Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with automated payment applications, lien waivers, and approval workflows.
- 2#2: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Integrated financial management tools for handling construction budgets, invoices, and payments across project lifecycles.
- 3#3: Trimble Viewpoint - Robust ERP system specializing in construction accounting, job costing, and streamlined payment processing.
- 4#4: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Construction-focused accounting software with advanced AIA billing, retainage, and payment management features.
- 5#5: Foundation - Tailored construction accounting solution for job costing, invoicing, and efficient payment tracking.
- 6#6: CMiC - Enterprise construction platform unifying project financials, payments, and compliance management.
- 7#7: Buildertrend - All-in-one tool for construction pros offering client invoicing, online payments, and schedule of values management.
- 8#8: Knowify - Cloud-based platform for subcontractors providing job costing, AIA invoicing, and payment applications.
- 9#9: Oracle Textura - Payment and collaboration software automating lien waivers, conditional releases, and payment exchanges.
- 10#10: Billd - Financing platform advancing funds to contractors while managing material payments and credit lines.
These tools were ranked based on feature depth (including automation, compliance, and integration), user experience, and value proposition, ensuring they cater to contractors, subcontractors, and enterprises alike.
Comparison Table
Effective payment management is essential for maintaining workflow in construction, and selecting the right software streamlines processes. This comparison table evaluates leading tools such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Trimble Viewpoint, Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, Foundation, and more, equipping readers to find a solution that fits their project needs and team requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with automated payment applications, lien waivers, and approval workflows. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Integrated financial management tools for handling construction budgets, invoices, and payments across project lifecycles. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Trimble Viewpoint Robust ERP system specializing in construction accounting, job costing, and streamlined payment processing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Construction-focused accounting software with advanced AIA billing, retainage, and payment management features. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | Foundation Tailored construction accounting solution for job costing, invoicing, and efficient payment tracking. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | CMiC Enterprise construction platform unifying project financials, payments, and compliance management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Buildertrend All-in-one tool for construction pros offering client invoicing, online payments, and schedule of values management. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Knowify Cloud-based platform for subcontractors providing job costing, AIA invoicing, and payment applications. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Oracle Textura Payment and collaboration software automating lien waivers, conditional releases, and payment exchanges. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Billd Financing platform advancing funds to contractors while managing material payments and credit lines. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.3/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with automated payment applications, lien waivers, and approval workflows.
Integrated financial management tools for handling construction budgets, invoices, and payments across project lifecycles.
Robust ERP system specializing in construction accounting, job costing, and streamlined payment processing.
Construction-focused accounting software with advanced AIA billing, retainage, and payment management features.
Tailored construction accounting solution for job costing, invoicing, and efficient payment tracking.
Enterprise construction platform unifying project financials, payments, and compliance management.
All-in-one tool for construction pros offering client invoicing, online payments, and schedule of values management.
Cloud-based platform for subcontractors providing job costing, AIA invoicing, and payment applications.
Payment and collaboration software automating lien waivers, conditional releases, and payment exchanges.
Financing platform advancing funds to contractors while managing material payments and credit lines.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with automated payment applications, lien waivers, and approval workflows.
Automated Subcontractor Compliance Dashboard that tracks payments, liens, and waivers in real-time to prevent disputes and delays
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with advanced payment software capabilities designed specifically for the construction industry. It streamlines the entire payment process, from creating and submitting payment applications (AIA forms) to managing lien waivers, invoice approvals, and budget tracking. The tool ensures compliance, reduces disputes, and integrates seamlessly with accounting systems like QuickBooks and Sage for accurate financials.
Pros
- Robust payment application workflow with automated AIA G702/G703 forms and multi-tier approvals
- Comprehensive lien waiver management with e-signatures and conditional release tracking
- Deep integrations with ERP/accounting software and real-time mobile access for field teams
Cons
- High cost makes it less accessible for small contractors or single-project users
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options
- Occasional performance issues with large datasets on mobile devices
Best For
Large general contractors and enterprise-level construction firms handling complex, multi-project portfolios with strict compliance needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$500/month per project or $10-20/user/month; scales with company size, projects, and add-ons.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseIntegrated financial management tools for handling construction budgets, invoices, and payments across project lifecycles.
Seamless BIM-to-payment integration for accurate, progress-based billing and automated quantity takeoffs
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that streamlines construction project management, with robust payment functionalities including pay applications, invoice approvals, retainage tracking, and lien waiver management. It integrates seamlessly with Autodesk's BIM tools and project data to ensure accurate payment draws based on real-time progress and change orders. Ideal for connecting financial workflows to field operations, ACC helps contractors and owners manage payments compliantly across the project lifecycle.
Pros
- Deep integration with BIM and project management for data-driven payments
- Automated lien waivers, pay apps, and compliance tools reduce errors
- Strong mobile and collaborative features for field-to-office workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its broad platform complexity
- High pricing may not suit small contractors focused only on payments
- Overkill for teams not using full Autodesk ecosystem
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing integrated project management and payment processing in a single platform.
Pricing
Starts at $65/user/month (Essentials, billed annually); higher tiers like Premium ($85/user/month) unlock advanced payment features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Trimble Viewpoint
enterpriseRobust ERP system specializing in construction accounting, job costing, and streamlined payment processing.
Advanced lien waiver automation and subcontractor self-service portal for streamlined payment approvals and compliance
Trimble Viewpoint is a comprehensive construction ERP platform with specialized modules for managing payments, including accounts payable, payment applications, retainage, and lien waivers. It supports complex construction workflows like G702/G703 forms, certified payroll, and multi-tier subcontractor payments, ensuring compliance and auditability. Integrated with job costing and project management, it provides end-to-end financial control for contractors.
Pros
- Deep integration with construction-specific financial tools like job costing and subcontract management
- Strong compliance features for lien waivers, retainage, and certified payroll
- Scalable for enterprise-level operations with robust audit trails and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive and complex interface
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large firms
- User interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native apps
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies requiring integrated ERP-level payment management with full financial oversight.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, with per-user or perpetual licensing options.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseConstruction-focused accounting software with advanced AIA billing, retainage, and payment management features.
Construction-specific accounts payable with automated retainage releases tied to job progress and verified payment applications
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP platform designed for construction and real estate companies, featuring comprehensive payment management tools including accounts payable, subcontractor payment applications, retainage handling, and lien waiver processing. It integrates payments seamlessly with job costing, project management, and financial reporting to streamline cash flow and ensure compliance. While not exclusively a payment tool, its construction-specific modules make it effective for managing complex payment workflows in multi-phase projects.
Pros
- Deep integration of payments with job costing and project controls
- Advanced handling of retainage, joint checks, and conditional payments
- Strong compliance tools for liens, 1099s, and AIA billing forms
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex, legacy interface
- Higher pricing suitable only for mid-to-large firms
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms requiring fully integrated ERP with sophisticated payment and financial management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $5,000+ annually for base modules, scaling with users, jobs, and cloud/on-premise deployment.
Foundation
enterpriseTailored construction accounting solution for job costing, invoicing, and efficient payment tracking.
Automated AIA G702/G703 billing and payment certificate generation with built-in compliance checks
Foundation by Foundation Software is a robust construction accounting platform with specialized tools for managing payments, including subcontractor draws, AIA billing, retainage, and lien waivers. It integrates job costing, accounts payable, and compliance features to streamline financial workflows for contractors. Designed for mid-sized firms, it ensures accurate payment processing and reporting across multiple projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive AIA billing and payment application handling
- Strong job cost tracking integrated with payments
- Reliable compliance tools for retainage and lien waivers
Cons
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Limited native mobile app functionality
- Pricing can be steep for smaller contractors
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and specialty firms handling complex multi-project payment cycles.
Pricing
Quote-based; hosted plans typically start at $150-$300 per user/month depending on modules and users.
CMiC
enterpriseEnterprise construction platform unifying project financials, payments, and compliance management.
Fully integrated ERP payment engine that unifies AIA billing, cost-to-complete forecasting, and real-time cash flow management in a single platform
CMiC is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform tailored for construction firms, offering robust payment management features including AIA billing, progress payments, retainage handling, and subcontractor pay applications. It integrates payments seamlessly with project financials, accounting, and compliance tools like lien waivers and audit trails. Ideal for large-scale operations, it provides end-to-end visibility from bid to closeout, ensuring accurate and timely payments across complex projects.
Pros
- Deep integration with ERP, accounting, and project management for streamlined payment workflows
- Strong compliance features including lien management, conditional payments, and audit-ready reporting
- Handles complex multi-tier subcontractor payments and retainage with high accuracy
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise-level complexity
- High implementation time and costs for setup and customization
- Less intuitive interface compared to cloud-native specialized payment tools
Best For
Large general contractors and construction firms managing enterprise-scale projects with integrated financial needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment (on-premise or cloud).
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one tool for construction pros offering client invoicing, online payments, and schedule of values management.
Integrated Schedule of Values (SOV) billing with automated retainage and lien waiver management
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform with integrated payment software designed for builders, remodelers, and contractors. It streamlines invoicing, online payment collection, AIA billing, Schedule of Values (SOV) management, and change order tracking, all tied to project scheduling and job costing. The tool provides real-time financial insights and client portals for seamless payment approvals and transparency.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments with project management and job costing
- Supports construction-specific billing like AIA forms and SOV tracking
- Mobile app enables on-site payment processing and client approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for payment setup and advanced features
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller teams or low-volume users
- Limited standalone payment customization without full platform use
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing integrated payment tools within comprehensive project management software.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans (1 user/project), scales to $399+/month for teams; custom enterprise pricing available, billed monthly or annually.
Knowify
specializedCloud-based platform for subcontractors providing job costing, AIA invoicing, and payment applications.
Automated AIA G702/G703 billing and lien waiver generation directly from job data
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, focusing on job costing, invoicing, and payment processing. It supports AIA billing forms, progress billing, retainage handling, and automated lien waivers to streamline construction payment workflows. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for real-time financial syncing and offers mobile access for on-site approvals and time tracking.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automatic job cost and payment syncing
- Comprehensive AIA billing and lien waiver automation tailored for construction payments
- Mobile app enables field-based invoicing and approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature density
- Advanced payment features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- Reporting capabilities are basic in entry-level plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized subcontractors needing robust job costing and payment management integrated with accounting software.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month (Essentials), $199/user/month (Pro), with custom Enterprise pricing; annual billing required.
Oracle Textura
enterprisePayment and collaboration software automating lien waivers, conditional releases, and payment exchanges.
Automated Lien Waiver Exchange that digitizes and enforces compliance across all tiers in real-time
Oracle Textura, now part of Oracle Construction and Engineering, is a robust payment management platform tailored for the construction industry, automating invoicing, disbursements, and compliance across multi-tier subcontractor networks. It handles complex payment workflows, including progress billing, retainage, and lien waivers, while ensuring adherence to state-specific regulations. The software integrates deeply with Oracle's ERP and project management tools, making it ideal for large-scale projects requiring end-to-end financial visibility.
Pros
- Advanced lien waiver automation and multi-state compliance tools reduce disputes and delays
- Seamless integration with Oracle Primavera and other ERP systems for unified project data
- Scalable for enterprise-level projects with strong multi-tier subcontractor payment tracking
Cons
- Enterprise pricing and implementation can be costly and time-intensive for smaller firms
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization requirements
- Limited out-of-the-box reporting flexibility without additional configuration
Best For
Large general contractors and owners managing high-volume, multi-tier construction projects with stringent compliance needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically subscription-based starting at $10,000+ annually, scaled by project volume and users.
Billd
specializedFinancing platform advancing funds to contractors while managing material payments and credit lines.
100% invoice advances without personal guarantees, funded in under 24 hours
Billd is a construction financing platform specializing in invoice factoring for subcontractors and specialty contractors, providing up to 100% advances on approved invoices within 24 hours to address cash flow gaps from slow-paying general contractors. It supports trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and drywall by verifying customer credit and invoice validity without requiring personal guarantees. Additionally, Billd offers a corporate procurement card for material purchases with rewards and flexible payment terms.
Pros
- Rapid funding up to 100% of invoice value in 24 hours
- No personal guarantees or credit checks required
- Billd Card offers cash back and financing on purchases
- Quick approval process with strong customer verification
Cons
- Factor fees typically 0.4%-2.5% per invoice add costs
- Strict eligibility based on GC credit and invoice quality
- Limited integrations with popular accounting software
- US-only availability and not a full payment management suite
Best For
Specialty trade subcontractors needing fast cash flow on reliable but slow-paying invoices from general contractors.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with factor fees of 0.4%-2.5% per invoice based on risk; no subscription fees or minimums.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide diverse options for construction payment management, each addressing unique operational needs. Procore leads as the top choice, offering a comprehensive platform with automated workflows, while Autodesk Construction Cloud excels in integrated financial tools and Trimble Viewpoint stands out with its robust ERP system—strong alternatives depending on specific requirements.
Start optimizing your payment processes today by trying Procore, the top-ranked tool, to benefit from its seamless management features and enhance efficiency across your projects.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
