Melio vs. Bill.com: Side-by-Side Comparison for US Business Growth

Vendors expect timely payments, but keeping cash flow steady can get complicated quickly. Missed due dates, manual bookkeeping and scattered invoices can disrupt operations and strain supplier relationships. For many US companies, the decision often comes down to Melio vs. bill.com. Both platforms aim to replace outdated payment processes with faster, more reliable systems.

This article breaks down how each platform works, what they cost and which features matter most for companies with 10 or more employees. By the end, you’ll have a clearer view of which solution best supports your business as it scales. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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What Is Melio?

Melio is a bill pay solution built with small businesses in mind. It allows companies to pay vendors by ACH transfer, debit card, or credit card, even if the vendor does not accept card payments directly. Melio then converts the transaction into a bank transfer or check on behalf of the business.¹

Key Features of Melio

• ACH bank transfers with a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction²
• Ability to fund vendor payments with credit cards (2.9% fee)²
• Check delivery fees starting from $1.5²
• Integration with QuickBooks and Xero^3,4
• Simple dashboard for scheduling recurring payments

Melio’s ease of use makes it appealing for companies that want straightforward bill pay without heavy onboarding or extensive training.

What Is Bill.com?

Bill.com is a more comprehensive accounts payable and receivable platform. It targets mid-market businesses that need both automation and scalability. Bill.com allows payments via ACH, check, wire transfer and international options. Unlike Melio, Bill.com also supports accounts receivable, which makes it more attractive to firms that want an end-to-end cash flow management solution.⁵

Key Features of Bill.com

• ACH transfers with fees starting at $0.59 per transaction⁶
• Ability to send international wire payments in multiple currencies⁶
• Full accounts receivable tools like invoicing and customer payments
• Integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Microsoft, and Sage Intacct⁷

Bill.com’s automation features, such as invoice capture and approval workflows, save time for teams managing higher transaction volumes.

Cost Comparison: Melio vs. Bill.com

When comparing Melio vs. Bill.com, pricing is one of the most significant differences. Melio operates on a pay-as-you-go model, while Bill.com charges both subscription and transaction fees.

• Melio charges $0.50 for ACH bank transfers and a 2.9% fee on credit card payments. Check payments start at $1.50, and international transfers are available at additional cost. There are monthly subscription plans with pricing that varies from free for the most basic, one-user option to the custom-priced platinum plan.²
• Bill.com requires a subscription starting at $45 per user per month. On top of that, ACH transfers cost $0.59 each, with added charges for check and wire payments. International transfers are supported, but fees vary by currency and payment method.⁶

For businesses focused on keeping costs low, Melio’s subscription fees can be a major advantage. However, Bill.com justifies its higher cost with automation tools, stronger integrations and international capabilities that matter for larger or fast-growing teams.

Wise Business Could Offer a Better Price

Melio vs. Bill.com: Integrations and Scalability

Both platforms integrate with accounting tools, but the depth of integrations varies.

• Melio connects directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero. Data syncs automatically, reducing manual entry.
• Bill.com offers integrations not just with QuickBooks and Xero, but also with enterprise-level software like NetSuite, Microsoft and Sage Intacct. This makes it better suited for businesses planning to scale quickly.

For growing firms that anticipate moving into more complex systems, Bill.com may be the safer long-term choice.

Which Platform Handles International Payments Better?

International payments are another area where the comparison is clear.

• Melio allows US businesses to pay overseas vendors, but coverage is more limited and processing is slower.
• Bill.com supports payments to more than 130 countries, with more predictable fees and faster delivery times.

Companies with frequent cross-border activity often find Bill.com more reliable, while Melio may work for occasional international payments.

Security and Compliance in Melio vs. Bill.com

For finance platforms, security is just as important as cost or features. Both Melio and Bill.com take strong measures to safeguard sensitive data and meet industry standards.

• Melio emphasizes international compliance and certification. The platform maintains a SOC 2 Type II report and holds several ISO certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information security, ISO/IEC 27017:2015 for cloud security, and ISO/IEC 27018:2019 for cloud privacy. These certifications demonstrate Melio’s commitment to protecting customer data against vulnerabilities while following globally recognized security practices.⁸
• Bill.com, by contrast, highlights its multi-layered defense system. It integrates advanced fraud detection, network security and account protection to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Bill.com also undergoes annual SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II audits through the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). These audits apply across its core services, ensuring consistent compliance at every layer of the platform.⁹

Taken together, both platforms provide strong safeguards, but their focus differs. Melio demonstrates strength through international security certifications, while Bill.com emphasizes multi-layered fraud prevention and rigorous US audit compliance.

Final Thoughts

The choice between Melio vs. Bill.com depends on company size, priorities, and budget. Melio is best for small US firms that need a simple, affordable way to pay vendors and contractors. Bill.com is better suited to mid-sized businesses that need automation, international reach and full accounts receivable support. For teams of 10 or more people, Bill.com often provides the scalability and integrations required, though Melio remains an efficient and flexible option for straightforward bill payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Both Melio and Bill.com Together?

Yes. Some companies use Melio for flexible vendor payments while relying on Bill.com for invoicing and receivables.

Which Is Better for Paying Contractors?

Melio is often chosen for contractor payments because of its simple ACH and card-funded payments. Bill.com works well when contractor payments need to be part of a larger accounts payable workflow.

Does Melio Help During Tax Season?

Yes. Because Melio integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero, payments automatically sync into your books, reducing manual entry and simplifying tax reporting.

Save Time and Money On Overseas Payments With Wise Business

Wise Business can help you save big time on international payments.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies.

Signing up to Wise Business allows access to BatchTransfer which you can use to pay up to 1000 invoices in one go. This is perfect for small businesses that are managing a global team, saving a ton of time and hassle when making payments.

Some key features of Wise Business include:

• Mid-market rate: Get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees on international transfers

• Global Account: Send money to countries and hold multiple currencies, all in one place. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local

• Access to BatchTransfer: Pay up to 1000 invoices in one click. Save time, money, and stress when you make 1000 payments in one click with BatchTransfer payments. Access to BatchTransfer is free with a Wise Business account

• Auto-conversions: Don't like the current currency exchange rate? Set your desired rate, and Wise sends the transfer the moment the rate is met

• Free invoicing tool: Generate and send professional invoices

• No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees: US-based businesses can open an account for free. Learn more about fees here

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