By SanctionsAI team · Updated 2026-08-09
Best sanctions screening for startups
Startups need sanctions screening that is affordable, easy to integrate, and has no minimum volume requirements. This guide covers the best options for early-stage companies.
Startup sanctions screening comparison
| Tool | Pricing model | Minimum | Integration | Best for |
|---|
| SanctionsAI | Per-check ($0.001-$0.10) | None | REST API, 5 minutes | Startups with any payment flow |
| SumSub | Per-verification ($1-$5) | Low | API + SDK | KYC + sanctions bundle |
| ComplyAdvantage | Annual ($10K+) | $$ | API | Funded startups |
| Refinitiv World-Check | Annual ($25K+) | $$$ | Enterprise integration | Not suitable for pre-Series A |
| Free OFAC list download | Free | None | Manual scripting | Prototypes only |
Why startups should not use free OFAC list downloads
The OFAC SDN list is freely downloadable. Startups sometimes build their own screening using this data. This approach has critical problems: (1) no fuzzy matching (typos and aliases are missed), (2) no crypto address coverage, (3) no update guarantee, (4) no audit trail, (5) no compliance documentation for regulators or enterprise customers.
Best choice for startups: SanctionsAI offers per-check pricing with no minimum. A startup processing 1,000 checks/month pays under $100. The API integrates in minutes and includes a full audit trail. Start at /docs.
Screen your agent's next payment
Check any wallet, name, or entity against OFAC, EU, UN sanctions lists in real time.
Free wallet checkerFrequently Asked Questions
- What is the cheapest OFAC screening option?
- SanctionsAI offers per-check pricing from $0.001/check with no minimum. A startup processing 1,000 checks/month pays under $100. This is the cheapest production-grade option.
- Can I download the OFAC list for free?
- Yes, the OFAC SDN list is freely downloadable from the Treasury website. But building production screening on it is risky: no fuzzy matching, no crypto addresses, no audit trail, no compliance documentation.
- How much does sanctions screening cost for a startup?
- With SanctionsAI, under $100/month for a typical startup processing ~1,000 checks. Enterprise tools (ComplyAdvantage, Refinitiv) start at $10,000-$25,000/year, unsuitable for pre-Series A startups.
- Do pre-revenue startups need sanctions screening?
- If you process any payments or onboard any customers, you need OFAC compliance. Pre-revenue startups building payment features should integrate screening during development. SanctionsAI's free tier supports development and testing.
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