Stampli is a popular AP automation solution, especially for teams looking for a streamlined approach to invoice processing and approvals. For growing small to mid-sized businesses, it helps reduce time-consuming back-and-forth and speeds up the approvals process. But as companies grow, finance and AP teams need more than collaboration. AP needs to handle higher volume with tighter workflows across invoice intake, vendor records, payment approvals, payment execution, and tax reporting.
If you need an AP solution that can scale as you grow, it’s time to explore alternatives. Continue reading this blog to know more about the top 5 Stampli alternatives for AP automation, payment approvals, and vendor payments.
Top 5 Stampli Alternatives
1. Zenwork Payments
Zenwork Payments is a cloud-based AP solution built for teams looking for streamlined invoice intake, customizable payment approval routing, simplified vendor onboarding, and payment execution within a single connected workflow instead of using separate tools for invoice capture and payments, and a separate vendor tax system.
This workflow is important when vendor data changes frequently or when contractor and vendor payments account for a major portion of spend. The system also has 1099-ready processes to help keep your records organized throughout the year, making for a smoother tax season.
Key features
- Customizable payment approval workflows with clear audit trails
- Dedicated vendor portal called Xforce for self-onboarding for vendors
- OCR invoice capture for invoice intake
- Real-time TIN matching and digital W-9 collection
- Multiple payment methods (ACH, FastPay ACH, and check)
- 2-way sync integration support with QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop
Pros
- The platform can reduce manual work tied to invoice intake, vendor updates, and payment processing.
- Vendor onboarding and W-9 collection workflows can reduce back-and-forth by up to 80%.
- The vendor portal provides payment status visibility.
- The system provides real-time TIN matching (to reduce penalty risk) and supports 1099 drafting with e-filing via Tax1099.
- Zenwork Payments supports the 1099 workflow from W-9 collection and TIN matching to 1099 drafting and e-filing via Tax1099 within a single system.
Cons
- Teams that do not require 1099 compliance may not get the complete advantage of the software.
2. BILL
BILL supports AP with its cloud-based financial operations and is widely used for its simple and straightforward invoice workflows. The platform is a good option for teams that do business internationally and are looking to speed up their setup and handle heavy workloads in growing SMBs.
BILL also works as a centralized hub for managing an organization’s core financial processes, including accounts payable and receivable, and general spend management. By eliminating paper-based manual processes, the system helps improve the speed and cost of invoice processing and cuts down on errors, all the while improving internal controls and visibility into finances.
Key features
- Intelligent OCR
- Dynamic approval routing, which automatically routes invoices to the appropriate approvers based on predefined rules
- Supports international payments to more than 130 countries
- Integration with major accounting and ERP software
Pros
- Its modern and user-friendly interface makes it highly adaptable.
- Those with approval access can review and approve invoices on the go through their mobile app.
- The system is built for heavy workloads of SMBs and multi-entity organizations.
- It has a dedicated vendor portal for better vendor management.
Cons
- 1099 readiness may require extra processes or tools.
3. Tipalti
Tipalti is an all-in-one accounts payable and expense management platform. The solution is built for mid-sized or large companies and organizations that pay multiple vendors, especially across borders. It supports international payments and is commonly used by finance teams that focus on payment coverage and scalability. Tipalti can be a strong fit when the organization is ready to operate a more structured payee and payout program.
Key features
- Dedicated self-service vendor portal
- Native tax compliance tool
- AI OCR for invoice processing
- Supports vendor and contractor payments in 200+ countries and territories and in over 120 currencies, with multiple payment methods
- Built to handle heavy volumes across multiple entities
Pros
- The system screens all payees against OFAC and sanctions lists before every payment run to mitigate risk.
Cons
- Because of the high cost and lengthy implementation time, the solution is mostly suited for large enterprises.
- An invoice-first approval flow is available, but it depends on your approval workflow settings.
4. MineralTree by Global Payments
MineralTree (now part of Global Payments) provides end-to-end AP automation software for small to mid-market businesses. The company also has a core platform, TotalAP, which streamlines the entire payables lifecycle by digitizing the invoice capture process, automating approval workflows, and simplifying digital payments. It also provides the SilverPay virtual card program, a free virtual card payment method that can earn you rebates.
Key features
- Invoice capture and approval automation
- Strong internal controls and approval routing
- Audit trails, roles, and reporting
- Payment execution support
- Support for multiple accounting/ERP integrations
Pros
- You can access a real-time dashboard that tracks invoice and payment status.
- MineralTree allows growing businesses to process three times their current volume without the need to hire additional staff.
Cons
- The platform currently lacks a direct credit memo application for some ERPs, thus requiring manual steps back in the accounting system.
5. AvidXchange
AvidXchange is an AP automation platform built mainly for mid-market businesses. It covers invoice capture, approval workflows, and payments, and says 1.3 million suppliers have been paid through its AvidPay Network in the last five years. Compared to Stampli, AvidXchange has AvidPay, which handles supplier payments via virtual card, AvidPay Direct (direct deposit), or check while managing supplier payment preferences.
AvidXchange is ideal for an organization with multiple departments involved in approvals or where invoices constantly need PO/receipt matching. In this process, AvidXchange can provide structured routing and visibility.
Key features
- AI invoice capture (including line-item details)
- Offers supplier payment methods, like virtual card, direct deposit, and check
- Dedicated vendor platform for better visibility
- Allows integrations with 180+ ERP systems
Pros
- Implementation timelines depend on your setup, but most teams can get their full invoice-to-pay solution live in as little as 45 days.
- Users can view or enter comments directly on invoices during review and approval.
- Strong for complex approval hierarchies.
- It’s built for high-throughput AP operations.
Cons
- Deployment and ongoing administration can be significant.
- Vendor onboarding and 1099 workflows may not be the central focus.
- Heavier platform than lightweight AP teams may prefer.
Conclusion
The accounts payable function is one of the most important parts of the finance department. With the right automated AP software, your organization does not need to split across separate tools for invoice intake, vendor onboarding, payment approvals, payments, and year-end tax compliance. When these processes run in a single workflow, your team spends less time chasing status and fixing vendor records and more time on control, visibility, and cash management.
This is why Zenwork Payments is a strong option for finance teams looking for streamlined invoice intake, payment approvals, vendor onboarding, payment execution, and 1099 compliance in one workflow. Payments can go out accurately, audit trails stay intact, and vendor tax documents can stay organized throughout the year.
FAQs
1. What makes an approval workflow “good”?
A good payment approval workflow routes requests based on rules like amount or department, and keeps a clear record of who approved what before any payment is sent.
2. What does vendor payment automation include?
Paying vendors from captured invoice details, routing payments for approval, executing payments, tracking payment status, and reducing manual reconciliation steps.
3. What does vendor payment automation include?
Paying vendors directly from approved invoices, tracking payment status, and reducing manual reconciliation steps.
4. When does 1099 readiness matter in an AP platform?
When you pay U.S. contractors or service vendors and need accurate tax data throughout the year-W-9 collection, TIN validation, and clean records that support year-end reporting.
Unify vendor onboarding, invoice intake, payment approvals, payments, and 1099 readiness in one AP workflow with Zenwork Payments.