB viewer, access control, bank settings, language mappings | Partner dashboard for managing products and viewing reports; limited admin-level controls |
| IBAN & SWIFT Validation | Built-in IBAN and SWIFT/BIC code validation | Validation included in Solaris payment processing pipeline |
The Astra Advantage
Why Choose Astra
Own Your Platform
With Astra, you own your banking infrastructure under a flat licence with full source access. With Solaris, you are permanently renting API access — every customer account, every transaction, lives on someone else's infrastructure.
Deploy Anywhere
Astra supports private cloud, on-premise, and hybrid deployment. Solaris is cloud-only by design. If your regulators or data residency requirements demand local hosting, Astra is the only choice.
Full Banking Operations
Astra includes a complete management portal, client portal, ledger, bulk processing, reports, maker-checker, and mobile apps out of the box. Solaris provides payment rails — you must build everything else yourself.
No Revenue Share
Solaris charges on a revenue share and per-transaction basis, meaning your infrastructure costs grow every time your business grows. Astra's licence-based pricing keeps costs predictable regardless of transaction volumes.
Ready to See Astra in Action?
Request a personalised demo and see how Astra compares to your current platform.