If you run an organization, regardless of its size, one of the most important functions is its finance and AP team. Handling accounts payable manually has many downsides, not the least of which are huge time investment and a higher error rate, which delays vendor payments and takes away from valuable time that could instead be used for handling exceptions.
But what if there was a better way, a more efficient way? A solution to help your organization streamline finances, automate the payment process, and also give you better control over expenses?
That’s what automated AP solutions do, and while BILL (formerly Bill.com) is a popular option, it’s not the only solution. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best BILL alternatives for AP automation and vendor payments.
Continue reading this blog to shortlist the best solution for your organization.
Top 5 BILL Alternatives for AP Automation and Vendor Payments
1. Zenwork Payments
Zenwork Payments is a compliance-first automated AP solution. Zenwork Payments is built to streamline vendor onboarding, invoice and approval workflows, payment execution, and 1099 compliance in a single system. So, the platform helps reduce the need for constant manual intervention, which is a major driver of errors, rework, and repeated data entry, and keeps the records clean and consistent across payments and tax processes.
Key features
- Vendor onboarding with a dedicated vendor portal (xForce) that offers great visibility
- Digital W-9 collection and TIN matching during vendor onboarding
- Auto-drafts 1099 forms and supports e-filing via Tax1099
- Integration with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop (2-way sync)
- Supports ACH, FastPay ACH, and check payments
Pros
- It’s a good choice for growing businesses and multi-entity organizations
- Has customizable AP workflows and payment approval controls
- Strong internal controls centered on W-9 collection and TIN matching, approvals, and payments
- Its OCR-powered invoice capture speeds up invoice intake and reduces manual data entry errors
- Can handle large volumes of invoices
Cons
- The compliance-focused features may overwhelm very small businesses or filers
2. Tipalti
Tipalti focuses on streamlining financial workflows for mid-market and scaling organizations. Tipalti lets teams pay vendors in 200+ countries and territories in 120 currencies, and it helps with tax compliance by collecting and checking tax forms.
Key features
- Dedicated vendor portal for vendor management
- Multi-currency and cross-border payment support
- Streamlined approval workflows and payment controls
- Multiple payment methods
- Multiple ERP and accounting software integration support
Pros
- Can handle global payments in multiple currencies while following compliance
- Supports complex and heavy global vendor and partner payments
- The vendor portal allows complete visibility
- Strong internal controls for payment approvals and support
Cons
- Setting up the complete workflow can take a long time
- Custom pricing and modular fees may make it more costly than its competitors
- Does not natively e-file 1099 or 1042-S forms, though e-filing is supported via Tax1099 integration
3. Melio Payments
Melio is often preferred by SMBs who make small and lightweight payments and are not looking for international payment features. The platform’s simple interface and workflow make it easily adaptable for teams that do not want a complex system.
Key features
- Multiple payment methods with ACH and card payment features
- Payment scheduling workflow
- Role-based approval controls
- Integration with accounting software
- Vendor payment status tracking and notifications
Pros
- Easy to adapt for teams who are moving to AP for the first time
- Supports multiple payment options
- The basic “Go” plan has no monthly subscription fees (transaction limits apply)
- Vendors do not need to sign up for Melio to receive their funds
Cons
- High (2.9%) transaction fees for cards
- Does not have native 1099 compliance support
- Built for small and lightweight payments, making large-volume invoice processing difficult
4. Stampli
Stampli is an invoice-centric AP solution. The platform focuses on routing and its invoice collaboration feature. It is a good alternative to BILL for the teams who are looking for stronger and more advanced invoicehandling and faster invoice approvals workflows.
Key features
- “Billy the Bot” OCR software
- You can message coworkers directly on invoices to speed up the invoice approval process
- Customizable approval and routing rules
- Supports multiple accounting and ERP integrations
Pros
- Collaboration and complete visibility on invoice approvals
- Strong multi-entity support
Cons
- Does not have native tax compliance support
- Has integration fees for accounting software
- Inconsistent AI OCR performance with complex invoices
- Limited dashboard and workflow customization
5. AvidXchange
AvidXchange is popular with mid-market organizations that handle high invoice volumes and need strong internal controls. The software is a good alternative for BILL because it supports cross-border payments and provides multi-entity support.
Key features
- Massive vendor network of over 1.3 million vendors
- AI-powered OCR software
- Role-based access controls
- Customizable approval workflow
- Dedicated vendor portal for better visibility and management
Pros
- The platform is built to process heavy invoice volumes
- Improved audit transparency
- Multiple payment methods
Cons
- Slow response times and persistent customer support delays
- High transaction fees for receiving payments with virtual cards
How to Choose the Right BILL Alternative?
Choosing the best AP automation software for your business should start with understanding exactly what your business needs. Generally, most businesses look for features like automation, scheduling, and support for multiple integrations, but priorities differ from team to team and depend on their size and workflows.
To find the best solution, go through this checklist as these features can impact your team’s day-to-day work.
- Built-in 1099 Compliance
Confirm if the software has W-9 collection, TIN matching, and 1099 compliance as part of the onboarding process. This will reduce corrections and rework and help reduce tax-season issues.
- Multiple Payment Methods
Ensure the software supports your preferred payment methods, so there won’t be any issues when making payments.
- Accounting and ERP integration reliability
Integration support with your accounting or ERP is a must, so make sure you go through the supported integration list.
FAQs
1. What are the best BILL competitors for AP automation?
Some of the best BILL competitors are platforms that combine AP workflows with better and stronger controls, support multiple accounting software integrations, and provide compliance support.
2. What should I look for in alternatives to BILL AP automation?
When you are looking for an alternative to BILL, you should prioritize must-have features like payment approval workflows, accounting integrations, payment visibility, and native 1099 compliance, especially if you manage multiple vendors.
3.What does a vendor payments software or accounts payable automation platform actually automate?
A vendor payment software or an accounts payable automation platform automates invoice capture, payment approvals, payment execution, and reconciliation. So, your team spends more of its time on strategic tasks like exception handling and oversight and less on repetitive data entry.
4. Do I need 1099 compliance and vendor onboarding software in my AP process?
It’s not a must, but a “great-to-have”. Especially if you are paying U.S. vendors, features like built-in W-9 collection, TIN matching, and 1099 preparation are all important steps to reduce errors and support accurateyear-end filing.
The Bottom Line
The AP and vendor payment software you pick affects your cash flow controls, your audit readiness and the time that your AP team gets to spend on resolving exceptions. While BILL is a strong choice, it’s clear that other options may be a better fit depending on your workflows and control requirements.
While some platforms are best suited for global payments and multi-entity controls, others focus on speeding up your invoice workflow and approval process, or on streamlining vendor payments for smaller teams with stronger visibility and internal controls. Each of the above-mentioned platforms has its own uses, so the right choice for you depends on your invoice volume, approval process, and whether you need tax compliance support.
When you are shortlisting options, carefully evaluate how each handles vendor onboarding, payment status tracking, and whether it integrates with your accounting software. Also review how it supports 1099 reporting. Zenwork Payments is built for teams that want AP processes that are more controlled, streamlined vendor payments, and 1099 workflows managed in one system.
Zenwork Payments manages your AP automation and 1099 compliance workflows in one system. Are you ready to try?