Melio

What Is Melio?

Melio is a cloud-based accounting platform that allows users to pay suppliers by ACH transfer, credit/debit card, or mailed check from a single account. It allows businesses to schedule future payments and send payments to vendors that do not accept cards. The platform includes bill data extraction from uploaded invoices and approval controls for payment requests, helping finance teams track outgoing payments more accurately.

What Is Melio Best Known For?

Melio is well known for its pay-by-card capability, which allows businesses to pay vendors with a credit card even when those vendors do not accept card payments. It routes card-funded payments through supported settlement methods such as ACH or other transfer channels. The platform provides an additional way for businesses to initiate vendor payments without requiring vendors to change how they accept funds.

How Much Does Melio Cost?

The platform’s starting price is $25/month. This package, known as the Core plan, includes several features, such as fast/instant payments, AI bill capture, a dedicated bill inbox, and more. Additional Melio pricing tiers are as follows:

• Go – $0/month
• Boost – $55/month
• Unlimited – $80/month
• Platinum – Custom pricing

In addition to the base subscription costs, organizations should account for the following expenses:

• Implementation And Onboarding: May range from $0–$1,000 depending on business size and accounting integration needs
• Payment Processing Fees: Transaction charges typically range around 2.5%–3% for card payments
• FX And International Transfers: May incur approximately 1%–3% per transaction based on currency routes and banking partners
• Integrations And Add-Ons: Might add roughly $10–$100/month, depending on functionality scope
• Expedited Payments: May cost about $0.50–$20 per transaction

Users describe Melio’s pricing as relatively affordable for small businesses, especially due to free or low-cost ACH payments. However, some users note confusion around card processing fees and occasional transaction charges that can add up with heavy usage.

Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.

Melio Integrations

The software supports integration with multiple systems and platforms, such as:

• QuickBooks Online
• Xero accounting solution
• NetSuite
• Amazon Business

How Does Melio Work?

Here is how to get started with the software:

• Access the main dashboard to review upcoming bills, recent payments, account balances, and payment activity
• Connect business bank accounts and payment cards that will be used for outgoing payments and fund collection
• Add vendors, contractors, landlords, and suppliers by entering their payment details or contact information
• Upload invoices through the Bills tab using document uploads, emailed invoices, accounting software syncs, or CSV imports
• Configure approval rules and assign permissions based on payment amounts, departments, or designated approvers
• Schedule one-time payments, recurring bills, batch payments, or international transfers from the payments workspace
• Monitor payment status, completed transactions, vendor activity, and pending approvals through account dashboards
• Generate payment requests and share payment links with customers to receive funds directly into the connected bank account

Who Is Melio For?

Melio is ideal for businesses across several industries and sectors, including:

• Construction
• Retail
• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Wholesale
• Food and beverage
• Wine and spirits

Melio Use Cases

Based on our analysis of Melio’s capabilities, we have identified several scenarios in which the platform is particularly well-suited for small businesses, accounting professionals, and organizations that manage recurring vendor payments:

1. Small Businesses Paying Vendors That Do Not Accept Credit Cards

Many growing businesses rely on suppliers, contractors, or service providers that only accept bank transfers or checks. It can limit payment options and create challenges when cash needs to be reserved for other expenses. Melio is frequently used in these situations because businesses can continue working with existing vendors while funding payments through a credit card when needed.

2. Accounting Firms Managing Payments Across Multiple Clients

Bookkeeping firms and outsourced accounting providers often oversee bill payments for numerous clients with different approval requirements and payment schedules. Handling these activities through banking portals can create unnecessary administrative work. The platform can be well-suited to firms that need a centralized environment for tracking bills, coordinating approvals, and processing payments across multiple client accounts.

3. Businesses Working With International Suppliers

Organizations that regularly pay vendors in different countries often face delays, manual data entry, and inconsistent payment processes when relying on traditional wire transfers. Melio software could be a practical option for companies that need to manage domestic and international vendor payments on a single platform while maintaining visibility into payment status and transaction costs.

4. Remote Teams Coordinating Accounts Payable Activities

Companies operating with distributed finance teams may struggle when payment approvals, invoice reviews, and vendor communications depend on paper documents or in-office processes. The software may support businesses that need to review bills, approve payments, and monitor outgoing transactions without requiring employees to work from a single location.

5. Product-Based Businesses Managing High Supplier Spending

Distributors, wholesalers, and inventory-focused companies often need to pay suppliers before collecting customer revenue. It can place pressure on available cash reserves, particularly during busy purchasing periods. Melio is commonly used by businesses that process substantial supplier payments and require additional flexibility when scheduling outgoing funds throughout the month.

Is Melio Right For You?

If you are a small or mid-sized business that needs to take control of vendor payments without the overhead of traditional AP systems, then Melio might be the right choice. It allows businesses to pay any vendor by credit card, even when that vendor doesn't accept cards, making it valuable for companies looking to earn rewards or extend their cash runway.

Additionally, the software is SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, and PCI Level 1 Compliant, ensuring the security and privacy of confidential user data. Trusted by businesses such as The PEYD Group, Doria Wines, QBench, and Antares Advisors, the software is highly scalable to meet the needs of growing companies.

Still have queries about the Melio software? Contact our expert team at (661) 384-7070, who will answer all your questions to help you make an informed decision.