7 Best Tipalti competitors for financial automation (SMBs welcome)

Tipalti is a cloud-based financial automation platform with a wide range of invoice automation, spend management, tax compliance, and payment automation solutions. It’s designed to meet the needs of medium to enterprise-level businesses who want to streamline financial processes. 

Tipalti provides an accounts payable process that facilitates building efficiency and better cash flow management. However, there may be better choices if you’re looking for a more user-friendly platform that doesn’t require any rework to your ERP, financial system, or accounting software. 

In the news recently, Tipalti announced a second major reduction in force (RIF, or—layoffs). In the announcement, Tipalti’s CEO explained that the company wants to, “reduce exposure to small businesses,” by focusing on larger customers.

This could mean those smaller companies will no longer receive the focus and attention they need to run their businesses using the Tipalti platform. And it’s one of the main reasons current customers may be looking for a strong alternative to Tipalti.

Let’s look at the top contenders that can best meet their needs.

1. Stampli – #1 According to G2

Stampli unifies the critical pieces of day-to-day workflows for modern finance teams on one AI-powered platform that seamlessly integrates with 70+ ERPs. 

Unlike traditional solutions that only address parts of the financial workflow, Stampli connects procurement, invoice processing, payments, corporate cards, and vendor management in one intuitive system.

Billy, Stampli’s machine-learning copilot, studies your unique policies and patterns to automate routine work while giving finance leaders complete control and visibility over cash flow. The platform adapts to your existing processes rather than forcing you to change how you work.

For greater control over expenses, customers can opt for Stampli Direct Pay, Stampli’s integrated payment automation solution, to centralize all payment methods (ACH, check, wire transfer, credit card) on one AP automation platform.

AI and machine learning make AP workflows within Stampli — like invoice scanning and coding, approval routing, and payment processing — powerful, flexible, and adaptable. With Stampli, accounts payable teams gain visibility and control over every transaction, saving time and money and making AP a strategic driver for your business. 

Teams can mix and match modules to fit their roadmap:

• Procurement – self-service purchase requests, PO creation, and budget enforcement
• Invoices – touchless capture, coding, and approval workflows
• Stampli Direct Pay – ACH, check, wire, and cross-border payments in one hub
• Stampli Card – virtual & physical cards with auto-reconciliation
• Vendor Portal – self-service onboarding and document management
• Insights – live dashboards and forecasting that sync bi-directionally with your ERP

Stampli is recognized as the top P2P automation platform. It’s received numerous awards for customer service, corporate citizenship, and excellence, including: 

• Ranked #1 for “Highest User Satisfaction” in the G2 Grid
• No. 2 in the G2 list of Best Accounting and Finance Products
• Recognized By Forbes As One Of America’s Best Startup Employers 
• Best Accounts Payable Automation Solution, Fintech Awards

Key features

• Unified visibility into all requests, POs, invoices, card spends, and payments with real-time, out-of-the-box analytics
• Complex use case flexibility—multi-entity, multi-currency, and multi-subsidiary—with consolidated or drill-down reporting
• Configurable approval and spend-control workflows across purchase requests, invoices, cards, and vendor payments
• Global payouts to suppliers in 150+ countries, complete with FX management and compliance screening

Pre-built, no-code integrations with 70+ top ERPs, including SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics BC/GP, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online, and dozens more—live in days, not months

Advantages

Customer satisfaction

Stampli consistently scores top ratings for Implementation, Relationship, and Usability in the G2 Grid for Accounts Payable for excellence in customer service.

Smartest AI

Stampli’s AI assistant, Billy, automates and streamlines accounts payable processes like invoice data entry, verification, and GL coding.

Integrated services beyond Accounts Payable

Stampli’s suite of integrated AP and spend management products add functionality like employee expense management (Stampli Expenses), domestic and international payment solutions (Stampli Direct Pay), and virtual and physical card programs (Stampli Card) to its core AP automation solution.

Time to value

Stampli offers fast implementation with live setup assistance and 24/7 customer support from AP and ERP experts. Most implementations can be completed within days with no change to your existing workflows or IT infrastructure.

Most control

Stampli’s cloud-based solution centralizes AP-related communications, documents, and workflows for greater control.

Pricing

Stampli offers simple monthly or annual pricing with unlimited users, vendors, and training.

What Stampli customers say

Stampli customers comment positively on the platform’s versatility and flexibility. “Stampli’s automation, user-friendly design, and focus on collaboration make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their accounts payable processes,” says one G2 reviewer.

Another reviewer comments on Stampli’s user-friendliness: “Stampli is a very easy system to navigate and allows for multiple approvers of invoices. We use Stampli every day for several buildings and it is easy to navigate from one facility to the next. Customer support is fast and has excellent follow up, we have monthly meetings with our representative who is always looking for suggestions on ways to improve their product.”

Bottom line

Stampli is the perfect choice for small, medium, or enterprise companies seeking an Accounts Payable solution to simplify and enhance their procure-to-payments process. It offers a user-friendly design, industry expertise, transparent pricing, and a proven track record for customer service, making it the top alternative to Tipalti accounts payable.

Set up a conversation with P2P expert.

2. Stampli Edge: AI-driven AP automation for businesses out-growing basic bill pay

While the full Stampli procure-to-pay solution meets the needs of mid-market and enterprise finance teams, fast-growing businesses that don’t yet require advanced procurement or multi-entity controls can start with Stampli Edge—our lighter, AI-powered AP solution described next.

Stampli Edge fills the gap between entry-level bill-pay apps and enterprise-grade P2P suites. Built on the same AI engine (“Billy” the copilot) as the flagship Stampli platform, Edge delivers end-to-end invoice automation, domestic & international payments, and corporate cards—without the complexity that smaller finance teams want to avoid.

We created Stampli Edge to serve businesses that need a solution perfectly tailored to their evolving business needs:

• Small and mid-size companies that have out-grown entry-level bill-pay tools and need full AP workflow, payments, and cards—fast
• Teams that prefer to start simple today and expand into a complete procure-to-pay solution whenever they’re ready

Key features

• Touchless invoice capture, coding, and approval routing powered by AI
• Stampli Payments—ACH, check, wire, and cross-border payouts in one hub
• Stampli Card—virtual & physical cards that feed transactions directly into Edge for auto-reconciliation
• In-product messaging and vendor portal to eliminate email back-and-forth
• Insights dashboard for live visibility into invoices, payments, and team productivity
• Bi-directional API integrations for Sage Intacct, Oracle NetSuite, and QuickBooks Online—live in weeks

Why start with Stampli Edge?

Edge gives finance teams their time back today and preserves every workflow, vendor record, and audit trail for tomorrow. When invoice volume, entities, or procurement needs expand, customers move up to the full Stampli procure-to-pay solution—no re-implementation, no data migration, just turn on additional modules such as Procurement, multi-entity support, and advanced reporting.

Learn more about Stampli Edge

3. BILL (formerly bill.com)

BILL (formerly Bill.com) provides comprehensive solutions to streamline, digitize, and automate financial operations for small businesses. With a focus on managing cash inflows and outflows, BILL offers features such as invoice generation, approval workflows, payment management, integration with accounting software, and cash management.

Key features

BILL offers Essentials, Team, Corporate, and Enterprise service tiers with different feature sets. 

Essentials

• Choice of accounts payable or accounts receivable services.
• Basic AP automation — invoice data capture and coding, vendor details, document management, and payment processing.
• Manual CSV integration with QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Premier, and Xero.
• Digital document storage.
• Standard user roles.
• Email support.

Team

Everything in the Essentials tier, plus:

• Automated two-way sync with QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Premier, and Xero.
• Custom user roles.

Corporate

Everything in the Team tier, plus:

• AP and AR automation.
• Automated two-way sync with QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Premier, and Xero.
• Custom approval policies.

Enterprise

Everything in the Corporate tier, plus:

• Automated sync with QuickBooks Enterprise, Oracle Netsuite, Sage Intacct, and Microsoft Dynamics.
• Multi-location & multi-entity accounting.
• Priority customer support.
• API access.

Advantages

Spend management

BILL’s higher service tiers offer businesses the ability to customize approval workflows, roles, and permissions, allowing them to have greater control and visibility over their expenses.

Improved business efficiency

BILL is a simple and easy-to-use way for businesses to automate core accounting functions so they can focus on growth and increasing profitability. Its payment platform provides access to payment methods such as ACH or credit cards, enabling businesses to pay vendors faster.

Pricing

BILL charges a per-month price based on service tier. It also charges per-transaction fees for payments made on the BILL platform.

What BILL customers say

BILL customers like how it helps them streamline invoice processing but complain about its limitations. One accounting specialist summarized their mixed experiences with the platform: “BILL’s AP features solve several key problems, such as streamlining invoice processing and automating approvals,” they begin, listing the various ways using BILL has benefited their small business. However, they go on to comment that “[w]hile Bill.com offers great features, there are a few downsides. The reporting tools are limited and lack customization for more detailed analysis.”

Bottom line

If you’re looking for a cost-effective accounting solution for your growing small business, BILL is a great alternative to Tipalti. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, access to core accounting features, and flexible and scalable service options, and you can add more functionality to your accounting system as your business grows and its needs change. 

4. Airbase

Airbase simplifies business and finance processes, helps control spending, streamlines financial tasks, and helps manage and control risks. Its strengths include a user-friendly interface, spend management capabilities, a flexible credit card program, and customizable service packages.

Its cloud-based solution is designed for mid-sized companies that want to manage employee expenses, accounts payable, and procurement. 

Key features

Airbase offers packages consisting of various module combinations and features. Its key components include Guided Procurement, Accounts Payable, Expense Management, and Corporate Cards, with core AP automation features that include:

• Invoice processing and matching using OCR technology to extract vendor information, invoice details, and other information.
• One dashboard that centralizes spend management, accounts payable, and credit card management.
• Custom approval routing and rules for all spending types.
• Payment management including scheduling, tracking, and multiple approvals.
• Customer support via email, online knowledge base, and online chat.

Advantages

Corporate card spend management

Airbase’s corporate card management capabilities are a key part of their platform. They offer flexible card management, rewards programs, and detailed spending reports.

Flexible customer support

Airbase offers customer support and training via email, an online knowledge base, and online chat.

Pricing

Airbase offers three service packages. Certain features and modules are only available at higher-priced tiers, and pricing for each tier is customized according to customers’ needs.

Standard

Basic access to modules and special features for small and medium businesses (less than 200 employees).

Premium

Enhanced access to modules and greater functionality for medium-sized businesses (up to 500 employees).

Enterprise

Access to all modules and Airbase’s complete suite of features for enterprise businesses (up to 5,000 employees).

What Airbase customers say

Similar to BILL customers, Airbase customers say its AP automation features have improved their processing efficiency. In the words of one customer, “Airbase is cutting time on manual efforts and speeding up invoice entry and visibility.” They go on to describe how Airbase has helped them eliminate inefficient manual processes.

However, other reviewers suggest that Airbase suffers from the same lack of flexibility and scalability as BILL. Airbase is “”[g]ood, but not great, according to another reviewer. “There are customization capabilities but more would be better — there are a small handful of use cases that are specific to our business but we’re unable to customize Airbase to match those processes exactly.”

Bottom line

Airbase stands out as a good Tipalti alternative for growing venture-backed businesses that need an automated spend management and accounts payable automation software solution.

5. AvidXchange

AvidXchange’s goal is to “Transform the way middle market companies receive, manage, and pay their bills.” Their cloud-based, end-to-end AP automation platform is based on three core functions: purchase-to-pay automation, automated approval and payment processing solutions, and invoice management. 

AvidXchange offers a variety of separate modules to help customers automate their entire accounts payable process, such as AvidPay for supplier payments and AvidInvoice for invoice processing. They also offer specialized modules to add additional functionality like utility cost management, spend analytics, and PO management.

Key features

• Expedited business payments to suppliers who are members of the AvidPay network in the US.
• Automated OFAC (Office for Foreign Asset Control) checks when onboarding new vendors and before each payment run.
• Integrates with QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, MRI Software, and industry-specific business systems like Rent Manager, MIP Fund Accounting, and Yardi.
• Visibility into historical accounting records with research and financial reporting functionality.
• Tailored AP automation solutions for specific industries or accounting integrations.

Advantages

Intuitive client portal

AvidXchange’s client portal is available from any device and is designed to be accessible and easy to understand for non-accounting employees.

Improved process efficiency

By streamlining manual processes AvidXchange frees finance team members to work on more strategic tasks.

Pricing

AvidXchange doesn’t post pricing information on its website. All prices are by quote only.

What AvidXchange customers say

AvidXchange customers praise its user-friendly design. “AvidXchange is an extremely user-friendly tool and provides flexibility to create unique workflows for reviewing and approving invoices,” said one reviewer. “It is a powerful reporting tool and reference for all things Accounts Payable.”

However, several AvidXchange users have complained about its practice of upselling services to their suppliers. “I do not like Avid Pay,” said one customer in a GetApp review, “One vendor called them and tried to change payment methods and Avid Pay customer support told them they should be charging us 5% more on invoices to make up for the usage fee from them.”

Bottom line

AvidXchange provides custom-built modules and AP solutions designed to cater to the unique requirements of various industries such as real estate, construction (TimberScan), and finance (AvidAccess), making it a versatile alternative to Tipalti for customers needing a tailored solution.

6. Yooz

Yooz is a cloud-based Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) automation solution that provides visibility and control over the AP process.  It uses AI and Big Data-based technologies to automate AP tasks like invoice processing, GL coding, and purchase order matching.

Yooz offers customizable dashboards and financial reporting tools for real-time visibility into AP workflows. Businesses can monitor invoice processing status, track key performance indicators, and analyze trends to make informed decisions.

Key features

Yooz’s AP automation solution offers value by providing time and cost savings through streamlined processes, reduced accounting errors, faster invoice approvals, and enhanced visibility.

• YoozPay: Vendor payment approval and processing automation.
• Automatic data import: Vendor data, chart of accounts, purchase orders, tax profiles, purchasing catalog, and budgeting.
• YoozStamp: Automatically separates documents to be scanned and digitized to reduce paperwork.

Advantages

Multi-channel document management

Yooz helps automatically capture and digitize invoices, payments, POs, requisitions, credit notes, and goods receipts in multiple formats and integrates with document management systems.

Advanced reporting

YoozReports integrates with Excel to provide access to real-time data, allowing customers to harvest invoice data insights, produce customized reports, and monitor and optimize KPIs.

Pricing

Yooz offers a no-fee 15-day trial subscription and a “Gold Edition” monthly subscription with unlimited users. The custom pricing for the monthly subscription is based on the number of documents processed.

What Yooz customers say

According to reviews, Yooz customers are generally ok with the platform. “”Yooz is a fairly useful and easy-to-use engine save for some minor issues,” says one reviewer. They went on to describe some of the challenges they’re facing, including one recurring issue they reported in 2022 and which never seems to get fixed: “the most frustrating thing I come across on a daily basis is when I am breaking down accounts and amounts before submitting. It’s a very little thing, but it causes a considerable amount of error and frustration; I’m talking about when I click on a cell to change or add a value, the first character I type is never the first value entered. 

2024 UPDATE: Nothing has changed.”

Bottom line

Yooz is a good solution for small and midsize businesses looking for an AP automation solution with customizable reporting tools and dashboards. Its powerful document management and analytics capabilities make it a competitive alternative to Tipalti.

7. Spendesk

Spendesk is an expense tracking and spend management platform. It offers a 7-in-1 spend management solution that helps businesses control and manage their spending. 

In November 2022, Spendesk added basic accounts payable process automation to their portfolio of corporate cards, employee expense management, budgeting, invoice approval, regulatory compliance, and reporting services. 

Key features

Spendesk’s basic AP automation solution offering contains some innovative features to help customers manage their AP spending. 

• Tracking and monitoring tools to help control category-specific spending like office supplies and recurring subscriptions. 
• Centralized system that allows employees and vendors to upload invoices, receipts, and other documents from anywhere in the world.
• Integration with NetSuite, FreshBooks, QuickBooks Online, Xero and DATEV

Advantages

Versatile spend management

Single spend management dashboard with real-time reporting on supplier payments, employee expenses, corporate cards, and committed spend.

Scalable and flexible to support business growth

Spendesk provides innovative features and capabilities to help growing businesses manage and optimize their AP spending, card usage, and other accounting functions.

Pricing

Spendesk doesn’t post pricing information on its website. All prices are by quote only.

What Spendesk customers say

Spendesk customers, particularly small businesses, like its simplicity and efficiency. One customer says, “As a user, spendesk enables me to efficiently manage my business expenses and allowances, saving me time during the day. It’s easy to use and quick, so I can keep up with receipts and invoices on the go.”

However, many users complained the platform is outdated and may not be the best solution for growing businesses. “It was nice back in 2020, but now it is far behind the competition,” said one reviewer. “Bad customer support and AMs…The off-boarding is very slow and non responsive. We are still waiting for our account to close, 4 months after our notice.”

Bottom line

Spendesk is a good alternative to Tipalti, particularly for small- and medium-sized businesses needing a scalable solution offering more control and visibility over their complex accounts payable and spending requirements. Although not a traditional AP automation provider, Spendesk provides innovative tools to help small businesses streamline their invoice management and payment processes. However, some customers complain the platform is outdated and may not be the best solution for a growing business. 

Do you need an alternative to Tipalti Accounts Payable automation?

While Tipalti offers a great solution for streamlining financial processes, several compelling alternatives cater to specific user needs and challenges: 

• Stampli is the leading built-for-AP solution with a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
• BILL provides a cost-effective accounting and basic AP automation solution for growing small businesses.
• Airbase focuses on spending management, automating AP, expense management, and corporate cards to enhance financial control and efficiency.
• AvidXchange offers AP automation through a user-friendly online dashboard.
• Yooz provides customizable real-time document management and analytics.
• Spendesk provides a powerful all-in-one spend management platform with innovative AP management features.

These Tipalti alternatives address various aspects of financial processes, offering solutions for businesses seeking alternatives to Tipalti software to optimize their financial workflows.

Competitor Pricing

Pricing is a major part of deciding which AP automation solution fits your business best. Most providers don’t publish their pricing or only publish prices for certain products or components without disclosing the full cost of their solution.

When you’re considering an AP automation solution, ask for details about their pricing, including how the pricing is applied (per month/user/invoice), the length of the contract (monthly vs yearly), how many users, locations, or entities are included, what services are included, and what fees they charge for additional services. 

Stampli: Automate AP without disrupting your ERP

Stampli brings everything related to AP into one place. 

Say goodbye to workarounds, spreadsheets, and manual ERP work – Stampli offers an efficient AI-powered solution for AP automation, focusing on enhancing existing processes without changing workflows. 

Stampli centralizes communication, documentation, and workflows in a user-friendly interface, complemented by automation features, like Billy the Bot™, that provide visibility and control and streamline manual processes.Stampli is the leading AP solution and a powerful alternative to Tipalti. It consistently outperforms other AP platforms in customer ratings, as evidenced by its consistent #1 spot for customer satisfaction on the G2 Grid.

Stampli`s versatile suite of integrated products and compatibility with over 70 ERPs makes for swift deployment, helping companies like Wenspok Companies achieve a 75% reduction in average invoice processing time and a 73% faster monthly close for credit cards.

Let’s talk about all the ways Stampli can help your invoice and payment management workflow. Contact us today for a free demo.