The top 6 BILL alternatives & competitors in 2024

Various platforms and tools have made managing accounts payable (AP) increasingly efficient. One such tool that has gained popularity among businesses is BILL (aka Bill.com). However, while BILL may offer a range of invoice and payment management features, exploring alternatives that might better suit your specific needs is always beneficial. Whether you're looking for more features, better accounting software integrations, or a different interface, there are several BILL alternatives worth considering.

In this article, we'll explore 6 alternatives to BILL that can help you streamline your financial processes and take control of your business's invoicing and payment management.

Here are the 6 alternatives covered in this post:

1. Routable

2. MineralTree

3. Stampli

4. Beanworks

5. Tipalti

6. AvidXchange

The top 6 Bill.com alternatives to consider

Here are the top 6 Bill.com alternatives to consider for your accounts payable needs.

1. Routable

Routable is a popular alternative to Bill.com, offering AP Automation that includes vendor management, mass payments, compliance management, and more. With Routable, businesses can easily manage invoices, pay vendors, and reconcile payments in real-time. One of the standout features of Routable is its ability to automate the AP process from vendor onboarding to compliance, reducing the chance of errors and saving valuable time. Routable offers competitive pricing, making it a great option for businesses of all sizes.

Key capabilities

• AP Automation: With an easy-to-use interface, you can eliminate time spent on manual bill coding, complicated approvals, and reconciliation.

• Invoice capture with OCR: Routable eliminates manual data entry and reduces errors with AI-powered OCR for invoice data capture.

• Real-time, two-way sync: Ensure that all data remains up-to-date with your accounting software, removing the need for manual work and making payments a breeze. Integrate with Oracle NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online, Xero, and more.

• Send faster payments: Send payments faster with tools like automated reminders, early payments, and flexible payment methods. Routable supports 4 ACH speeds, 8 check speeds, and real-time payments.

• Send thousands of payments in minutes: Make thousands of payments fast with our no-code CSV upload, or use the Routable API to craft the payout experience of your dreams.

• Fast, easy international payments: Send cross-border payments to 220+ countries in 36 currencies in as little as 1-3 business days. Make all your domestic and international payments in one system with complete fee transparency for you and your vendors.

Pros

• Streamlined bill payments: Routable simplifies and speeds up the bill payment process, offering options like ACH transfers, SWIFT, and paper checks.

• Customizable approval workflows: Flexible approval workflows can be tailored to match your exact business rules, as granular as you need, ensuring control and accountability.

• Integration with accounting software: Routable connects and syncs in real-time with popular accounting solutions like QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct. Unlike Bill.com, Routable syncs in real-time and supports custom fields, attachments, and more to ensure all your data syncs.

• Ease of use: Routable is known for its intuitive interface and user-friendly setup, which makes it accessible even to those with limited technical expertise.

• Transparency and visibility: Real-time tracking of payments and invoices provides enhanced visibility into your company's financial operations. And audit trails make it easy to manage compliance.

• Add users without extra costs: Unlike Bill.com, Routable doesn’t charge per user. This helps you scale your AP without needing to worry about costs rising as your company grows.

Why businesses switch from Bill.com to Routable

“We’re big Routable fans. We switched over from Bill.com back in 2018 and never looked back.” 

David McKay, CEO, Seated

Read the full Routable vs. Bill.com comparison.

Routable is the best alternative to Bill.com due to its user-friendliness, robust features, and cost-effectiveness. Unlike Bill.com, Routable prioritizes easy vendor onboarding, hassle-free international payments, better accounting software syncs, and stands out due to its compliance features, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Its streamlined payment processes, customizable workflows, and seamless integration with popular accounting software ensure comprehensive AP Automation without unnecessary complexity.

2. MineralTree

With MineralTree, businesses can streamline invoice processing, automate approvals, and securely manage payments. The platform provides robust features such as intelligent invoice capture, customizable workflows, and seamless integration with popular accounting systems, making it a convenient tool for centralizing and tracking financial transactions.

Features

• Automated invoice processing: MineralTree uses intelligent tools to capture invoice data, reducing the need for manual entry and streamlining the process.

• Two-way sync with accounting systems: MineralTree establishes a bi-directional connection with popular accounting software, allowing seamless data transfer and eliminating manual reconciliation.

• Flexible payment options: The platform offers multiple payment methods, including ACH, virtual cards, and checks, providing versatility and control over outgoing payments.

Pros

• Streamlined AP processes: MineralTree significantly reduces manual tasks and automates workflows, saving time and increasing efficiency within accounts payable.

• Enhanced fraud prevention: With features like robust approval processes, audit trails, and payment controls, MineralTree offers decent protection against fraud.

Cons

• Poor user experience: MineralTree’s user interface is notoriously difficult to navigate, causing users to be frustrated when attempting to use the software.

• Limited vendor self-service: While MineralTree offers vendor communication features, it lacks a comprehensive vendor portal with full self-service capabilities found in some competing solutions.

• Steeper learning curve: MineralTree’s feature-richness and customization options can create a slightly longer learning curve for some users, especially those coming from simpler AP software.

• OCR accuracy variances: Although MineralTree’s data extraction is generally reliable, there may be occasional variations in the accuracy of its OCR (optical character recognition) depending on invoice complexity and format.

Why MineralTree might be a good alternative to Bill.com

MineralTree could be a compelling alternative to Bill.com, particularly if your business prioritizes integrations with existing accounting systems (except it doesn’t support syncing attachments) and robust fraud prevention measures. Its two-way sync capabilities can streamline workflows and minimize errors compared to manual reconciliation. 

MineralTree's focus on strong payment controls and secure approval processes might be appealing to businesses concerned about security. Deciding between the two ultimately depends on which feature set aligns best with your specific accounts payable needs and priorities.

3. Stampli

Stampli offers a comprehensive solution for managing accounts payable. With Stampli, businesses can streamline invoice processing, automate approvals, and simplify payment reconciliation. This platform optimizes efficiency by providing intelligent invoice capture, collaborative approvals, and customizable workflows. Additionally, Stampli integrates with popular accounting systems, making it easy to centralize and track all financial transactions within one platform.

Features

• Automated invoice capture: Stampli automatically captures invoice data from various formats, including scanned images, PDFs, and emails.

• Collaborative invoice approval workflow: Stampli offers a user-friendly platform that enables teams to collaborate seamlessly on invoice approvals.

• Real-time visibility and analytics: Tipalti provides real-time visibility into the invoice processing workflow, allowing finance teams to track the status of each invoice and identify bottlenecks. 

Pros

• Customizable approval workflows: Stampli allows businesses to tailor their invoice approval workflows to match their unique organizational structure and requirements, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process.

• Fraud detection and prevention: Stampli's AI-powered platform can identify potential fraudulent activities, such as duplicate invoices or suspicious vendor behavior, helping businesses mitigate financial risks and maintain compliance.

Cons

• Limited integration with some ERP systems: While Stampli offers integrations with popular accounting and ERP systems, the integrations can be limited. For example, the NetSuite sync isn't in real-time (unlike Routable).

• Higher pricing compared to some competitors: Stampli's features and AI capabilities come at a cost that may be higher than other invoice processing solutions on the market. This higher pricing may be a barrier for some businesses, particularly those with tight budgets or limited resources.

• Steep learning curve: Stampli's UI isn't the easiest to work with. The learning curve can be steeper for less tech-savvy users or those accustomed to more traditional invoice processing methods.

Why Stampli might be a good alternative to Bill.com

While Stampli positions itself as a more advanced alternative to Bill.com, it's important to note that its perceived advantages come with some trade-offs. Stampli's AI-powered features and automation capabilities may seem impressive, but they can also lead to a steeper learning curve and increased complexity for users.

The platform's higher pricing compared to Bill.com may be difficult to justify for businesses with limited budgets, especially considering the potential challenges of integrating Stampli with less common ERP systems. Additionally, while Stampli boasts real-time visibility and analytics, these features may be overkill for organizations with simpler invoicing needs.

4. Quadient AP by Beanworks

Quadient AP Beanworks is a reliable alternative to Bill.com that offers a comprehensive accounts payable automation solution. With Quadient, businesses can streamline invoice processing, manage approval workflows, and easily reconcile payments. The platform provides intelligent invoice capture, customizable workflows, and seamless integration with popular accounting systems, making it a convenient tool for centralizing and tracking financial transactions.

Features

• Automated invoice capture and data entry: Quadient utilizes smart data capture technology to extract information from invoices automatically, eliminating manual entry and minimizing errors.

• Flexible approval workflows: Customize approval routing based on your specific business needs, streamlining the approval process and ensuring timely payments.

• Integration with accounting software: Quadient integrates with popular accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Sage, enabling easy data transfer and reconciliation. But note that it’s only a one-way sync so manual reconciliation is sometimes required.

Pros

• Efficiency and time savings: Quadient automates many tedious accounts payable tasks, freeing up staff for more strategic work and leading to faster invoice processing.

• Improved visibility and control: Real-time reporting of invoice status and the ability to create custom reports provide better insights into spending and help identify potential bottlenecks.

Cons

• Cost: Quadient can be a relatively expensive solution for smaller businesses, as it typically charges based on the number of invoices processed.

• Potential complexity: While Quadient offers robust features, some users may find the initial setup and customization to be a bit complex.

• Limited customization in some areas: Tailoring the software to very specific or niche accounting processes can be limited.

Why Quadient might be a good alternative to Bill.com

Quadient is a viable alternative to Bill.com, offering distinct features and benefits for making the payable process easier. When choosing between the two, consider your needs. Quadient might excel in areas like purchase order (PO) management or complex approval workflows, while Bill.com could offer advantages in accounts receivable or payment capabilities. Ultimately, the best fit for your company will depend on carefully evaluating your specific requirements and priorities.

5. Tipalti

Tipalti is another popular alternative to Bill.com that offers comprehensive payment automation solutions. With Tipalti, businesses can streamline their accounts payable workflow, from invoice processing to payment reconciliation. This platform provides features like invoice capture, automated approvals and workflows, global payment capabilities, and vendor tax management.

Features

• Payment automation: Tipalti offers an AP platform that can process payments in multiple currencies and across different countries, making it particularly well-suited for businesses that operate internationally.

• Tax compliance: Tipalti provides tax form collection, validation, and withholding calculations, which can be a major asset in managing complex tax issues.

• Supplier management: An integrated supplier portal allows businesses to offload data collection to the vendors, who can upload their own information while also tracking the status of their payments in real time.

Pros

• Global reach: Tipalti supports payments in a wide range of currencies and countries, which is invaluable for businesses with a global supplier base.

• Compliance: Its focus on compliance helps businesses reduce the risk of facing penalties due to incorrect or untimely tax filings and payments.

Cons

• High fees: Due to Tipalti’s fee structure, the cost of using Tipalti may be higher than other options in the market, which might not be justifiable if the volume of payments isn’t large.

• No white-labeled supplier onboarding: Tipalti doesn't offer a white-labeled supplier onboarding feature, which may be important for businesses looking for a more customized, branded experience.

• No API for mass payouts: While Tipalti has an API, it doesn't support mass payouts. This limits how many vendors can be paid simultaneously, further slowing down the AP process.

• Poor UX & customization: Tipalti has a rigid design. Unlike Routable or some other platforms, Tipalti is hard to use even for the most tech-savvy users. It can be confusing to navigate and customizing the platform to suit your needs can’t be done. 

Why Tipalti might be a good alternative to Bill.com

Tipalti offers a robust and feature-rich solution for automating AP and supplier payments, but it has limitations. The costs may be prohibitive for growing businesses, and the initial complexity may deter some potential users. Nonetheless, despite these drawbacks, businesses with extensive global payment needs and a focus on compliance may find Tipalti a better option than Bill.com.

6. AvidXchange

AvidXchange is a fintech company specializing in accounts payable (AP) automation. Their core offerings center around streamlining invoice and payment processes for businesses of various sizes. AvidXchange's software automates tasks like invoice capture, approval routing, and payment execution. It integrates with numerous accounting systems to create a seamless and efficient AP workflow.

Features

• Invoice automation: AvidXchange leverages machine learning and intelligent data capture to automate invoice processing, including coding, matching, and approvals.

• Electronic payments (AvidPay): The AvidPay Network enables secure and streamlined electronic payments to vendors, offering options like ACH, virtual cards, and enhanced check payments.

• Supplier management: AvidXchange provides tools to manage supplier information, onboarding, and communication, centralizing vendor-related data within the platform.

Pros

• Scalability: AvidXchange can scale as a business, supporting high volumes of invoices and payments as your company expands. But there are some limitations in how much AvidXchange can scale.

• Comprehensive suite of services: Beyond core AP functions, AvidXchange offers solutions for purchase order management, bill payment, and other accounts payable processes.

Cons

• Complexity for smaller businesses: AvidXchange's robust feature set and user experience might feel overwhelming for very small businesses with simpler AP needs, potentially leading to underutilization of the platform's capabilities.

• Payment delays: Some users report delays in vendor receipt of funds, particularly when using traditional check payment methods.

• Customer service variability: Experiences with AvidXchange's customer service can be inconsistent, with some users reporting excellent support while others encounter slow response times or resolution delays.

Why AvidXchange might be a good alternative to Bill.com

AvidXchange is an acceptable alternative to Bill.com. While both offer core AP automation, they also share some common frustrations. AvidXchange can be overkill for smaller businesses, and its payment processing isn't always as fast as your business may require.

Ultimately, finding the ideal AP automation solution may mean looking beyond these two players if your needs are very specific or if you prioritize exceptional customer support.

Where BILL falls short

While BILL does have some advantages, some drawbacks prevent it from meeting the needs of its customers.

No custom fields in accounting integrations

A significant limitation of Bill.com is its inability to support custom fields in accounting software integrations. This feature is vital for businesses that customize their financial tracking and reporting to fit specific operational requirements or industry standards. The lack of custom fields can hinder detailed financial analysis and accurate record-keeping.

Limited approval rules

Bill.com's limited approval workflows can be limited for businesses with complex approval hierarchies or unique business rules. Some users have reported challenges in setting up multi-level approvals beyond basic dollar thresholds or creating rules involving specific departments, projects, or vendor types. This can lead to workarounds or manual interventions, potentially slowing down payments.

Expensive to onboard larger teams

While Bill.com caters to businesses of various sizes, its pricing model can become a significant factor for larger teams. Its subscription fees are often tiered based on the number of users and features, meaning the cost can escalate quickly as your team grows. Additionally, certain advanced features like international payments or custom integrations may incur additional charges, making it less budget-friendly for larger organizations with complex needs.

Doesn’t support high payment volumes (500+ monthly payments)

Bill.com tends to struggle when scaling to high volumes of payments. Users start to notice issues when attempting to process more than 500 payments per month. This can lead to slower processing and increased errors for growing businesses or those with large-scale transaction needs. This scalability issue is crucial as it may affect payment timeliness and disrupt relationships with business partners.

Slow sync with accounting software integrations

Bill.com often experiences delays and errors when pushing data to accounting software like Oracle NetSuite or Sage Intacct. This lag can disrupt the flow of information, leading to outdated financial records and making timely decision-making challenging. You’ll have to spend time fixing errors.

Expensive international payments

Bill.com charges high fees for international payments, which can be a drawback for businesses that frequently conduct cross-border transactions. These fees can eat into your profits and add unnecessary costs. If your business has a global presence or deals with international clients and vendors, exploring alternatives with more cost-effective international payment options is essential.

Lacks vendor tax & risk management features

Bill.com doesn't directly offer tools for managing vendor taxes or vendor risk compliance on its platform. Businesses with many vendors might find this lack of feature painful as they'll have to depend on external systems or manual processes to ensure they meet tax obligations, increasing the risk of errors.

No real-time payments

Bill.com's lack of real-time payment support is a drawback for businesses prioritizing speed and efficiency. Unlike real-time payments, where vendors receive funds immediately, traditional ACH payments through Bill.com involve processing times that can lead to delays in the settlement of funds.

For businesses operating in marketplaces or hiring gig workers, the absence of real-time payments might necessitate additional planning and resources to compensate for potential settlement delays.

Vendors need to sign up to receive payments

Bill.com requires vendors to create an account to receive payments, which can be a barrier for some, especially smaller vendors or those who prefer simpler payment methods. This requirement can complicate the payment process and deter vendors who are less tech-savvy or prefer more direct payment options.

Poor customer service

Bill.com's customer service team is notoriously difficult to get ahold of. Many online reviewers (and companies we’ve spoken to) have noted that Bill.com can take days to reply to their support requests which prevents them from making payments and slowing down their AP process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Bill.com has established itself as a popular choice for invoice processing and accounts payable automation, there are several alternatives available in the market that offer more functionality and may even have additional features to suit different business needs.

Routable is the best Bill.com alternative for businesses seeking faster, more streamlined accounts payable processes. Its focus on speed and two-way accounting software integration leads to significant time and cost savings.  

Routable's user-friendly interface and emphasis on customization ensure it adapts to the unique way you do business. If you're looking to modernize your AP while maximizing efficiency and minimizing hassle, Routable is the clear choice.

FAQs

What is better than Bill com?

Several alternatives to Bill.com exist, each with its own strengths. Routable is considered a top contender due to its user-friendly interface, extensive features, and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the best solution for your business depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Who are BILL's competitors?

Bill.com's primary competitors in the accounts payable automation space include Routable, AvidXchange, Stampli, and MineralTree. These companies offer similar features and more compared to Bill.com, such as invoice capture, approval workflows, and payment processing. Factors like cost, scalability, and ease of use can help you decide which solution is the best fit for your business.

Who does BILL compete with?

BILL competes with several players in the accounts payable automation market. Some of its top competitors include Routable, Tipalti, Beanworks, MineralTree, and Routable. The best option for your business depends on factors like your company's size, the complexity of your workflows, and budgetary considerations.

How is Bill Com different from QuickBooks?

Bill.com is a cloud-based platform that focuses on streamlining financial transactions, while QuickBooks is an accounting software that offers a wide range of financial management features. While both platforms have some overlapping functionalities, QuickBooks provides a more comprehensive set of tools for overall financial management, including invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, and payroll.

Why use Bill Com if you have QuickBooks?

Bill.com is a dedicated solution for accounts payable automation and payment processing, while QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting software. Although QuickBooks offers some AP features, Bill.com provides more functionalities specifically for managing invoices and payments. Users with more complex invoicing needs may find Bill.com (or an alternative like Routable) a better choice than relying solely on QuickBooks.

Why do people use Bill com?

People use Bill.com because it is a dedicated solution for accounts payable automation and payment processing. It offers advanced functionalities for managing invoices and payments, making it a valuable tool for businesses. Its seamless integration with popular accounting systems also adds to its appeal.