VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
★ FINANCIAL TOOLS & SERVICES DIRECTORY ★
PRICE: 5 CENTS
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Investors comparing Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) will find that Both Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) concentrate on Data APIs, APIs & SDKs, and Regulatory Filings Monitoring workflows, making them natural alternatives for similar investment research jobs. Open Payments (CMS) leans into Data Visualizations, which can be decisive for teams that need depth over breadth. SEC API (sec-api.io) stands out with Insider Data, 13F, and 13D/13G that the competition lacks. Use the feature-by-feature table to inspect unique capabilities and confirm which roadmap best maps to your process.
Head-to-head
Open Payments (CMS) vs SEC API (sec-api.io)
Compare pricing, supported platforms, categories, and standout capabilities to decide which tool fits your workflow.
Quick takeaways
- Open Payments (CMS) adds Data Visualizations coverage that SEC API (sec-api.io) skips.
- SEC API (sec-api.io) includes Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials, Management Compensation, and IPO categories that Open Payments (CMS) omits.
- Open Payments (CMS) highlights: Three core datasets each year: General Payments, Research Payments, and Ownership/Investment Interests., Web search/explorer with filtering and charts; program year downloads available from the portal., and Open Data API (ODA) for programmatic access with filtering, querying, and aggregation (SoQL‑style)..
- SEC API (sec-api.io) is known for: Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings., Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN)., and Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares..
Open Payments (CMS)
openpaymentsdata.cms.gov
U.S. federal open‑data program (Affordable Care Act ‘Sunshine Act’) that publishes financial relationships between drug/device manufacturers (and GPOs) and healthcare providers (physicians, NPPs since PY2021, and teaching hospitals). CMS publishes the prior program year’s full datasets on or before June 30 each year and issues a January refresh. Data are accessible via the web search tool, bulk downloads, and a REST Open Data API (filter, query, aggregate).
Platforms
Pricing
Quick highlights
- Three core datasets each year: General Payments, Research Payments, and Ownership/Investment Interests.
- Web search/explorer with filtering and charts; program year downloads available from the portal.
- Open Data API (ODA) for programmatic access with filtering, querying, and aggregation (SoQL‑style).
- Publication cadence: initial annual publication on/around June 30 for the prior year, plus a January data refresh.
- Pre‑publication workflow: 45‑day recipient review & dispute (Apr 1–May 15) + 15‑day correction window (May 16–May 30).
SEC API (sec-api.io)
sec-api.io
A commercial API suite for SEC/EDGAR data, designed for developers, quants, and compliance teams. The free tier includes 100 calls per month. Paid tiers unlock higher rate limits, more data (5 GB vs 15 GB monthly, with $0.30/GB overage), and features such as multiple API keys or redistribution rights for enterprise users. The platform emphasizes speed, with new filings typically available in under 300 ms.
Categories
Platforms
Pricing
Quick highlights
- Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings.
- Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN).
- Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares.
- Historical coverage back to 1993 with support for all 400+ EDGAR form types; new filings made available within ~300 ms of posting.
- Live filing feeds available in real time via WebSocket for instant integration.
Shared focus areas
Both platforms align on these research themes, so you can stay within one workflow when your use case involves them.
Where they differ
Open Payments (CMS)
Distinct strengths include:
- Three core datasets each year: General Payments, Research Payments, and Ownership/Investment Interests.
- Web search/explorer with filtering and charts; program year downloads available from the portal.
- Open Data API (ODA) for programmatic access with filtering, querying, and aggregation (SoQL‑style).
- Publication cadence: initial annual publication on/around June 30 for the prior year, plus a January data refresh.
SEC API (sec-api.io)
Distinct strengths include:
- Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings.
- Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN).
- Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares.
- Historical coverage back to 1993 with support for all 400+ EDGAR form types; new filings made available within ~300 ms of posting.
Feature-by-feature breakdown
| Attribute | Open Payments (CMS) | SEC API (sec-api.io) |
|---|---|---|
Categories Which research workflows each platform targets | Shared: Data APIs, APIs & SDKs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring Unique: Data Visualizations | Shared: Data APIs, APIs & SDKs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring Unique: Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials, Management Compensation, IPO |
Asset types Supported asset classes and universes | Other | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Funds |
Experience levels Who each product is built for | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Platforms Where you can access the product | Web, API | Web, API |
Pricing High-level pricing models | Free | Free, Subscription |
Key features Core capabilities called out by each vendor | Unique
| Unique
|
Tested Verified by hands-on testing inside Find My Moat | Not yet | Yes |
Editor pick Featured inside curated shortlists | Standard listing | Highlighted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which workflows do Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) both support?
Both platforms cover Data APIs, APIs & SDKs, and Regulatory Filings Monitoring workflows, so you can research those use cases in either tool before digging into the feature differences below.
Do Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) require subscriptions?
Both Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) keep freemium access with optional paid upgrades, so you can trial each platform before committing.
How can you access Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io)?
Both Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) prioritize web or desktop access. Investors wanting a mobile-first workflow may need to rely on responsive web views.
What unique strengths set the two platforms apart?
Open Payments (CMS) differentiates itself with Three core datasets each year: General Payments, Research Payments, and Ownership/Investment Interests., Web search/explorer with filtering and charts; program year downloads available from the portal., and Open Data API (ODA) for programmatic access with filtering, querying, and aggregation (SoQL‑style)., whereas SEC API (sec-api.io) stands out for Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings., Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN)., and Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares..
Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.