Business payment operations have evolved beyond traditional bookkeeping into integrated financial ecosystems. While accounting platforms handle transactions and compliance, modern B2B enterprises require solutions that unify credit decisioning, automated accounts receivable management, and instant payment processing.
According to Deloitte's 2024 CFO Signals report, 67% of finance leaders prioritize cash flow acceleration technologies that integrate seamlessly with existing accounting systems. Resolve delivers this next-generation approach by embedding AI-powered credit and payment automation directly into business workflows.
Key Takeaways
- Embedded payment platforms outperform standalone accounting: Integrated B2B payment solutions combine credit evaluation, AR automation, and reconciliation in one system, eliminating fragmented workflows that cost businesses 15-20 hours weekly in manual processing
- AI automation transforms receivables management: Modern AR platforms use machine learning to significantly reduce manual invoice processing, payment follow-up, and reconciliation tasks
- Non-recourse financing protects merchant capital: Resolve's financing model reduces default risk on approved invoices; terms and exceptions apply to ensure merchants maintain cash flow without traditional factoring liability
- Extended payment terms drive B2B competitiveness: Offering flexible net terms increases sales conversion while integrated platforms handle the associated credit risk and cash flow management automatically
- Integration speed separates modern from legacy systems: Cloud-native platforms connect with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and commerce systems in hours versus weeks for traditional enterprise software
- B2B digital payments improve buyer relationships: According to Mastercard's 2024 B2B research, businesses offering flexible payment options report 28% higher customer retention and stronger partnerships
1. Resolve — The Complete B2B Payments Platform
Resolve represents the convergence of credit intelligence, invoice financing, and payments automation in a single platform. Unlike traditional accounting software that records transactions after the fact, Resolve actively manages the entire invoice-to-cash cycle with embedded decisioning and financing.
Core Capabilities:
- AI-powered accounts receivable automation that significantly reduces manual work
- Non-recourse financing with substantial advance rates on approved invoices (terms and exceptions apply)
- Instant credit decisions using proprietary AI models evaluating thousands of data points
- Flexible net term options including 30, 60, or 90-day terms with installment capabilities
- Branded payment portal accepting ACH, credit card, wire, or check
- Seamless platform integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, and WooCommerce
- LLM-powered invoicing workflow with automatic reconciliation
Transparent Pricing:
- Fees range from 2.61% to 3.5% on 30-day net terms based on risk and advance percentage
- No monthly minimums, setup fees, or hidden charges
- Credit card fees can be passed to buyers through the payment portal (subject to card network rules and applicable state laws; consult legal/compliance before surcharging)
- Custom enterprise pricing available for high-volume businesses
Resolve's platform addresses fundamental limitations of accounting-only software by embedding payment capabilities directly into business workflows. The system's AI agents automatically manage payment reminders, collections, and reconciliation, while the credit dashboard provides real-time insights into customer risk profiles and payment patterns.
Businesses implementing Resolve report significant improvements in receivables management, faster payment collection, and accelerated credit checks compared to manual processes. The platform's non-recourse structure reduces default risk on approved invoices (terms and exceptions apply), with merchants receiving fast funding on qualifying receivables.
Unlike static accounting approaches, Resolve's dynamic platform adapts to each customer's creditworthiness, offering tailored payment terms that maximize sales while protecting cash flow. The system automatically syncs all transactions to accounting software, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
2. QuickBooks Online — Industry Standard with Limited Payment Capabilities
QuickBooks Online remains the most widely used small business accounting platform, offering comprehensive bookkeeping features but limited native payment functionality.
Key Features:
- Robust general ledger and financial reporting
- Basic invoicing with limited automation
- Bank reconciliation and expense tracking
- Payroll and tax preparation modules
- App marketplace with third-party integrations
- Mobile access and multi-user collaboration
Pricing Structure:
- Simple Start: $35/month
- Essentials: $65/month
- Plus: $99/month
- Advanced: $235/month
- Additional fees for payment processing and payroll
While QuickBooks handles basic accounting needs, it lacks the sophisticated AR automation, credit decisioning, and embedded payment capabilities that modern B2B businesses require. Companies using QuickBooks typically need to integrate separate payment solutions or manage complex manual processes for net terms and collections.
However, QuickBooks' extensive user base and familiar interface make it a viable foundation when paired with complementary solutions like Resolve's integrations, which add advanced payment capabilities while maintaining the existing accounting workflow.
3. Xero — Cloud-Native Accounting with Global Reach
Xero offers a cloud-native accounting platform popular with businesses requiring multi-currency support and international capabilities.
Platform Strengths:
- Unlimited users across all pricing tiers
- Strong bank reconciliation and automated transaction coding
- Multi-currency support for 160+ currencies
- Extensive app marketplace with 1,000+ integrations
- Mobile-friendly interface with receipt capture
- Robust reporting and dashboard capabilities
Subscription Pricing:
- Early: $15/month (limited invoices and bills)
- Growing: $42/month (unlimited invoices and bills)
- Established: $78/month (expense claims and project tracking)
Xero's cloud architecture provides excellent collaboration features and real-time data access, but like QuickBooks, it lacks native B2B payment capabilities. Businesses offering net terms must rely on manual processes or third-party integrations to manage credit risk and accelerate cash flow.
The platform's strength lies in its clean user interface and strong bank feed integration, making it suitable for businesses with straightforward accounting needs. However, companies requiring sophisticated AR automation and credit decisioning will need to supplement Xero with specialized payment solutions.
4. Wave Accounting — Free Accounting with Revenue-Based Limitations
Wave Accounting provides genuinely free accounting software for small businesses, funded through payment processing and payroll services.
Free Tier Capabilities:
- Unlimited invoicing and accounting
- Income and expense tracking
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- Bank and credit card reconciliation
- Basic financial reports
- Receipt scanning via mobile app
Revenue Model:
- Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.60 per credit card transaction
- ACH payments: 1% per transaction, $1 minimum
- Payroll services: $20/month base in self-service states; $40/month base in tax-service states + $6/active employee or contractor
Wave's zero-cost accounting makes it attractive for startups and very small businesses, but the platform lacks advanced features needed for B2B commerce. There's no credit decisioning, net terms management, or AR automation capabilities.
While Wave handles basic bookkeeping effectively, businesses that grow beyond simple cash transactions will quickly outgrow its limitations. The platform's focus on consumer-grade features means it cannot support the complex workflows required for B2B net terms, credit management, or automated collections.
5. NetSuite — Enterprise ERP with Complex Implementation
NetSuite provides comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) functionality that includes advanced accounting, but requires significant investment and expertise.
Enterprise Features:
- Integrated financial management, CRM, and inventory
- Multi-subsidiary and multi-currency support
- Advanced revenue recognition and compliance
- Customizable workflows and approval processes
- Robust reporting and analytics
- SuiteCloud development platform
Implementation Costs:
- Pricing varies by edition, modules, and users—contact Oracle NetSuite for a quote
- Implementation typically requires several months and dedicated resources
- Ongoing maintenance and customization costs
- Requires dedicated IT staff or consultants
NetSuite's strength lies in its comprehensive functionality for large enterprises, but its complexity and cost make it overkill for most small and mid-sized businesses. The platform's AR automation capabilities require extensive customization and lack the AI-powered intelligence found in modern specialized solutions.
While NetSuite can technically handle B2B payments through integrations, the implementation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements often outweigh the benefits for businesses that don't need full ERP functionality.
6. Sage Intacct — Mid-Market Financial Management
Sage Intacct targets mid-market businesses requiring advanced financial management without full ERP complexity.
Financial Management Capabilities:
- Core financials with dimensional accounting
- Advanced revenue recognition and project accounting
- Multi-entity consolidation and reporting
- Budgeting and planning modules
- Advanced AR and AP automation
- GAAP and industry-specific compliance
Pricing Structure:
- Custom pricing based on modules, entities, and users—request a quote from Sage
- Implementation services priced separately based on scope
- Per-user licensing model with module-based add-ons
Sage Intacct offers strong financial management capabilities but, like other traditional accounting platforms, lacks embedded B2B payment functionality. The platform's AR automation focuses on basic workflow management rather than intelligent credit decisioning or non-recourse financing.
While Sage Intacct integrates with various payment processors, businesses still need to manage credit risk and collections manually or through separate solutions. The platform's strength lies in financial reporting and compliance rather than payment innovation.
The Strategic Advantage of Embedded Payments
The fundamental difference between Resolve and traditional accounting alternatives lies in their approach to B2B payments. While QuickBooks, Xero, and similar platforms treat payments as a separate process requiring manual intervention, Resolve embeds payment capabilities directly into business workflows.
This embedded approach delivers measurable business outcomes. Companies implementing automated payment solutions report improved cash flow visibility, reduced processing overhead, and stronger customer relationships through flexible payment options.
Resolve's AI-powered platform goes beyond basic automation by providing strategic insights that inform broader business decisions. The credit dashboard helps businesses understand customer risk profiles, optimize payment terms, and identify growth opportunities based on real payment behavior rather than static credit scores.
Implementation and Integration Considerations
When evaluating accounting platform alternatives, implementation complexity and integration capabilities are critical factors. Traditional accounting platforms often require weeks or months of setup and customization, while modern solutions like Resolve offer rapid implementation compared to traditional enterprise solutions.
Integration Timeline Comparison:
- Resolve: Hours to days with pre-built connectors for major platforms
- QuickBooks Online: Immediate for basic accounting, additional time for payment integrations
- Xero: 1-2 weeks for full setup and customization
- Wave: Immediate for basic accounting, limited integration options
- NetSuite: 2-6 months for full ERP implementation
- Sage Intacct: 4-8 weeks for financial management setup
Resolve's flexible API and technical team ensure seamless integration with existing systems, whether businesses use QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, or custom ERP solutions. The platform's white-label features preserve existing customer relationships while adding sophisticated payment capabilities.
Cost of Ownership Analysis
While traditional accounting platforms appear less expensive initially, their total cost of ownership often exceeds modern integrated solutions when factoring in manual labor, missed opportunities, and implementation complexity.
Annual Cost Comparison for $500K Revenue Business:
- Resolve: $15,000-$25,000 (including payment processing and AR automation)
- QuickBooks Online Plus: $1,188 + payment processing fees + manual labor costs
- Xero Established: $936 + payment processing fees + manual labor costs
- Wave: $0 + payment processing fees + significant manual labor costs
- NetSuite: Custom pricing (implementation, licensing, and ongoing maintenance)
- Sage Intacct: Custom pricing (licensing, implementation, and support)
The return on investment for B2B payment automation typically materializes within the first year through reduced processing costs, improved collections, and increased sales conversion rates.
Future-Proofing with AI and Automation
The most significant advantage of modern platforms like Resolve lies in their AI-powered automation and machine learning capabilities. While traditional accounting software relies on manual data entry and static workflows, Resolve's LLM-powered platform continuously learns and adapts to optimize business processes.
This future-proof approach delivers:
- Automated reconciliation for any invoice structure
- AI agents that manage payment reminders and collections
- Real-time credit decisions based on thousands of data points
- Predictive analytics for cash flow forecasting
- Dynamic credit line recommendations based on customer behavior
Modern B2B payment solutions have evolved beyond simple credit extensions to become strategic relationship tools that integrate seamlessly with business workflows, providing valuable data for both buyers and sellers while reducing administrative overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free accounting software alternative?
Wave Accounting offers genuinely free accounting software with unlimited invoicing and basic bookkeeping features. However, businesses requiring B2B payment capabilities will need to supplement Wave with paid solutions. Resolve provides transparent pricing based on actual usage rather than monthly subscriptions.
Can I integrate accounting software with ecommerce platforms?
Yes, modern platforms offer seamless integration between accounting and ecommerce systems. Resolve integrates directly with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, and WooCommerce, automatically syncing transactions and eliminating manual data entry. This integration ensures accurate financial reporting while providing customers with flexible payment options at checkout.
How do cloud accounting platforms improve cash flow management?
Cloud accounting platforms with integrated payment capabilities provide real-time visibility into accounts receivable and cash flow. Smart AR automation platforms accelerate cash flow by offering fast funding on approved invoices, while automated workflows reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and minimize late payments, as documented in J.P. Morgan's 2024 payments research.
How long does it take to migrate from one accounting platform to another?
Migration timelines vary significantly by platform complexity. Simple accounting platforms like Wave or basic QuickBooks setups can be migrated in days, while complex ERP systems like NetSuite may require 2-6 months. Resolve's integration capabilities streamline the transition process and reduce the risk of data loss during migration, as noted in Gartner's financial systems guidance.
This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.
