Melio

General Overview

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, Melio helps SMBs pay and get paid without heavy accounting software. More than 100,000 businesses run their AP/AR on Melio. The Go plan is free and includes 5 ACH transfers, while paid plans (Core, Boost, Unlimited) add higher ACH limits, faster rails, advanced workflows, and unlimited seats.

Melio isn’t a full accounting suite, but a specialized tool for managing payments, syncing seamlessly with accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero to keep financial records updated. Its ability to handle payments even for vendors who prefer checks—while keeping costs low, makes it a standout in the payment processing space.

Pros and Cons

Usability and Setup

Melio is designed for ease of use, with a straightforward interface that minimizes the learning curve for non-accountants. Setup takes less than 5 minutes: users sign up via the website with an email address, verify their identity with basic business details (e.g., company name and address), and can start adding vendors or bills immediately.

No software download is required, as Melio operates entirely online or through its iOS and Android mobile apps. The dashboard is divided into “Pay” (for accounts payable) and “Get Paid” (for accounts receivable) tabs, making navigation intuitive. Users can upload bills manually, snap photos of invoices via the mobile app, or forward them to a Melio inbox for processing.

In-app prompts guide new users, and the platform’s clean design ensures quick access to payment scheduling and tracking. The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, allowing users to manage payments on the go, though some advanced settings are desktop-only.

Compared to feature-heavy platforms like Sage 50cloud, Melio’s simplicity is a strength, but users needing comprehensive accounting may find it too focused on payments alone.

Pricing and Plans

• Key Variables Fees (all plans):

  • Extra ACH beyond allowance $0.50 each.

  • Same‑day ACH 1 % (cap $75).

  • Instant bank transfer 1 % (cap $75).

  • Card payments 2.9 % domestic; 2.9 % + $20 international.

  • Paper checks: $1.50; fast check $20; overnight $50.

  • International ACH $20 flat (USD), $20 + conversion rate (local currency).

Main Features and Integrations

Melio is purpose-built for streamlining payments, not for full accounting. Its features are optimized for accounts payable (AP) and receivable (AR), making it a great fit for SMBs that want control, flexibility, and easy integration with existing accounting tools.

• Accounts Payable (AP): 

  • Flexible payment options: Pay vendors via ACH (some free, then $0.50), debit/credit card (2.9% fee), or paper checks ($1.50).

  • Vendor doesn’t need a Melio account: You can pay any business — Melio handles the delivery via check or deposit.

  • Bill upload options: Manually enter bills, email them in with a dedicated inbox, or snap photos via mobile.

  • Scheduled payments: Choose delivery dates to manage cash flow efficiently.

  • Approval workflows: Assign user roles, set payment permissions, and review before sending.

• Accounts Receivable (AR): 

  • Get paid easily: Send professional invoices with a “Pay Now” link for bank or card payments.

  • Live tracking: See real-time updates when invoices are sent, viewed, or paid.

• Bill Management: 

  • Streamlined capture: Upload documents or email them to your @melio inbox.

  • Categorization: Assign vendors, accounts, or classes (when synced with QuickBooks).

  • No recurring payments or payroll: Melio doesn’t currently support these functions.

• Payment Tracking: 

  • Real-time updates for sent, received, deposited, or failed payments ensure full transparency.

• Approval Workflows: 

  • Role-based permissions help larger teams manage risk and compliance. Multi-step approvals are easy to set up in Core and above.

• Mobile App: 

  • Available on iOS and Android with strong ratings (4.6★ iOS, 4.0★ Android).

  • Features include bill uploads, scheduling, and invoice management, though advanced features like class tagging are desktop-only.

• Security: 

  • SHA 2048-bit SSL encryption and Level 1 PCI compliance protect all data and card transactions.

  • Customer funds are safeguarded in FDIC-insured accounts.

  • 24/7 monitoring and customizable user permissions ensure account-level protection.

• Tax Support: 

  • Melio enables W-9 capture and helps export 1099-eligible payment data.

  • It does not file 1099 forms directly, external software (like Tax1099 or QuickBooks) is required for submission.

Integrations: Melio integrates with key platforms, focusing on accounting and bank connectivity rather than wide-scale app ecosystems.

• QuickBooks Online – Real-time sync for bills, payments, and classes.

• Xero – Syncs vendor bills and payment statuses.

• Plaid – Used for secure bank account linking and verification.

Compared to all-in-one platforms, Melio intentionally keeps its ecosystem narrow, optimizing depth of sync over breadth of integrations.

Support Options

Melio offers support via live chat and email, accessible directly from the platform or at: [email protected]. Chat response times average < 10 min; complex accounting queries escalate to email.

Melio has a 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating (5,000+ reviews, 2025), with users praising its ease of use. Accountants get extra setup help, but full accounting support is better handled via integrated platforms like QuickBooks or Xero.

Conclusion

Melio is an excellent choice for SMBs, freelancers, and accountants seeking a platform to manage accounts payable and receivable without the overhead of full accounting software.

Melio’s 2025 subscription makeover replaces its legacy “free, unlimited ACH” positioning with a freemium Go plan plus flat‑rate bundles that still undercut the hassle of cutting checks or paying non‑negotiated card surcharges. For start‑ups and lean SMBs, Go’s 5 free ACH transfers plus à‑la‑carte fees deliver immediate value; scaling teams can move up to Core, Boost or Unlimited as ACH volume and seat count grow.

Businesses needing deep accounting, payroll, or BI dashboards will still pair Melio with QuickBooks, Xero or an ERP, but for pure AP/AR efficiency, especially when you need to pay overseas or keep cash longer by floating expenses on a card, Melio is tough to beat. Just budget for card and rush‑payment fees, and choose the tier that matches your ACH volume.