How to get a Cyclos license

15/07/2025

Cyclos Licenses Explained: Which Version Is Right for Your Project?

Cyclos is a leading payment software platform for financial innovation, inclusion, and local economic development. Since its launch in 2003 by the Dutch foundation STRO, Cyclos has continuously evolved—resulting in multiple versions and license options designed for different needs.

This article provides a simple overview to help you choose the right Cyclos license for your project or organization.

From Open Source to a Sustainable Model

Cyclos started as an open-source initiative, aiming to make flexible payment systems accessible for communities and social impact projects. The source code was publicly available, allowing full customization.

However, direct source-code modifications often caused compatibility issues with future releases.

The last open-source version, Cyclos 3.7, can still be downloaded and used for free, but it is no longer supported or maintained.

Cyclos PRO (Version 4 and Higher)

Launched in 2014, Cyclos 4 marked a major shift toward long-term sustainability. Cyclos adopted a commercial license model with a fair annual usage fee, while remaining a social enterprise that reinvests profits into continuous development.

Although the source code is no longer public, Cyclos PRO offers extensive customization tools without touching the core code:

  • Advanced configuration and settings

  • Layout and content customization

  • White-label mobile app with your brand

  • Scripting for business logic

  • Integration with third-party software via APIs

Cyclos PRO is the recommended choice for most professional, customizable, scalable, and long-term projects.

Cyclos for Communities (Free Option)

Cyclos also offers Cyclos for Communities, a free way to experiment with the latest Cyclos version. Each project operates in its own network within a shared infrastructure.

Benefits

  • Free hosting

  • Automatic updates

  • Ideal sandbox to learn and test Cyclos

Limitations

  • No scripting

  • No custom mobile app

  • No database access

  • No support services

  • Possible instability after new releases

This option is best suited for learning, testing, or early exploration, not for production environments.

How to Get Started with Cyclos PRO

  1. Register on the Cyclos License Server

  2. Download Cyclos and use it free up to 300 users.

  3. When you need more users or transaction volume, request a paid license:

  4. Pricing depends on number of users and transaction volume

Non-profit or social-impact projects without a revenue model may apply for a free Social License.

Choosing the Right License

  • Learning or testing? → Cyclos for Communities

  • Production, scaling, or customization? → Cyclos PRO

  • Social project without a revenue generation model? → Social License

CyclosForge supports organizations in selecting, licensing, and implementing Cyclos efficiently and sustainably.

👉 Contact CyclosForge if you have questions about a Cyclos license.

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