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What to look for in a top-rated recurring payment solution

Key Takeaways

  • The best recurring payment software handles all aspects of payment, from reminders to collection, payment processing, and financial reporting.
  • The meaning of recurring payment is a payment that's automatically set to repeat on a prearranged schedule.
  • Recurring payment software Intuit QuickBooks recurring payment services allow you to pay ongoing business expenses and collect payments from your clients.

Canadians have more payment options than ever, including installment plans, subscriptions, digital wallets, credit cards, and e-transfers. As a business owner, that's a lot to keep track of.

As more small businesses expand their payment offerings, finding the right recurring payment software is crucial. We'll show you how the best software allows you to create and manage payments as your client load grows. This way, you can improve customer experience while reducing your administrative burden.

Why businesses use recurring payment software

Any business owner who has ever chased payments understands the value of setting up recurring payments. Maybe you're a bookkeeper automating your monthly client invoices or you run a cleaning service, and you're tired of missing payments. A recurring payment system gives these benefits:

  • Automated billing, which saves you time spent chasing funds and deciphering invoice terms
  • Revenue consistency, so you can count on a reliable influx of income at set times throughout the month
  • Administrative efficiency since payments are automatically tracked and reconciled with accounting. This also reduces errors from manual entry
  • Customer convenience because it reduces friction at the point of payment and provides a better overall experience
Recurring payment software features infographic

Common challenges with manual recurring billing

If you've been manually entering recurring payments, you know the frustration of missed invoices, late payments that disrupt your company's cash flow, or an administrative workload that keeps growing.

Fortunately, recurring payment software is a solution to all of these operational challenges. Whether you're trying to streamline B2B payments or just save time issuing invoices to your customers, you need a recurring payment solution.

note icon Recurring payment software also solves payment challenges for your clients and customers. Instead of manually entering payment details, the payment software conveniently stores and processes the data automatically.

Key features to look for in a top-rated recurring payment solution

If you're ready to learn how to collect recurring payments from clients, here's what you need to look for in a software program:

  • Automatic billing. Remember, the goal is to reduce manual entry, saving you time and reducing errors.
  • Payment processing. The software should handle payments from the customer's purchase through verification to the transfer of funds to your business account.
  • Reporting. Software with real-time reporting gives you an instant and accurate picture of your company's finances across all transactions.
  • Payment reminders. Save administrative time and collect missed payments by using software that sends notices to clients when they're approaching or past their due dates.
Feature Why it matters
Billing automation Reduces manual work
Payment processing Simplifies collections
Reporting Improves visibility
Payment reminders Helps reduce missed payments

How recurring payment software supports business growth

Entering payment information manually works for most small businesses until it doesn't. If your company is scaling up, you're spending more time on admin, or payment mistakes are eating into profit, it's time for recurring payment software.

For example, manual entry might have worked at first, but you'll want software to improve payment efficiency after growing to 50 client accounts. Recurring software also makes it easier for customers since they only have to enter payment details once.

Recurring software also has the benefit of giving more accurate and instant revenue visibility that's valuable to small businesses. For instance, if you manage a seasonal business, you can use projected revenue to help you plan ahead.

Software like Intuit QuickBooks helps you manage your business by improving your company's financial management.

Receive payments 4x faster

Add a Pay Now button to your invoices and let customers pay online 4x faster than with paper invoices.

Questions to ask before choosing a recurring payment software

Once you've narrowed down payment software options, identify the best fit by asking yourself these questions:

  • Does this platform support Interac payments?
  • Is it easy to find the information I need in the dashboard?
  • Does the software track data residency to ensure CRA compliance?
  • Does the software integrate with tools my business already uses?
  • Can I accept partial payments or installment plans?
  • What payment methods does it support?
  • Does the software support CAD, not just USD?
  • Can the system help your business scale up as it grows?
  • Is customer support available in Canada?
Recurring payments chart showing predictable revenue

How Intuit QuickBooks supports recurring payment workflows

Recurring payment collection software, like Intuit QuickBooks, manages all aspects of payment, from billing automation to collection and customer support.

The software instantly updates payment details and reconciles the data across systems, so you don't have to manually check accounting.

QuickBooks Payments also handles financial reporting and CRA compliance across all clients. This improved financial visibility helps you make important business decisions as your business scales up.

Since Intuit QuickBooks accepts a variety of payment types, your customers have more flexibility and payment opportunities. This can improve customer experience.

note icon With Intuit QuickBooks recurring payments, you decide which payment methods you'd like to accept, and the software does the rest.

Choose a recurring payment platform that fits your business

When choosing recurring payment software for your small business, you want one that meets your current billing and payment needs and supports your business as it scales.

Intuit QuickBooks streamlines the payment process, improves the customer experience, and gives you improved financial visibility. If you're ready to spend more time growing your business and less on pursuing payments, check out QuickBooks Payments.

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer

Money movement services are provided by Intuit Canada Payments Inc.

This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by region, province, state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. Intuit does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. Intuit does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers should verify statements before relying on them.

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