Comparison
More than just screening — a full compliance platform
Sanction Scanner focuses on screening. CirclesCheck gives you screening plus KYC verification, biometrics, transaction monitoring, case management, and audit trails in one platform.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | CirclesCheck | Sanction Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctions/PEP Screening | 250+ lists, 11M+ PEPs | 3,000+ lists |
| Screening Speed | <200ms API response | Sub-second |
| KYC Document Verification | All ID types | Not included |
| Biometric / Liveness | Advanced | Not available |
| Transaction Monitoring | Real-time included | Not available |
| Case Management | Built-in | Not included |
| SAR/STR Generation | Templates included | Manual only |
| Audit Trail | Complete | Basic logging |
| List Update Frequency | Real-time | Every 15 minutes |
| Batch Processing | Fast, scalable | Slow for large batches |
| API Quality | Modern REST API | Good API |
| Platform Scope | Complete compliance | Screening only |
| Workflow Automation | Built-in rules engine | Enterprise add-on |
| CTR/SAR Filing | Included | Not available |
| Audit Readiness Score | Built-in (A+ to F) | Not available |
| Risk Questionnaires | Self-service CDD | Not available |
| Data Import/Migration | 30-minute switch | Manual only |
Why Choose CirclesCheck Over Sanction Scanner
Complete Platform
Not just screening — add KYC verification, document checks, biometrics, transaction monitoring, and case management in one system.
Built-In Compliance
Case management, SAR/STR templates, and audit trails. Sanction Scanner screens but doesn't help manage cases or regulatory reporting.
Better Batch Processing
Fast, scalable batch operations for bulk screening. Sanction Scanner UI slows down with large datasets.
One Vendor Solution
All compliance needs from one platform. Sanction Scanner requires stitching in third-party tools for KYC, biometrics, and case management.
Detailed Breakdown
Feature Scope
- CirclesCheck: Full AML/KYC compliance platform
- Sanction Scanner: Screening-only tool
- Screening: Both excel (3,000+ vs 250+ lists)
- Beyond screening: CirclesCheck complete, Sanction Scanner empty
Integration & Workflow
- CirclesCheck: End-to-end workflow in one platform
- Sanction Scanner: Need external case management
- Case management: Built-in vs manual spreadsheets
- Audit trail: Comprehensive in CirclesCheck
Team Efficiency
- CirclesCheck: Compliance team works in one platform
- Sanction Scanner: Teams switch between tools
- Single source of truth vs duplicated data
- Built-in templates vs manual compilation
Data Coverage
- Sanction Scanner: 3,000+ lists (more comprehensive)
- CirclesCheck: 250+ lists (curated, lower false positives)
- CirclesCheck real-time vs 15-minute update cycles
- More lists doesn't mean better compliance
Total Cost of Ownership
- CirclesCheck: Single platform cost (all-inclusive)
- Sanction Scanner: Screening + external KYC/case tools
- Full compliance: CirclesCheck less expensive overall
- Lower operational costs (fewer integrations)
Best Use Case
- CirclesCheck: Full AML/KYC compliance needs
- Sanction Scanner: Existing KYC needing screening upgrade
- Banks/Fintechs: CirclesCheck (full compliance)
- Startups/SMBs: CirclesCheck easier to implement
This comparison is based on publicly available information as of February 2026. Features and pricing are subject to change. Sanction Scanner is an independent compliance tool. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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