The 5 best recurring payments software to consider for your business

Let’s face it, running a business comes with enough challenges, but chasing down payments shouldn’t be one of them. Late payments, follow-up calls, and endless paperwork can eat into your time and energy, leaving you stretched thin. That’s where recurring payments software comes in.

This blog explores the best recurring payments software options available today, helping you find the right fit for your business. Whether you’re managing subscriptions, sending regular invoices, or processing repeat payments, we’ve got you covered with tools that save time and keep cash flow consistent.

But before we dive into our list of the best recurring payments software, let’s take a moment to explore the key features these tools typically offer.

Key features of recurring payments software

Recurring payments software typically includes a range of features that enable businesses to manage recurring transactions efficiently. Some key features include:

1. Automated billing and invoicing: Automatically generate and send invoices to customers, reducing the need for manual intervention.
   
2. Subscription management and tracking: Easily manage and track customer subscriptions, including upgrades, downgrades, and cancellations.
   
3. Payment collection and processing: Securely collect and process payments from customers, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.
   
4. Failed payment management and retry logic: Automatically handle failed payments with retry logic, reducing the risk of missed payments and improving cash flow.
   
5. Billing frequency and schedule management: Customize billing cycles and schedules to match your business needs, whether it’s weekly, monthly, or annually.
   
6. Customer billing and notification management: Keep customers informed with automated billing notifications and reminders.
   
7. Integration with accounting software and other tools: Seamlessly integrate with accounting software and other business tools to streamline the entire billing process.
   
8. Dedicated customer support and reporting: Access dedicated customer support and detailed reporting to monitor and optimize your billing operations.
   

These features collectively ensure that businesses can manage their recurring billing needs effectively, providing a seamless experience for both the business and its customers.

Who can benefit from recurring payments software?

Recurring payments software isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s versatile enough to support businesses across industries. It allows businesses to manage subscriptions, automating and overseeing their subscription services effectively. If you’re sending invoices, managing subscriptions, or billing customers regularly, here’s how it could work for you:

• Subscription businesses: Think monthly gym memberships, online tutoring services, or that killer coffee club you started.
  
• Freelancers and consultants: Whether you’re a graphic designer billing clients for monthly retainer work or a marketing consultant with ongoing contracts, recurring payments software keeps payments on track without the back-and-forth.
  
• Healthcare professionals: Orthodontists, therapists, or chiropractors offering installment plans for long-term treatments can automate recurring payments, ensuring steady cash flow without chasing patients for payments.
  
• Education providers: From tutoring services billing weekly sessions to private schools collecting monthly tuition, recurring payments software makes managing payments simple and predictable.
  
• Professional services: Accountants billing clients for quarterly financial reviews, lawyers managing ongoing retainers, or consultants offering recurring service packages can automate invoices and payments, saving time and avoiding manual follow-ups.
  
• Auto repair shops: Shops offering maintenance plans, like monthly oil change subscriptions or tire rotation packages, can schedule payments and keep cash flow steady.
  
• Property managers: Managing rent payments for multiple units? Recurring payments software ensures tenants pay on time, every time—no need to chase checks or track spreadsheets.
  

These are just some of the use cases, but the list isn’t limited to these. Now that you know who can benefit from this, I’m sure you’d love to know which providers are out there, so let’s delve into the next section.

5 best recurring payments software options for businesses

Choosing the right recurring payments software can save you time, reduce errors, and give your business the consistency it needs to grow. But not all tools are created equal. Each software has its strengths and weaknesses—and some are better suited to specific types of businesses than others. Here’s a breakdown of 5 top contenders, each with its own unique strengths and…well, quirks. The key is finding the one that fits your business best.

1. Helcim – The small business bestie

Helcim gets it—running a small business isn’t easy, and the last thing you need is complicated recurring payments software or surprise fees. That’s why Helcim’s recurring payments tool is built to keep things simple, affordable, and totally transparent, especially for small businesses.

What you’ll love:

• Custom billing cycles: Whether it’s weekly yoga classes, monthly memberships, or custom payment plans, Helcim’s got you covered.
  
• Automatic retries: No awkward conversations needed—failed payments get retried automatically, and customers are notified to fix their payment details.
  
• Subscription add-ons: Easily include optional products or services with your recurring plans—like bonus classes or extra course materials—to upsell and boost your revenue.
  
• API integration: For businesses with custom workflows, Helcim’s API makes recurring payments a seamless part of your system.
  
• Recurring invoices: Helcim’s software makes it easy to set up and manage recurring invoices, ensuring payments are consistent and cash flow remains steady.

Who it’s perfect for:
- Healthcare providers: Orthodontists and therapists offering installment plans.
- Professional services: Accountants or lawyers on monthly retainers.
- Small subscription businesses: Meal kits, fitness memberships, or local clubs.

What’s the cost like?
Helcim charges +0.4% per transaction for recurring payments, on top of its already low Interchange- Plus rates. That means more money in your pocket—because every penny counts.

What to keep in mind:
SMB focus: Helcim is best for small to medium businesses. Enterprises with ultra-complex needs might need something more robust.
Manual processes for customization: While Helcim offers powerful tools like API integration, setting up advanced custom workflows may require technical support or extra configuration time.

2. Stripe – The techie’s playground

If you’ve got a knack for tech (or a developer on speed dial), Stripe might just be the ideal recurring payments software for you. It’s all about customization, global reach, and giving you the tools to create a system that fits your business like a glove.

What you’ll love:

• Powerful APIs: Stripe’s APIs are a developer’s dream, letting you build custom billing workflows tailored to your business.
  
• Global capabilities: Accept payments in over 135 currencies and integrate tax compliance tools for international customers.
  
• Dynamic subscription options: Perfect for businesses needing tiered pricing, metered billing, or flexible upgrade/downgrade options.

Who it’s perfect for:

• SaaS companies: Startups offering pay-as-you-go or tiered subscription plans.
  
• E-commerce brands: Ideal for businesses with global customers.
  
• Tech-driven businesses: Anyone looking to build a fully tailored recurring payments software solution.

What’s the cost like?
Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for recurring payments, with additional fees for advanced features.

What to keep in mind:
Built for the tech-savvy: Businesses without in-house developers might find it challenging to navigate Stripe’s advanced features.
Cost at scale: Transaction fees can add up, especially for smaller businesses processing high volumes or small-ticket items.

3. Square – The simple starter

Square is a familiar name for small businesses looking to dip their toes into automated billing. It’s simple, straightforward, and comes with just enough tools to get you started—ideal for businesses taking their first steps into recurring payments software.

What you’ll love:

• Easy setup: Square’s user-friendly interface means you can get up and running quickly, with no tech experience required.
  
• All-in-one platform: If you’re already using Square’s POS, adding recurring payments is seamless and keeps everything in one place.
  
• Basic billing tools: Square covers both recurring and one-time payments, making it perfect for businesses with mixed billing needs.

Who it’s perfect for:

• Local service businesses: Salons, florists, cafés, and home service providers.
  
• Freelancers: Writers, photographers, or consultants managing small-scale recurring client work.

What’s the cost like?
Square charges 3.5% + $0.15 per transaction for recurring payments when customers authorize you to securely store their card on file.

What to keep in mind:
Limited scalability: Square works well for smaller operations but may lack the advanced features growing businesses need.
Flat-rate pricing: While predictable, Square’s fees can be more expensive for high-volume businesses compared to providers like Helcim.

4. Recurly – The subscription management strategist

If subscriptions are the backbone of your business, Recurly is worth considering. It’s designed for mid-sized businesses scaling their subscription models and looking for a recurring payments software that can handle pricing tiers, usage-based billing, and revenue recovery without the need for enterprise-level systems.

What you’ll love:

• Flexible subscription management: Easily manage free trials, premium upgrades, mid-cycle changes, and prorated charges—perfect for dynamic subscription models.
  
• Revenue recovery tools: Reduce churn and recover revenue with automated payment retries and actionable churn insights.
  
• Purposeful analytics: Recurly’s reporting gives you insights into customer lifetime value, churn rates, and subscription trends to keep your recurring revenue on track.

Who it’s perfect for:

• SaaS companies: Startups and mid-sized software businesses with tiered pricing or usage-based plans.
  
• Streaming platforms: Businesses offering premium content, ad-free memberships, or family plans.
  
• Membership-based businesses: Gyms, clubs, and nonprofits managing flexible subscriptions or varying membership levels.

What’s the cost like?
Recurly’s plans start at $249/month, making it a good fit for businesses generating consistent subscription revenue.

What to keep in mind:
Cost barrier: The starting price may be out of reach for smaller businesses just dipping their toes into subscriptions.
More than you need: If your recurring billing needs are basic, Recurly’s advanced tools might feel like overkill.

5. Chargebee – The enterprise powerhouse

For businesses with complex billing needs and global ambitions, Chargebee is a top contender. As a robust recurring payments software, it’s packed with automation and scalability features to manage everything from global tax compliance to revenue recognition, making it ideal for enterprises or high-growth businesses.

What you’ll love:

• Advanced automation: Chargebee automates everything—from invoicing and tax management to subscription changes and revenue recognition—so you can focus on scaling your business.
  
• Scalable for growth: Handle multi-currency transactions, global tax compliance, and customizable billing cycles as your business expands into new markets.
  
• Seamless integrations: Chargebee connects with CRMs, accounting tools, and other business systems to keep your billing processes efficient and centralized.

Who it’s perfect for:

• Enterprise SaaS companies: Businesses managing complex subscription tiers, multi-currency pricing, and global compliance.
  
• Media and streaming platforms: Platforms offering premium content, tiered memberships, or ad-free subscriptions.
  
• Global businesses: Companies expanding into international markets with multi-currency billing and tax management needs.

What’s the cost like?
Chargebee’s plans start at $699/month, with an overage fee of 0.75% for billing that exceeds the USD 100K monthly limit.

What to keep in mind:
Learning curve: Chargebee’s feature depth can feel overwhelming for smaller businesses or those with simpler billing needs.
High entry cost: The pricing makes Chargebee better suited for enterprises or businesses with substantial recurring revenue.

Choosing the right recurring billing software for your business

Choosing the right recurring payments software comes down to understanding your business’s unique needs. Whether you’re a small business looking for affordability and ease of use, a subscription company scaling operations, or an enterprise managing global payments, there’s a tool that fits.

When evaluating your options, consider how well the software integrates with tools you already use—like accounting platforms, CRMs, or e-commerce systems. Seamless integrations can save you time, simplify operations, and ensure everything from payment collection to financial reporting runs smoothly.

The bottom line? The right recurring payments software can simplify your billing processes, improve cash flow, and give you back valuable time to focus on growing your business.

If you think Helcim’s recurring payments software checks all the right boxes for your business, why not give it a try? From flexible billing cycles to automatic retries and transparent pricing, it’s built to make managing payments easier. Sign up today and see how we can help you keep your cash flow consistent and your business thriving.