Introduction

Getting paid shouldn’t be a headache, especially for accountants and bookkeepers who spend their days making sure others get paid on time. Choosing the right payment method directly impacts cash flow, reduces administrative stress, and keeps client relationships smooth. Plus, the right approach benefits you, as well as your clients, by helping optimize their workflows. Let’s dive into the best payment methods that can make getting paid simple and stress-free.

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Best Payment Methods For Your Firm

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1. ACH Payments: Fast & Secure Electronic Transfers

ACH payments are the digital workhorses of the accounting world—secure, cost-effective, and perfect for recurring transactions. Unlike wire transfers, ACH moves money directly between bank accounts with minimal fees, making it a smart choice for bookkeepers looking to cut costs. The only catch? Processing isn’t instant. While faster than waiting on a check, ACH transfers can take up to 3 business days to clear. Still, for those who prioritize security and savings over speed, ACH is a reliable go-to for smooth payments.

2. Traditional Check Payments: Still Relevant?

Believe it or not, some clients still love paying by check, especially old-school business owners who prefer a tangible paper trail. While checks offer familiarity, they come with their fair share of headaches: delayed deposits, potential fraud, and the hassle of running to the bank. Plus, lost or bounced checks? No thanks. That said, they might still work for clients who resist digital payments or for one-off transactions. If you must accept checks, consider mobile deposits or lockbox services to make the process less painful. But if efficiency is your goal, it might be time to nudge clients toward modern options.

3. Credit Card Payments: Convenience vs. Cost

Credit cards offer speed and security: two things accountants and bookkeepers love. Clients appreciate the flexibility, and payments clear faster than checks. But there’s a catch: processing fees. Credit card networks take a small cut (typically 2-3%), which can add up fast. Some professionals pass this cost to clients as a convenience fee, while others absorb it as a business expense. Either way, transparency is important here—make sure clients understand any extra charges. While credit cards aren’t the cheapest option, they’re a reliable way to ensure you get paid on time without the hassle of chasing invoices.

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Automating Payments for Efficiency

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Let’s be honest: chasing down payments is not the best use of an accountant’s or bookkeeper’s time. Automation takes the hassle out of invoicing, ensuring payments come in on time without the back-and-forth. It improves cash flow for your accounting firm, minimizes late payments from your clients, and keeps everything running smoothly. Plus, automated systems reduce human error, making reconciliation a breeze.

Here are some top tools to streamline payments:

• Anchor – Creates automated client payment workflows, allowing you to set up retainers, milestone payments and reminders. This is ideal for firms managing multiple clients. Plus, it features robust integration with both QuickBooks and Client Hub for onboarding automation!
• BILL – Handles invoicing, customer payments,  bill payments and approvals. Integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, making vendor payments effortless.
• Melio – Allows payments via ACH, credit card, or check, so you have multiple payment options. Offers approval workflows and cash flow tracking.
• QuickBooks Payments – Fully integrated with QuickBooks, enabling automated invoices and one-click payments for clients, reducing processing time.

Implementing automated payment solutions allows you to get paid faster while freeing up time to focus on higher-value financial tasks. Why spend hours on collections when technology can do it for you?

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What’s Best for Small Business Owners?

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Our practice also plays a key role in helping small business owners choose the right payment methods. The goal is to balance cost, security, and efficiency while keeping transactions smooth.

For recurring payments, ACH or QuickBooks Payments work well, offering low fees and automation. Service-based businesses may prefer credit cards for flexibility, despite the processing costs. Retailers and vendors can benefit from tools like Melio or BILL to manage supplier payments easily.

Recommending the right mix of payment options helps businesses improve cash flow, reduce delays, and streamline operations. By aligning payment choices with their workflow, you can be sure that they stay financially organized and focused on growth!

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Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all payment method—what works best depends on your business model and client needs, after all. But one thing’s clear: automation is a game-changer. It saves time, improves cash flow, and keeps payments running smoothly. Encouraging clients to adopt secure, efficient payment solutions will benefit everyone, reducing late payments and manual follow-ups.

Looking for a way to simplify workflows and get paid faster? Client Hub helps accountants and bookkeepers streamline client communication, automate tasks, and stay organized—all in one platform. Give it a try today!