Best Free Sanctions Screening Tools 2026
The honest 2026 shortlist of free sanctions screening options.
TL;DR
TL;DR: Free screening exists at three levels: the raw OFAC SDN list (free, you build the integration), free API tiers (SanctionsAI: 5 checks/day), and manual checkers. Free is a start — production needs automation.
The honest list
| Option | Free limit | Automation |
|---|---|---|
| OFAC SDN list (official) | Unlimited (raw data) | You build it |
| SanctionsAI (this site) | 5 checks/day | Yes — API/MCP/CLI |
| Manual checkers | Unlimited (manual) | No — human pastes addresses |
How to choose
For a one-off check, any checker works. For an agent that pays at 3 AM, you need the API tier — 5 free checks/day covers pilots; production starts at $19/mo.
Methodology
Methodology
Scoring dimensions: screening scope, agent-path support (HTTP/MCP/CLI), latency, pricing model, and self-hosting. Each score level: Low = not documented or limited, Medium = partial, High = strong and documented. Not scored: certifications we cannot verify, private-beta features, and internal policies. Re-evaluated quarterly; next review 2026-11.