Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software for creating professional invoices, accepting online payments, and managing finances seamlessly.
- 2#2: Xero - Cloud accounting platform offering invoicing, automated payments, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support.
- 3#3: FreshBooks - User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and payment reminders.
- 4#4: Zoho Books - Affordable online accounting solution for invoicing, expense tracking, and integrated payment processing across multiple devices.
- 5#5: Wave - Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and built-in payment processing for small businesses.
- 6#6: Bill.com - AP and AR automation platform that streamlines invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management for businesses.
- 7#7: Stripe - Payment processing platform with robust invoicing, billing automation, and global payment acceptance features.
- 8#8: Square - All-in-one payment and POS system providing free digital invoicing with instant deposits and contactless payments.
- 9#9: Sage Intacct - Cloud financial management software with advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and multi-entity payment capabilities.
- 10#10: NetSuite - Comprehensive cloud ERP system featuring sophisticated invoicing, billing, and automated payment processing for enterprises.
These tools were selected based on features, usability, reliability, and value, ensuring a balanced assessment of solutions suitable for small businesses, freelancers, and enterprises alike.
Comparison Table
Invoice payment software simplifies managing bills and transactions, and selecting the right tool is key for business efficiency. This comparison table explores top options such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, Zoho Books, Wave, and more, analyzing features, pricing, and user-friendliness. Readers will learn which solution matches their business size, specific needs, and budget.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software for creating professional invoices, accepting online payments, and managing finances seamlessly. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Xero Cloud accounting platform offering invoicing, automated payments, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | FreshBooks User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and payment reminders. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Zoho Books Affordable online accounting solution for invoicing, expense tracking, and integrated payment processing across multiple devices. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Wave Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and built-in payment processing for small businesses. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 6 | Bill.com AP and AR automation platform that streamlines invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management for businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Stripe Payment processing platform with robust invoicing, billing automation, and global payment acceptance features. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 8 | Square All-in-one payment and POS system providing free digital invoicing with instant deposits and contactless payments. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Sage Intacct Cloud financial management software with advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and multi-entity payment capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | NetSuite Comprehensive cloud ERP system featuring sophisticated invoicing, billing, and automated payment processing for enterprises. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based accounting software for creating professional invoices, accepting online payments, and managing finances seamlessly.
Cloud accounting platform offering invoicing, automated payments, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support.
User-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and payment reminders.
Affordable online accounting solution for invoicing, expense tracking, and integrated payment processing across multiple devices.
Free invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and built-in payment processing for small businesses.
AP and AR automation platform that streamlines invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management for businesses.
Payment processing platform with robust invoicing, billing automation, and global payment acceptance features.
All-in-one payment and POS system providing free digital invoicing with instant deposits and contactless payments.
Cloud financial management software with advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and multi-entity payment capabilities.
Comprehensive cloud ERP system featuring sophisticated invoicing, billing, and automated payment processing for enterprises.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud-based accounting software for creating professional invoices, accepting online payments, and managing finances seamlessly.
QuickBooks Payments for seamless, branded invoice links that accept multiple payment methods with instant reconciliation to books
QuickBooks Online is a leading cloud-based accounting software that provides robust invoice creation, customization, and payment processing capabilities. Users can generate professional invoices, schedule recurring billing, send automated reminders, and accept payments via credit card, ACH, PayPal, and Apple Pay directly through QuickBooks Payments. It seamlessly tracks payments, manages receivables, and integrates with full accounting features for comprehensive financial management.
Pros
- Integrated payment processing with low fees and quick deposits (often next day)
- Advanced automation for reminders, recurring invoices, and partial payments
- Real-time tracking and reporting of invoices and payments with accounting sync
Cons
- Higher subscription costs for advanced plans needed for full features
- Transaction fees (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 for cards) can add up for high volume
- Steeper learning curve for users new to accounting software
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing an all-in-one platform for invoicing, online payments, and accounting.
Pricing
Plans start at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), plus payment processing fees like 2.9% + $0.30 per credit card transaction and 1% for ACH.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting platform offering invoicing, automated payments, bank reconciliation, and multi-currency support.
Xero Payments hub for one-click invoice payments and automated reconciliation directly in the app
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software renowned for its robust invoicing and payment management capabilities, allowing users to create professional invoices, send them via email or shareable links, and track payments in real-time. It integrates with multiple payment gateways like Stripe, GoCardless, and Xero Payments for seamless collections via credit card, ACH, and direct debit. Ideal for small to medium businesses, it combines invoicing with full accounting features like bank reconciliation and reporting for end-to-end financial management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with payment processors and 1,000+ apps for flexible collections
- Automated invoice reminders, recurring billing, and multi-currency support
- Real-time tracking and bank reconciliation for efficient payment management
Cons
- Subscription pricing escalates quickly for higher invoice volumes and advanced features
- Payment processing incurs additional transaction fees (1-2.9% + fixed)
- Full potential requires familiarity with accounting workflows, steeper for pure invoicers
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing integrated invoicing, payments, and accounting without separate tools.
Pricing
Plans start at $15/user/month (Early, 20 invoices) up to $78/user/month (Established, unlimited); payment fees 1% for direct debit, 2.9% + 30¢ for cards (billed annually).
FreshBooks
specializedUser-friendly invoicing and accounting tool designed for freelancers and small businesses with time tracking and payment reminders.
Proposals that seamlessly convert to accepted invoices and automated recurring payments
FreshBooks is a cloud-based invoicing and accounting software tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, enabling quick creation and sending of professional invoices. It supports online payment collection via credit cards, ACH, PayPal, and bank transfers, with features like automated recurring billing, late payment reminders, and client portals for approvals. Beyond payments, it integrates time tracking, expenses, and basic reporting to streamline billing workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop invoice builder with customizable templates
- Fast payment processing with low fees and multiple gateways
- Automated recurring invoices and payment reminders to improve cash flow
Cons
- Client limits on lower plans restrict scalability
- Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30 for cards) add up for high volume
- Lacks advanced inventory or multi-currency invoicing in base plans
Best For
Freelancers and small service-based teams seeking simple, professional invoicing with integrated online payments.
Pricing
Starts at $19/mo (Lite, 5 clients), $33/mo (Plus, 50 clients), $60/mo (Premium, unlimited); annual discounts available, plus payment processing fees.
Zoho Books
enterpriseAffordable online accounting solution for invoicing, expense tracking, and integrated payment processing across multiple devices.
Self-serve Client Portal allowing customers to view invoices, make payments, and track orders independently
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting platform with robust invoicing and payment capabilities, enabling users to create, customize, and send professional invoices quickly. It supports online payments via credit cards, ACH, PayPal, and over 40 gateways, with features like automated reminders, recurring billing, and multi-currency support. The software integrates invoicing seamlessly with expense tracking, inventory, and reporting for streamlined financial management.
Pros
- Multiple payment gateways including cards, ACH, and PayPal for flexible collections
- Customizable invoices with templates, branding, and automation rules
- Multi-currency support and client portal for self-service payments
Cons
- Free plan limited to 1,000 invoices/year and basic features
- Advanced automation and reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Steeper learning curve for non-accounting users due to full-suite complexity
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking integrated invoicing, payments, and basic accounting without needing enterprise-level scale.
Pricing
Free for businesses under $50K revenue (limited); Standard $20/org/mo, Professional $50/org/mo, Elite $240/org/mo (billed annually).
Wave
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software with unlimited invoicing and built-in payment processing for small businesses.
100% free core invoicing and accounting software with no limits on usage or customers
Wave (waveapps.com) is a free cloud-based platform primarily for small businesses and freelancers, offering invoicing, accounting, and payment processing tools. Users can create unlimited professional invoices, send them via email or share links, and accept payments through credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and wires. It also includes basic accounting features like expense tracking and financial reports, all accessible via web or mobile app.
Pros
- Completely free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no subscription fees
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface suitable for non-accountants
- Seamless integrated payment processing with multiple options
Cons
- Transaction fees apply (2.9% + $0.60 for credit cards)
- Limited advanced features like inventory management or complex reporting
- Customer support limited to email and help center, no phone or live chat
Best For
Freelancers and very small businesses looking for a no-cost, simple solution to invoice clients and collect payments.
Pricing
Free for invoicing and accounting; payments incur 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction (lower for ACH at 1%)
Bill.com
enterpriseAP and AR automation platform that streamlines invoice approval, payments, and cash flow management for businesses.
Bill Pay Guarantee: Payments sent same-day or next-day with reimbursement if delayed
Bill.com is a cloud-based financial automation platform specializing in accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) management. It enables businesses to digitize bill approvals, payments via ACH, checks, wires, or virtual cards, and invoice creation with automated reminders. Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and others provide real-time sync and reporting, reducing manual work for SMBs.
Pros
- Powerful workflow automation for approvals and payments
- Extensive integrations with major accounting software
- Multiple secure payment methods including international options
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for very small teams
- Initial setup and syncing requires time and configuration
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking comprehensive AP/AR automation integrated with their accounting systems.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Essentials), $65 (Team), $99 (Corporate); payment fees extra (e.g., 2.9% for cards).
Stripe
specializedPayment processing platform with robust invoicing, billing automation, and global payment acceptance features.
Developer-first API for embedding fully customizable invoicing and payment flows anywhere
Stripe is a versatile payment processing platform with robust invoicing capabilities via Stripe Billing, enabling businesses to create, customize, send, and automate invoices effortlessly. It supports one-time payments, subscriptions, and recurring billing while accepting payments through cards, ACH, wallets, and over 135 currencies globally. The platform's API-driven approach allows deep integration into websites, apps, and custom workflows, making it a powerhouse for scalable payment solutions.
Pros
- Highly customizable invoicing with powerful APIs for developers
- Supports global payments in 135+ currencies and multiple methods
- Advanced automation like smart retries and dunning for failed payments
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Transaction-based fees can add up for low-volume businesses
- Limited built-in accounting integrations compared to dedicated invoicing tools
Best For
Tech-savvy businesses and developers needing customizable, API-driven invoicing integrated into apps or websites.
Pricing
Pay-per-use model: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful card charge; additional fees for ACH/international; no monthly fees.
Square
specializedAll-in-one payment and POS system providing free digital invoicing with instant deposits and contactless payments.
Zero monthly fees with seamless integration into Square's POS ecosystem for unified in-person and online payments
Square Invoices is a user-friendly invoicing tool within the Square platform, enabling businesses to create, send, and track professional invoices via email or shared links. It supports one-time, recurring, and batch invoicing with payment options like credit/debit cards, ACH bank transfers, and digital wallets such as Apple Pay. Businesses benefit from automated reminders, payment tracking, and quick deposits, making it suitable for streamlining accounts receivable without monthly fees.
Pros
- No monthly fees—pay only per transaction
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support
- Fast deposits (instant for eligible accounts) and automated reminders
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume users (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ per card payment)
- Limited advanced features like time tracking or multi-currency support
- Customization options for invoice templates are basic
Best For
Small businesses and solopreneurs needing simple, integrated invoicing without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free to use; transaction fees: 2.9% + 30¢ (invoiced card payments), 3.3% + 30¢ (keyed-in), 1% (up to $10) for ACH.
Sage Intacct
enterpriseCloud financial management software with advanced invoicing, revenue recognition, and multi-entity payment capabilities.
Dimension-based tracking for flexible invoice allocation across projects, departments, and locations without custom coding
Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial ERP platform with robust Accounts Payable (AP) functionality tailored for invoice management and payments. It streamlines invoice capture, approval workflows, matching, and disbursements via ACH, checks, wires, and EFT, while integrating seamlessly with general ledger and other modules. Ideal for mid-market organizations, it supports multi-entity, multi-currency operations and provides real-time visibility into cash flow and vendor payments.
Pros
- Scalable AP automation with multi-level approvals and PO matching
- Native multi-entity and multi-currency support for complex organizations
- Deep integrations with banks, ERP modules, and third-party apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants
- High implementation and subscription costs
- Less intuitive for simple invoice payment needs compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses requiring integrated ERP-level invoice payment processing alongside full financial management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $15,000-$30,000 annually for base AP features, plus implementation fees; scales with users and modules.
NetSuite
enterpriseComprehensive cloud ERP system featuring sophisticated invoicing, billing, and automated payment processing for enterprises.
OneWorld multi-subsidiary support for consolidated global invoice payments and compliance.
NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP platform that includes robust invoice management and payment processing tools within its comprehensive financial suite. It automates accounts payable and receivable workflows, supports electronic payments via integrations with gateways like PayPal and ACH, and handles multi-currency transactions for global businesses. While powerful for enterprise-scale operations, it extends far beyond payments into full ERP functionality like inventory and CRM.
Pros
- Deep integration with full ERP ecosystem
- Advanced automation for AP/AR workflows
- Scalable for multi-entity and international payments
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup
- High cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Long implementation timelines
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated ERP with enterprise-grade invoice payment capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $999+ per user per month with hefty implementation fees starting at $50,000+.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 invoice payment software tools, QuickBooks Online leads as the top choice, offering seamless cloud-based accounting, professional invoicing, and integrated payment management. Xero and FreshBooks, ranking second and third, are strong alternatives—Xero for its robust automation and multi-currency support, and FreshBooks for its user-friendly design, time tracking, and effective payment reminders—serving different business needs.
Take the next step in managing your finances efficiently: try QuickBooks Online to create and send invoices, accept payments, and keep your financial operations flowing smoothly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison