In open banking, AIS (Account Information Services) and PIS (Payment Initiation Services) are the two main service types. AIS allows a licensed provider (AISP) to access a customer’s account data—balances and transactions—via APIs with the customer’s consent. It is read-only: no money is moved. PIS allows a licensed provider (PISP) to initiate a payment from the customer’s account to a payee, again with consent. The bank executes the payment; the PISP does not hold funds.

AIS is used for account aggregation, affordability checks, budgeting, and accounting integrations. PIS is used for instant checkout, bill pay, and account-to-account transfers. Many API aggregators offer both so that one integration can support “read accounts” and “initiate payments” use cases. Under PSD2 and the UK Open Banking Standard, banks must support both AIS and PIS access for licensed TPPs.

The Open Banking Tracker glossary defines AIS, PIS, AISP, and PISP in more detail. The API aggregators directory lets you filter by AIS and PIS support.