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Software · head to head

Melio vs Stripe

Melio logo

Melio

Software

Simple business payments

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

Stripe

Software

Financial infrastructure for the internet

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Melio go (free) plan limited to one user only; Stripe requires developer setup and API integration for most use cases
  • They diverge on capability: Melio covers Vendor payments, Stripe covers Payment processing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Melio and Stripe actually diverge.

Attributes where Melio and Stripe differ
AttributeMelioStripe
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Mobile appWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20182010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Melio

  • Vendor payments
  • Card to check
  • Payment scheduling
  • Approval workflows
  • QuickBooks sync
  • FreshBooks
  • SOC 2
  • Bank-level encryption

Only in Stripe

  • Payment processing
  • Subscription billing
  • Invoicing
  • Terminal (in-person payments)
  • Fraud prevention
  • 3D Secure
  • Global payouts
  • Financial reporting

Both cover

  • QuickBooks
  • Xero

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Melio

  • Accounts payable automationnot Stripe
  • Bill management and payment schedulingnot Stripe
  • Multi-vendor payment processingnot Stripe
  • Invoice receivables and payment collectionnot Stripe

Stripe

  • Online paymentsnot Melio
  • Subscription managementnot Melio
  • Marketplace paymentsnot Melio
  • Global expansionnot Melio
  • Platform monetizationnot Melio

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Melio

  • Go (free) plan limited to one user only
  • ACH charges £0.50 per transaction beyond monthly allowance (5-50 free depending on plan)
  • Card payment fees range from 2.9% to 2.9% plus £75 maximum
  • International payments limited to select currencies only
  • NetSuite integration only available in Unlimited plan (£80/month minimum)

Stripe

  • Requires developer setup and API integration for most use cases
  • Dispute fee of $15 per chargeback is standard industry cost
  • Limited offline payment capabilities

Pricing, plan by plan

Melio

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Melio review.

Stripe

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Stripe review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Melio if

  • You need vendor payments.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app.
  • You also want card to check.
Melio review

Choose Stripe if

  • You need payment processing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want subscription billing.
Stripe review

Questions people ask

Is Melio or Stripe better?
Neither clearly leads. Melio starts at Free and Stripe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Melio or Stripe?
Melio starts at Free and Stripe at Free.
Does Melio or Stripe run on more platforms?
Melio runs on Web, Mobile app. Stripe runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Melio for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Melio best used for?
Melio is most often used for accounts payable automation, bill management and payment scheduling, multi-vendor payment processing, invoice receivables and payment collection. Of those, accounts payable automation and bill management and payment scheduling are not what Stripe is typically brought in for.
What can Melio do that Stripe cannot?
Melio covers Vendor payments, Card to check, Payment scheduling, Approval workflows. Stripe covers Payment processing, Subscription billing, Invoicing, Terminal (in-person payments). Both handle QuickBooks, Xero.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Stripe: What are Stripe's transaction fees?

Standard US rates are 2.9% plus 30 cents for online card payments, 2.7% plus 5 cents for in-person, 3.4% plus 30 cents for keyed/phone transactions, and 0.8% capped at $5 for ACH payments.

Source
Stripe: How many currencies and countries does it support?

Stripe accepts 135+ currencies and supports payment acceptance in 40+ countries through Stripe Connect, enabling sellers to onboard and receive payouts in minutes.

Source
Stripe: What payment methods are supported?

Stripe supports dozens of payment methods including credit/debit cards, ACH transfers, and local payment options, with additional support through partnerships with Meta and Google.

Source
Stripe: Are there monthly fees or contracts?

No. Stripe charges no monthly fees or contracts, only per-transaction fees and dispute fees, making costs fully transparent and variable.

Source
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