Developer Tools · head to head
Git vs IDnow
Git
Developer Tools
A free and open source distributed version control system
- From
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
IDnow
Cybersecurity
Identity verification and qualified electronic signature for regulated European markets
- From
- On request
- Free plan
- No
The short version
- Only Git has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Git licensed under GNU GPL version 2.0 as stated on git-scm.com/about; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare; IDnow agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Git and IDnow actually diverge.
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Git
Nothing recorded that IDnow does not also cover.
Only in IDnow
- VideoIdent
- AutoIdent
- eSign
- eID and NFC
- Bank identification
- EU data processing
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Git
- Maintaining complete code history for large projectsnot IDnow
- Coordinating open source development globallynot IDnow
- Enabling offline work with full repository historynot IDnow
- Integrating with CI/CD and hosting servicesnot IDnow
IDnow
- A German bank opening regulated accounts where BaFin requires a recognised identification methodnot Git
- An insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a European courtnot Git
- A telecom operator meeting national SIM registration identity rules across several EU statesnot Git
- A lender wanting automated checks for low-risk applicants and video identification only for high-value casesnot Git
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Git
- Licensed under GNU GPL version 2.0 as stated on git-scm.com/about; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
- Git is a command line tool by design; graphical workflows and hosted collaboration depend entirely on third party GUIs and hosting services layered on top, per git-scm.com/about
IDnow
- Agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters.
- Pricing is quoted with an annual volume commitment, so the accreditation advantage comes with a floor you pay whether or not you use it.
- The product is optimised for European regulatory regimes, so buyers verifying users in North America, Asia or Africa will find coverage and cost less competitive than global specialists.
- Qualified electronic signature is a separate licence from identity verification, which surprises buyers who assumed the accredited identity check made the signature capability included.
- Integration for the regulated flows is heavier than a simple SDK drop-in because the compliant journey, including consent and recording requirements, constrains the user experience you can build.
Pricing, plan by plan
Git
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Git review.
IDnow
On request- IDnow Platform$undefined/year
- Per-identification pricing that differs sharply between automated and agent-led methods
- Annual volume commitment typically required
- Qualified electronic signature licensed separately
Which should you pick?
Choose IDnow if
- You need videoident.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, API.
- You also want autoident.
Questions people ask
- Is Git or IDnow better?
- Neither clearly leads. Git starts at Free and IDnow at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Git or IDnow?
- Git has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Git and On request for IDnow.
- Does Git or IDnow run on more platforms?
- Git runs on Web. IDnow runs on Web, iOS, Android, API.
- Can I use Git for free?
- Yes. Git has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IDnow starts at On request.
- What is Git best used for?
- Git is most often used for maintaining complete code history for large projects, coordinating open source development globally, enabling offline work with full repository history, integrating with ci/cd and hosting services. Of those, maintaining complete code history for large projects and coordinating open source development globally are not what IDnow is typically brought in for.
- What can Git do that IDnow cannot?
- IDnow covers VideoIdent, AutoIdent, eSign, eID and NFC.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Git: How much does Git cost?
Git is completely free and open-source software released under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2). There are no licensing costs for the core Git project.
SourceIDnow: Why choose it over a cheaper automated vendor?
Because in some European regimes the cheaper vendor is not legally permitted for the transaction. This is an eligibility question, not a quality one.
Git: Can Git be used for commercial purposes?
Yes, Git can be freely used for commercial and non-commercial projects. The GPLv2 license guarantees freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.
SourceIDnow: Is the electronic signature included?
No. Qualified electronic signature under eIDAS is licensed separately from identity verification.
IDnow: Where is the data processed?
In European data centres, which is a requirement rather than a preference for many of its regulated customers.
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