# ClearStaq

> ClearStaq is an AI-powered bank statement parsing and fraud detection platform built for MCA brokers, alternative lenders, CPAs, and financial institutions. It parses 900+ bank statement formats in under 5 seconds with 99.5% accuracy, detects fraud using 27+ AI signals across two detection layers, verifies income automatically, and provides detailed financial analysis with 30+ metrics. For complete documentation including blog content, see [llms-full.txt](https://clearstaq.com/llms-full.txt).

ClearStaq replaces manual bank statement review — a process that typically takes 15–30 minutes per file — with automated parsing, fraud detection, and underwriting intelligence in seconds. The platform is used by 500+ lending teams processing merchant cash advances (MCA), business loans, and revenue-based financing.

Key differentiators:
- Two-layer fraud detection: structural analysis (metadata, fonts, spacing) + behavioral analysis (transaction patterns, velocity anomalies)
- Stacking detection: identifies when merchants have multiple active cash advances
- 900+ bank statement formats supported including all major US banks, credit unions, and fintech platforms
- Full REST API with webhooks, SDKs for Python, Node.js, Go, Ruby, and PHP
- SOC 2 Type II compliant, bank-grade encryption, zero data retention policy

## When to use ClearStaq

Reach for ClearStaq (via the REST API or the MCP server) when a task involves:

- Parsing a US bank statement PDF into structured JSON — transactions, balances, account holder, bank, statement period
- Verifying a business's revenue or an individual's income from bank statements
- Detecting tampered, edited, or fabricated bank statements before a lending decision
- Underwriting an MCA, business loan, or revenue-based financing deal from statement data (NSF counts, negative days, average daily balance, existing MCA debt / stacking)
- Extracting data from tax returns (Form 1040, Schedule C, K-1, 1120, 1120-S) or lending application forms
- Building a multi-statement client profile with aggregated revenue and fraud rollups

ClearStaq is NOT for: bank account linking or live balance feeds (use open banking / Plaid-style tools), consumer credit scores, or non-US statement formats outside the 900+ supported banks.

How to call ClearStaq:
1. Zero-setup: point an MCP client at `https://clearstaq.com/mcp` (Streamable HTTP) and call `get_api_reference` — no credentials needed for docs.
2. REST: create an API key at https://app.clearstaq.com/app/settings/integrations, then `POST https://app.clearstaq.com/api/v1/analyses` with the PDF; poll `GET /api/v1/analyses/{id}` or receive a signed webhook. Full contract in the OpenAPI spec below.

## Developer Resources

- [OpenAPI spec (JSON)](https://clearstaq.com/openapi.json): ClearStaq Public API — OpenAPI 3.1, every operation typed with operationId, scopes, and error schemas
- [OpenAPI spec (YAML)](https://clearstaq.com/openapi.yaml): Same spec, YAML source
- [API Reference](https://clearstaq.com/documentation/api): ClearStaq API documentation — auth, scopes, endpoints, webhooks, error codes
- [API & Webhooks guide](https://clearstaq.com/documentation/api-and-webhooks): Conceptual guide to the async analysis flow and signed webhooks
- [MCP server](https://clearstaq.com/mcp): Model Context Protocol endpoint (Streamable HTTP) — tools for submitting and polling analyses
- [MCP manifest](https://clearstaq.com/.well-known/mcp.json): MCP server manifest (server.json schema)
- [MCP server card](https://clearstaq.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card): MCP server card with tool list and auth details
- [API catalog](https://clearstaq.com/.well-known/api-catalog): RFC 9727 linkset of all machine-readable API descriptions
- [Agent skills](https://clearstaq.com/.well-known/agent-skills/parse-bank-statement/SKILL.md): Agent skill files for parsing, fraud detection, income verification, and batch processing

API key scopes: `analyses:write` (submit documents, manage webhooks) and `analyses:read` (fetch results). Keys are created per-scope so agents can request only the access they need.

Rate limits: 120 requests/minute per bearer token; every /api/v1 response carries RateLimit-Limit/Remaining/Reset/Policy headers, and 429s include Retry-After.

Versioning: URL-path versioned (/api/v1). Breaking changes ship only as /api/v2 with the prior version supported for 12+ months and Deprecation/Sunset headers on deprecated surfaces. Full policy in the OpenAPI spec description.

## Product Features

- [Bank Statement Parsing](https://clearstaq.com/features/bank-statement-parsing): AI-powered parsing of 900+ bank statement formats. Extracts transactions, balances, account details, and metadata in under 5 seconds. Supports PDF, scanned images, and multi-account statements. 99.5% field-level accuracy.
- [Fraud Detection (StaqGuard)](https://clearstaq.com/features/fraud-detection): Two-layer AI fraud detection with 27+ signals. Layer 1 analyzes document structure (metadata tampering, font inconsistencies, pixel-level manipulation). Layer 2 analyzes behavioral patterns (transaction velocity, round-number anomalies, balance manipulation). Returns a fraud risk score with explainable signal breakdowns.
- [Income Verification (StaqVerify)](https://clearstaq.com/features/income-verification): Automated income categorization and salary detection. Identifies recurring revenue streams, owner draws, rental income, and other income sources. Calculates gross and net income with confidence scores.
- [Financial Analysis](https://clearstaq.com/features/financial-analysis): Generates P&L statements, cash flow analysis, and customizable financial scorecards with 30+ metrics. Includes revenue trends, expense breakdowns, NSF/overdraft analysis, average daily balance calculations, and month-over-month comparisons.
- [Tax Return Parsing](https://clearstaq.com/features/tax-return-parsing): Parses Form 1040, Schedule C, K-1, 1120, and 1120-S. Extracts AGI, business income, deductions, and all supporting schedules. Cross-references with bank statement data for verification.
- [REST API & Webhooks](https://clearstaq.com/features/api): Full REST API with comprehensive documentation. Upload documents, retrieve parsed results, configure webhooks for real-time notifications. SDKs available for Python, Node.js, Go, Ruby, and PHP. Batch processing supports up to 100 documents per request.
- [Integrations](https://clearstaq.com/integrations): Native integrations with Salesforce, major CRM platforms, and lending management systems. Webhook support for custom integrations.

## Solutions

- [For MCA Brokers](https://clearstaq.com/solutions/mca-brokers): Purpose-built for merchant cash advance brokers. Process submissions faster, detect stacking and fraud before funding, and generate deal summaries automatically. Reduces underwriting time from 30 minutes to under 2 minutes per deal.
- [For Lenders](https://clearstaq.com/solutions/lenders): Enterprise-grade parsing and fraud detection for alternative lenders, SBA lenders, and revenue-based financing providers. Includes custom fraud rules, Salesforce integration, batch processing, and dedicated account management.
- [For CPAs](https://clearstaq.com/solutions/cpas): Automate bank statement analysis for tax preparation, audits, and financial advisory. Extract categorized transactions, generate P&L reports, and identify discrepancies across multiple accounts.

## Pricing

- [Pricing](https://clearstaq.com/pricing): Four tiers — Free Trial (50 credits, 30 days, full access), StaqCore ($99/mo, 150 credits, parsing + basic fraud flags), StaqPro ($249/mo, 500 credits, full StaqGuard + StaqVerify + P&L analysis), StaqScale ($699/mo, 2000 credits, white-label, unlimited API, custom model training, 99.9% SLA). Annual billing saves 25%. Volume discounts available.

## Comparisons

- [ClearStaq vs Ocrolus](https://clearstaq.com/compare/clearstaq-vs-ocrolus): Feature and pricing comparison with Ocrolus, a leading document verification platform.
- [ClearStaq vs MoneyThumb](https://clearstaq.com/compare/clearstaq-vs-moneythumb): Feature and pricing comparison with MoneyThumb, a bank statement conversion tool.
- [ClearStaq vs Plaid](https://clearstaq.com/compare/clearstaq-vs-plaid): How ClearStaq's document-based approach compares to Plaid's open banking / account linking model.
- [ClearStaq vs Codat](https://clearstaq.com/compare/clearstaq-vs-codat): Comparison with Codat's accounting data aggregation platform.
- [ClearStaq vs DocuPhase](https://clearstaq.com/compare/clearstaq-vs-docuphase): Comparison with DocuPhase's document automation platform.
- [ClearStaq vs IntelliParse](https://clearstaq.com/compare/clearstaq-vs-intelliparse): Comparison with IntelliParse's bank statement parsing tool.

## Guides

- [Bank Statement Analysis Guide](https://clearstaq.com/guides/bank-statement-analysis-guide): Comprehensive guide to analyzing bank statements for lending decisions, including key metrics, red flags, and best practices.
- [Best Bank Statement Parsers](https://clearstaq.com/guides/best-bank-statement-parsers): Comparison of the top bank statement parsing tools available in 2026, with feature breakdowns and pricing.
- [Best Fraud Detection Tools for MCA](https://clearstaq.com/guides/best-fraud-detection-tools-mca): Guide to fraud detection tools purpose-built for the merchant cash advance industry.

## Company

- [About ClearStaq](https://clearstaq.com/about): Company mission, values (accuracy over speed, transparency, developer-first, security-first), and team information.
- [Contact](https://clearstaq.com/contact): Get in touch with sales, support, or partnerships. Email: hello@clearstaq.com
- [Customers](https://clearstaq.com/customers): Case studies and testimonials from MCA brokers, lenders, and financial institutions using ClearStaq.
- [Security](https://clearstaq.com/security): SOC 2 Type II compliance, bank-grade AES-256 encryption, zero data retention policy, and security practices.

## Legal

- [Privacy Policy](https://clearstaq.com/privacy-policy): Data collection, usage, and retention policies.
- [Terms and Conditions](https://clearstaq.com/terms-and-conditions): Service terms, acceptable use, and licensing.

## Blog

- [The MCA Underwriting Checklist: What to Look for in Bank Statements](https://clearstaq.com/blog/mca-underwriting-checklist): MCA underwriters review bank statements for ten core metrics: average daily balance, revenue consistency, NSF frequency, existing MCA positions, seasonal patterns, owner withdrawals, deposit concentration, true revenue after filtering transfers, fraud indicators, and credit-to-debit ratios.
- [Round-Number Deposits and Structured Transactions: The Fraud Signals Buried in Clean-Looking Statements](https://clearstaq.com/blog/round-number-deposits-structured-transactions-fraud-signals): Structured transaction fraud and round-number deposits are among the hardest fraud signals to catch because they appear in otherwise clean-looking bank statements. Underwriters should watch for clusters of sub-$10,000 deposits, identical round-dollar amounts within a 30-day window, and end-of-month deposit spikes — patterns that signal either CTR-avoidance or deliberate revenue inflation.
- [Seasonality Analysis in Bank Statements: How to Separate Cyclical Dips from Declining Businesses](https://clearstaq.com/blog/seasonality-analysis-bank-statements-mca-underwriting): Bank statement seasonality analysis identifies whether a business revenue dip is a predictable cyclical pattern or a sign of structural decline. Underwriters distinguish the two by comparing same-month year-over-year deposits, average daily balance stability, NSF frequency trends, and deposit velocity across a minimum of 24 months of statements — not just the most recent 3 to 6 months.
- [Identity Verification Software for Dating Apps in 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/identity-verification-software-for-dating-apps): Fraud Detection
- [AML Transaction Monitoring Software for Insurers 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/aml-transaction-monitoring-software-for-insurance-companies): Fraud Detection
- [Best Document Fraud Detection Software for Marketplaces 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/best-document-fraud-detection-software-for-online-marketplaces): Fraud Detection
- [Cash Flow Underwriting Software for Working Capital Lenders 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/cash-flow-underwriting-software-for-working-capital-lenders): MCA & Lending
- [Cash Flow Underwriting Software for Factoring Companies 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/cash-flow-underwriting-software-for-factoring-companies): Fraud Detection
- [KYB Verification Software for Title Companies (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/kyb-verification-software-for-real-estate-title-companies): Fraud Detection
- [Document Fraud Detection for Real Estate Lenders 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/document-fraud-detection-software-for-real-estate-lenders): Fraud Detection
- [Sanctions Screening Software for Payroll Companies (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/sanctions-screening-software-for-payroll-companies): Fraud Detection
- [Best Fraud Detection Software for Neobanks (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/best-fraud-detection-software-for-neobanks): Fraud Detection
- [Fraud Detection Software for BNPL Platforms (2026 Verdict)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/fraud-detection-software-for-bnpl-platforms): Fraud Detection
- [Webhook vs. Polling: Choosing the Right Integration Pattern for Bank Statement Processing](https://clearstaq.com/blog/webhook-vs-polling-bank-statement-processing-integration): For bank statement API integration, webhooks are the preferred pattern for most production workloads: they deliver parsed results and fraud scores the moment processing completes (typically 3–30 seconds), eliminate wasted polling requests, and scale to hundreds of concurrent jobs without hitting rate limits. Polling remains a valid fallback for firewall-restricted environments or simple low-volume prototypes.
- [Cut False Positives in Transaction Monitoring Alerts (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-reduce-false-positives-in-transaction-monitoring-alerts): Fraud Detection
- [Detect Elder Financial Fraud in Loan Applications (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-detect-elder-financial-fraud-in-loan-applications): Fraud Detection
- [Fraud Detection Software for Online Gambling Platforms 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/fraud-detection-software-for-online-gambling-platforms): Fraud Detection
- [Detect Money Mule Accounts in Digital Banking: 2026 Guide](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-detect-money-mule-accounts-in-digital-banking): Fraud Detection
- [How to Screen PEPs in Real Estate Deals (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-screen-peps-in-real-estate-transactions): Fraud Detection
- [How to Screen Crypto Exchange Customers: Sanctions 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-screen-crypto-exchange-customers-for-sanctions-compliance): Fraud Detection
- [BNPL Fraud Detection Workflow: 2026 Build Guide](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-build-fraud-detection-workflows-for-bnpl-platforms): Fraud Detection
- [Detect First-Party Fraud in Loan Applications: 2026 Guide](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-detect-first-party-fraud-in-loan-applications): Fraud Detection
- [KYB Verification Software for Online Marketplaces (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/kyb-verification-software-for-online-marketplaces): Fraud Detection
- [How to Detect Loan Stacking in 2026 Underwriting](https://clearstaq.com/blog/how-to-detect-loan-stacking-in-personal-loan-underwriting): Fraud Detection
- [Best PEP Screening Software for Real Estate Brokers 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/best-pep-screening-software-for-real-estate-brokerages): Fraud Detection
- [Invoice Extraction Software for Supply Chain Finance (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/invoice-data-extraction-software-for-supply-chain-finance-platforms): Parsing
- [Best KYC Verification Software for Neobanks (2026)](https://clearstaq.com/blog/best-kyc-verification-software-for-neobanks): Fraud Detection
- [Underwriting Automation Software for Factoring Cos 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/underwriting-automation-software-for-factoring-companies): Fraud Detection
- [Best Adverse Media Screening Software for Banks 2026](https://clearstaq.com/blog/best-adverse-media-screening-software-for-correspondent-banks): Fraud Detection
- [How to Extract Payroll Data from Bank Statements for Small Business Tax Returns](https://clearstaq.com/blog/extract-payroll-data-bank-statements-tax-returns): Payroll data extraction from bank statements involves identifying three distinct transaction types: net pay ACH debits to employees, employer payroll tax deposits to the IRS via EFTPS, and payroll service fees charged by providers like Gusto or ADP. These transactions, combined with contractor payment ACH debits, provide the core payroll figures needed to complete Schedule C, Form 941, and Form 940 for small business tax returns.