Enable Banking vs Synci
Choose Enable Banking when you want to build around a direct open-banking API. Choose Synci when you want managed bank connections with ready-made destinations, or a Synci API over those managed connections. For Actual Budget, the two routes also have different setup requirements.
By Synci · Last verified
Direct integration or managed destinations
| Decision | Enable Banking | Synci |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Provider application and API integration | Managed bank connection in Synci |
| Application control | Build your own product around provider APIs | Configure Synci, or build on its API |
| Actual Budget | Experimental native integration with application credentials | Actual’s SimpleFIN integration with a Synci setup token |
| AI assistants | Create the downstream AI integration you need | Read-only MCP access and assistant setup guides |
| Transaction cleanup | Your application’s processing | Bank-account rules and optional enrichment |
| Coverage | Check Enable Banking’s integrations | Check Synci’s live institution directory |
Sources: Enable Banking: API reference · Actual Budget: Enable Banking setup
When Enable Banking is the better option
A direct API is a good fit when the bank integration is a core part of your application. You can design the surrounding authentication experience, data model, and workflows yourself. If you already have that implementation, a managed layer may add work you do not need.
For Actual Budget, its Enable Banking integration is an option if you are comfortable configuring an application and credentials and accepting its documented experimental status.
Sources: Actual Budget: Enable Banking setup
When Synci is the better option
Synci is a practical fit when you want the result of a bank connection: accounts and transactions available in a budget, spreadsheet, or assistant. You authorize your bank, select accounts, and follow the setup for each destination.
Synci has its own provider relationships, including GoCardless. It is not a claim of equivalent Enable Banking coverage, and this page does not describe Enable Banking as a Synci upstream provider. Compare your exact banks before deciding.
Using Actual Budget? Compare the setup itself
The meaningful difference is a provider application and credential file versus a Synci-generated SimpleFIN token. Both routes still require bank authorization, an Actual server, and correct account mapping. Neither turns bank data into a guaranteed live feed.
Questions and answers
- Can I keep Enable Banking if it already works?
- Yes. There is no need to change a working setup simply because another route exists. Evaluate whether Synci’s destinations, rules, or connection management add something you need.
- Which has better bank coverage?
- That depends on the country, exact bank entity, account type, and data product. Check each service’s current coverage; a single provider-wide ranking would hide those differences.
Sources and verification
Checked on 23 September 2026. Provider details can change; follow the linked documentation for current setup requirements. This guide is published by Synci.
Put your bank data to use.
Check your bank, connect the accounts you need, and choose where to use them.