Melio Review

Melio is a cloud-based payment platform designed to modernize how businesses handle payments. Unlike traditional methods that rely on paper checks or manual bank transfers, Melio offers a digital solution that allows businesses to pay vendors, suppliers, and contractors with ease. It supports multiple payment methods, including ACH transfers, credit cards, and checks, and enables recipients to choose their preferred method of receiving funds. Melio’s mission is to save businesses time and money by reducing manual tasks and improving cash flow management.

The platform is particularly appealing to SMBs, freelancers, and startups due to its user-friendly interface and flexible pricing model. Melio integrates with popular accounting tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks, making it a versatile addition to existing financial workflows. Additionally, Melio offers features like payment scheduling, approval workflows, and international payments, catering to businesses with diverse needs.

Key Features of Melio

1. Flexible Payment Options

Melio allows businesses to pay vendors using ACH bank transfers, credit cards, or checks. This flexibility is a significant advantage, as it accommodates different vendor preferences. For example, a supplier may prefer a bank transfer for faster processing, while another might accept a check. Melio also enables payers to use credit cards even if the recipient doesn’t accept them, with the funds delivered as an ACH transfer or check to the vendor.

2. Accounts Payable Automation

Melio streamlines accounts payable by automating repetitive tasks. Users can upload invoices, schedule payments, and set up approval workflows to ensure payments are reviewed before processing. This is particularly useful for businesses with multiple stakeholders, as it reduces errors and ensures compliance with internal controls.

3. Accounts Receivable Tools

For businesses looking to get paid faster, Melio offers accounts receivable features. Users can send professional invoices with a “Pay Now” button, allowing clients to pay via credit card or bank transfer. Melio also supports recurring invoices, which is ideal for businesses with subscription-based models or regular clients.

4. Payment Scheduling and Cash Flow Management

Melio’s payment scheduling feature allows users to plan payments in advance, aligning them with cash flow needs. For instance, businesses can delay payments until funds are available or take advantage of credit card float to defer cash outflows. This feature is particularly valuable for SMBs with tight budgets.

5. International Payments

Melio supports international payments to over 70 countries, making it a viable option for businesses with global suppliers. Payments are processed in USD, but recipients can receive funds in their local currency, with competitive exchange rates and transparent fees.

6. Integrations with Accounting Software

Melio’s seamless integrations with QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, and other accounting platforms ensure that payment data syncs automatically with financial records. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and saving time during reconciliation.

7. Approval Workflows

For businesses with multiple team members, Melio’s approval workflows allow administrators to set permissions and require approvals for payments above a certain threshold. This feature enhances security and ensures oversight for larger transactions.

8. Mobile Accessibility

Melio offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, enabling users to manage payments on the go. The app supports invoice creation, payment approvals, and transaction tracking, making it convenient for busy entrepreneurs.

Pricing Structure

Melio operates on a freemium model, offering a free plan with basic features and additional costs for premium services. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing as of April 2025:

Free Plan

• ACH bank transfers: Free for both payer and recipient.
• Check payments: Free for the payer; Melio covers mailing costs.
• Credit card payments: 2.9% transaction fee (charged to the payer).
• Receiving payments: Free for ACH transfers; 2.9% fee for credit card payments.
• Basic integrations: Sync with QuickBooks Online and Xero.
• Unlimited users and payments: No cap on the number of transactions or team members.

Paid Features

• Fast ACH transfers: $20 per payment for same-day or next-day delivery.
• International payments: $20 per transaction, plus currency conversion fees.
• Premium support: Available for enterprise clients (custom pricing).
• Custom integrations: Available for businesses with complex workflows (custom pricing).

Melio’s pricing is competitive compared to alternatives like Bill.com or PayPal, especially for businesses that primarily use ACH transfers. The absence of monthly subscription fees makes it attractive for SMBs with low transaction volumes. However, businesses relying on credit card payments or fast ACH transfers may incur higher costs due to the 2.9% fee or $20 per expedited transfer.

Usability and User Experience

Melio’s interface is intuitive and designed with simplicity in mind. The dashboard provides a clear overview of pending payments, invoices, and transaction history. Setting up an account is straightforward, requiring only basic business information and bank account details. New users can start making payments within minutes, thanks to Melio’s guided onboarding process.

The platform’s drag-and-drop feature for uploading invoices is a time-saver, and the ability to extract data from PDF invoices reduces manual input. The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, ensuring consistency across devices. However, some users have noted that the mobile app lacks advanced features like approval workflow customization, which may limit its utility for larger teams.

Overall, Melio’s user experience is tailored to non-technical users, making it accessible for business owners without extensive financial expertise. The platform’s clean design and responsive customer support further enhance its usability.

Integrations

Melio’s integrations are a standout feature, particularly for businesses already using accounting software. The platform syncs seamlessly with:

• QuickBooks Online: Automatically syncs invoices, payments, and vendor details, ensuring accurate bookkeeping.
• Xero: Supports two-way sync for payments and invoices, streamlining reconciliation.
• FreshBooks: Integrates with invoicing and payment tracking for freelancers and small businesses.
• Zapier: Enables connections with thousands of apps, such as Slack or HubSpot, for custom workflows.

These integrations eliminate double-entry and ensure that financial data remains consistent across platforms. However, Melio’s integration with QuickBooks Desktop is limited, which may be a drawback for businesses using legacy software.

Customer Support

Melio offers multiple support channels, including email, live chat, and a help center with articles and tutorials. Free plan users have access to email and chat support during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST). Premium support, including phone support and dedicated account managers, is available for enterprise clients.

Response times are generally quick, with most queries resolved within 24 hours. The help center is comprehensive, covering topics like setting up integrations, troubleshooting payments, and managing approvals. However, some users have reported delays in resolving complex issues, such as international payment disputes, which may frustrate businesses with urgent needs.

Pros of Melio

1. Cost-Effective: Free ACH transfers and check payments make Melio affordable for SMBs.
2. Flexible Payment Options: Supports ACH, credit cards, and checks, catering to diverse vendor preferences.
3. Seamless Integrations: Syncs with popular accounting tools, reducing manual work.
4. International Payments: Competitive fees and support for global transactions.
5. User-Friendly: Intuitive interface and mobile app make it accessible for non-technical users.
6. Approval Workflows: Enhances security and oversight for team-based payments.

Cons of Melio

1. Credit Card Fees: 2.9% fee for credit card payments can add up for large transactions.
2. Limited Mobile App Features: Lacks advanced functionality like workflow customization.
3. No QuickBooks Desktop Integration: May inconvenience businesses using older software.
4. Expedited Payment Costs: $20 per fast ACH transfer is steep for frequent use.
5. Support Limitations: Free plan users may experience delays for complex issues.

Who Should Use Melio?

Melio is ideal for:

• Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: SMBs looking to automate AP/AR without high costs.
• Freelancers and Startups: Those needing simple invoicing and payment tools.
• Businesses with Global Vendors: Companies requiring affordable international payments.
• QuickBooks Online or Xero Users: Businesses seeking seamless accounting integrations.

However, Melio may not suit:

• Large Enterprises: Businesses with complex workflows may need more robust solutions like Bill.com.
• QuickBooks Desktop Users: Limited integration may hinder compatibility.
• High-Volume Credit Card Users: The 2.9% fee could become costly.

Melio vs. Competitors

Melio vs. Bill.com

Bill.com is a more comprehensive AP/AR platform with advanced features like role-based access and multi-entity accounting. However, it requires a monthly subscription (starting at $45/month), making it pricier than Melio’s freemium model. Melio is better for SMBs with simpler needs, while Bill.com suits larger businesses.

Melio vs. PayPal

PayPal offers broader consumer and business payment solutions but charges higher fees (2.99% + $0.49 for domestic transactions). Melio’s free ACH transfers and check payments give it an edge for B2B transactions, though PayPal’s global reach is unmatched for consumer payments.

Melio vs. QuickBooks Payments

QuickBooks Payments integrates natively with QuickBooks but charges 2.9% + $0.25 for card transactions and 1% for ACH transfers. Melio’s free ACH transfers and lack of subscription fees make it more cost-effective for businesses focused on bank transfers.

Security and Compliance

Melio prioritizes security with features like:

• Encryption: All data is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols.
• PCI Compliance: Meets standards for secure credit card processing.
• Fraud Detection: Monitors transactions for suspicious activity.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Optional for added account security.

The platform complies with U.S. regulations, including KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, ensuring safe and legal transactions. However, businesses handling sensitive data may want to verify Melio’s compliance with industry-specific standards (e.g., HIPAA for healthcare).

Customer Feedback and Market Reputation

Melio has garnered positive reviews for its ease of use and affordability. On platforms like G2 and Capterra, users praise its integrations and flexible payment options, with an average rating of 4.5/5. Common complaints include high credit card fees and occasional delays in customer support. Melio’s reputation is strong among SMBs, but it faces competition from more established players like Bill.com in the enterprise segment.

Conclusion

Melio is a powerful, cost-effective solution for businesses looking to streamline B2B payments. Its free ACH transfers, seamless integrations, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for SMBs, freelancers, and startups. While limitations like credit card fees and lack of QuickBooks Desktop support may deter some users, Melio’s flexibility and affordability outweigh these drawbacks for most small businesses.

For businesses seeking an affordable, modern payment platform with robust features, Melio is a compelling option. To explore its capabilities, sign up for a free account at Melio’s website and test its features with your existing workflows. Whether you’re paying vendors, invoicing clients, or managing cash flow, Melio offers the tools to simplify your financial operations.