Top 5 Tipalti competitors for AP automation in 2025

According to the 2024 report “Automating Accounts Payable for Cost Savings,” 78% of CFOs view AI integration in accounts payable (AP) processes as essential, with 73% of mid-sized business executives prioritizing automation. While Tipalti remains a leading AP solution, businesses seeking advanced features, cost efficiency, or scalability may benefit from exploring alternatives. Let’s dive into why switching from Tipalti could optimize your payment operations.

Scaling costs and budget constraints

One of the primary reasons companies consider switching from Tipalti is cost. As your transaction volume grows, the per-transaction fee structure can become a significant expense. Tipalti offers comprehensive features, but smaller businesses and midmarket companies might find themselves paying for capabilities they don't need. In these cases, a more streamlined solution with a different pricing model could provide better value.

Feature alignment with business needs

Although Tipalti offers robust functionality, your business might require specific features that better align with your operations. For instance, some companies need deeper ERP integrations or more customizable workflow options. Others might find Tipalti's feature set too complex for their straightforward payment needs, leading them to seek simpler alternatives.

Integration challenges

While Tipalti offers various integrations, some businesses encounter challenges when trying to connect it with their existing tech stack. Companies using less common accounting software or requiring specialized integrations might find other solutions more accommodating for their technical ecosystem. This becomes particularly important as organizations grow and their integration needs become more complex.

User experience considerations

The learning curve associated with Tipalti can be steep for some businesses. Teams might prefer a more intuitive interface or simplified workflow management. Alternative solutions often focus on specific aspects of payment operations with more straightforward user experiences, making them easier to implement and maintain.

Geographic coverage and currency support

Despite Tipalti's extensive global payment capabilities, some businesses might need support for specific regions or payment methods that aren't fully covered. Alternative solutions might offer better coverage in certain geographic areas or provide more competitive rates for specific currency conversions.

Customer support and implementation

The implementation process and ongoing support requirements can influence the decision to explore alternatives. Some organizations prefer more hands-on support or faster response times than what Tipalti currently offers. Alternative providers might offer more personalized support models or quicker implementation timeframes.

Regulatory compliance requirements

Different industries and regions have varying compliance requirements. While Tipalti maintains strong compliance standards, some businesses might need solutions that specialize in specific regulatory frameworks or offer more detailed compliance reporting features.

Do these challenges with Tipalti resonate with your organization? If so, you may be keen to evaluate alternatives based on your specific business requirements and growth trajectory. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each solution explored in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that best serves your company's payment automation needs.

Brex has revolutionized financial operations for growing businesses by offering an integrated spend management software solution. The platform combines corporate cards, expense management, bill pay, and reimbursements in a unified dashboard that streamlines key financial workflows. What sets Brex apart is its built-in AP automation software capabilities that eliminate manual data entry and reconciliation tasks while providing real-time visibility into company spending.

Key features

• Automated receipt matching, AI-powered GL coding and categorization, and real-time expense reconciliation that reduces manual bookkeeping by up to 80%
• Customizable approval workflows with multi-level authorization chains and department-specific spending policies
• Global payments support with competitive FX rates and coverage in over 175 countries
• Dynamic virtual corporate cards with built-in spend limits and merchant category restrictions
• Seamless integration with major accounting software including QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite
• Automated expense policy enforcement with configurable rules and exception handling
• Real-time budget tracking with departmental allocations and variance analysis
• Advanced spend analytics with custom reporting dashboards that provide granular insights into company-wide expenses

Why people prefer Brex over Tipalti

Modern businesses are increasingly choosing Brex for its intuitive user interface and comprehensive feature set, which eliminates the need for multiple financial tools. Users particularly appreciate Brex's instant virtual card creation and vendor payment automation, which reduces administrative overhead and helps prevent duplicate payments in accounts payable.

"Brex has been a tremendous time saver when it comes to reconciliation and expense management, especially since Brex's direct integration with NetSuite allows us to manage all entity spend in one dashboard," says Ty Barton of Signifyd.

Nishant Karandikar of Limelight Steel says: "Brex's custom accounting rules — auto-mapping spend limits and vendors to GL accounts and classes — has also lightened our lift to manage end-of-month categorizations, not only for our internal books but for the grant compliance documents we prepare for the federal government.”

The platform's robust mobile app enables on-the-go expense management automation and approvals, making it easier for remote teams to maintain financial control. Additionally, Brex's dedicated customer success team provides personalized onboarding and ongoing support, ensuring smooth implementation and adoption across organizations.

Pricing

Brex's pricing structure stands out for its flexibility and transparency. The platform starts with an Essentials plan at $0 per user monthly, which includes global corporate cards and fundamental expense management capabilities. For organizations needing more robust features, the Premium and Enterprise plans add sophisticated tools like in-app travel booking and customizable expense policies. Unlike many competitors in the space who charge variable fees based on transaction volume, Brex maintains straightforward per-seat pricing without hidden costs or annual commitments. Organizations interested in specific plan details can find comprehensive information on Brex's pricing page.

Who should consider Brex

Brex is ideal for high-growth companies, particularly startups and scale-ups that need a comprehensive financial stack with global capabilities. It's especially well-suited for venture-backed companies, tech firms, and organizations operating internationally that want to combine a corporate card, expense management, and startup banking in one platform and automate their AP processes. Companies requiring a robust NetSuite integration and accounting automation will also benefit from Brex.

Brex particularly shines for businesses experiencing rapid scaling phases, where manual financial processes can become a bottleneck. Brex’s automated workflows and real-time expense tracking make it invaluable for organizations that want to maintain financial control while growing quickly. Companies with distributed teams will appreciate Brex's mobile-first approach and instant virtual card creation capabilities.

Who should not consider Brex

Brex is not for small businesses without steady revenue or VC backing, companies looking for just basic expense tracking, or organizations that prefer traditional banking relationships with physical branch access.

Airbase is a single platform designed for mid-market and enterprise companies that combines spend management, bill payments, and corporate cards. The solution integrates accounts payable automation, corporate cards, and employee expense management in one place, providing improved visibility into company spending.

Key features

• Bill payment automation
• Advanced approval workflows
• Virtual and physical cards for spend management
• Real-time reporting and expense tracking

Why people prefer Airbase over Tipalti

Companies select Airbase for its purchase order management and pre-accounting automation features. The platform processes complex approval workflows while maintaining simplicity for end-users. Compared to Tipalti, people find that Airbase updates their products more frequently.

Pricing

Airbase offers three pricing tiers, all of which require customizable pricing based on the size of the organization, usage, and advanced features or services. The Standard package includes core spend management features and basic automation tools. The Premium plan comes with advanced approval workflows and enhanced reporting capabilities. Enterprise packages offer full platform functionality with dedicated support and advanced customization options. All plans include unlimited users and domestic ACH payments.

Who should consider Airbase

Airbase is ideal for midsize and enterprise companies seeking comprehensive spend management with enhanced accounting capabilities, particularly organizations managing complex approval workflows or multiple entities. The platform best serves businesses that require detailed audit trails, advanced automation features, and seamless accounting integration across their financial operations.

Who should not consider Airbase

Due to its highly customized pricing and complex feature set, Airbase may not be the best fit for startups, small businesses, or organizations with simple spending workflows. Companies with basic expense management needs or those looking for a simplified, low-cost solution should explore Airbase alternatives that are better suited to their scale and requirements.

Bill.com provides automated accounts payable and receivable solutions designed for growing businesses and accounting firms. The platform streamlines invoice processing, digital payments, and financial workflows through a cloud-based interface and emphasizes simplicity and efficiency in bill management while integrating with major accounting software.

Key features

• Automated invoice capture and processing
• International payment support
• Customizable approval workflows
• Integrates with accounting platform including QuickBooks and Xero

Why people prefer Bill.com over Tipalti

Companies choose Bill.com for its straightforward approach to bill payment automation and accounts payable management. The platform's user-friendly interface and focus on core payment functionalities make it accessible for businesses transitioning from manual processes. Bill.com's extensive network of accounting firms and established market presence provides users with reliable support.

Pricing

Bill.com offers four pricing tiers designed for different business needs. The Essentials plan starts at $45 per user per month, providing basic payment automation features. The Team plan at $55 per user per month adds more automation capabilities and integrations. The Corporate plan at $79 per user per month includes advanced features like automated workflows and syncing with accounting software. The Enterprise plan offers custom pricing and includes premium features like advanced permissions and API access. While base transaction fees with a bank account or BILL balance start low ($0.49 for ACH, $1.69 for checks), costs can escalate quickly with premium services like expedited payments, international transfers, instant payments, and credit card processing fees, making it essential to carefully evaluate your payment needs and volumes.

Who should consider Bill.com

Bill.com is ideal for small to midsized businesses seeking straightforward bill payment and accounts payable automation. The platform particularly suits accounting firms and their clients who need efficient payment processing without complex financial controls. Companies transitioning from manual processes or QuickBooks users looking for enhanced payment capabilities will find value in Bill.com's simplified approach.

Who should not consider Bill.com

Bill.com may not be the right choice for enterprise organizations requiring comprehensive spend management features beyond basic AP automation. Companies needing advanced expense management, corporate cards, or sophisticated approval workflows should explore alternatives. Organizations with complex international payment needs or those requiring extensive customization options might find Bill.com's capabilities too limited for their requirements. They should plan to explore Bill.com competitors.

Coupa provides business spend management solutions designed for enterprise organizations. The platform brings together procurement, accounts payable, supply chain management, and treasury operations in a single interface. Coupa emphasizes spend visibility and control across all business spending categories in a cloud solution.

Key features

• Source-to-pay automation with built-in supplier management
• AI-powered spend analytics and benchmarking
• Risk assessment and compliance monitoring
• Treasury and working capital optimization tools

Why people prefer Coupa over Tipalti

Organizations usually select Coupa for its extensive procurement capabilities integrated with basic spend management functionality. The platform offers deeper supply chain insights and vendor management features compared to specialized payment solutions. Coupa's community intelligence provides unique benchmarking data that helps companies optimize their spending decisions.

Pricing

Coupa operates on a customized pricing model based on company size, modules selected, and transaction volume. The platform requires annual contracts with pricing typically starting in the six-figure range. Implementation costs and additional modules affect the final pricing structure. Professional services and support packages are priced separately based on specific requirements.

Who should consider Coupa

Coupa is ideal for large enterprises seeking advanced procurement capabilities with additional spend management features. The platform best serves organizations managing complex supply chains, high transaction volumes, and multiple business units. Companies with significant annual spend that need detailed analytics, compliance controls, and supplier management capabilities will benefit most from Coupa's extensive feature set.

Who should not consider Coupa

Coupa may not be suitable for small to midsized businesses due to its enterprise-focused pricing and complex implementation requirements. Companies looking for basic AP automation or payment processing should explore Coupa alternatives. Organizations without dedicated procurement teams or those seeking quick deployment of basic spend management features may find Coupa's platform overly complex.

AvidXchange specializes in accounts payable automation and payment solutions for midsized companies. The platform streamlines invoice processing, approval workflows, and payment execution through its cloud-based software. AvidXchange focuses on integrating with industry-specific accounting systems while maintaining a large vendor payment network.

Key features

• Automated invoice capture and coding with OCR technology
• Customizable approval workflows with mobile access
• Extensive supplier network with multiple payment options
• Integration with over 200 accounting systems

Why people prefer AvidXchange over Tipalti

Companies choose AvidXchange for its established presence in specific industries like real estate and construction. The platform's deep understanding of industry-specific workflows and accounting requirements provides targeted solutions for these sectors. AvidXchange's extensive supplier network and payment options simplify vendor management and payment processing.

Pricing

AvidXchange provides customized pricing based on business size and processing volume. The platform offers modular pricing allowing companies to select specific features needed for their operations. Implementation fees and additional service costs are determined during the sales process. Contact AvidXchange for detailed pricing information based on specific requirements.

Who should consider AvidXchange

AvidXchange is ideal for midsized companies in real estate, construction, and HOA management seeking specialized AP automation. The platform particularly suits organizations processing high invoice volumes that require industry-specific workflows and audit trails. Companies using popular accounting systems and looking for established supplier payment networks will find value in AvidXchange's solution.

Who should not consider AvidXchange

AvidXchange may not be the best fit for startups and small businesses with basic payment needs or companies seeking comprehensive spend management beyond AP automation. Organizations requiring extensive international payment capabilities or advanced expense management features should explore alternatives. Companies looking for quick implementation of simple payment processes might find AvidXchange's solution too robust for their needs.

Brex stands out as the leading alternative to Tipalti, delivering a comprehensive financial platform that unifies spend management, corporate cards, and payment automation in one powerful solution. Brex’s AI-powered automation and real-time visibility help organizations streamline their financial operations while maintaining precise control over spending across domestic and international markets.

While the likes of Bill.com, Airbase, Coupa, and AvidXchange each offer decent payment automation capabilities, Brex's versatility sets it apart through its ability to scale alongside growing businesses. Whether you're a high-growth startup or an established company managing complex global operations, Brex's comprehensive approach enables organizations to do more with less and make every dollar count for their business. Our customers with global operations love Brex for the built-in support for international payments and multi-currency management that many competitors' specialized platforms lack.

Where Tipalti focuses primarily on payment automation, Brex differentiates itself through sophisticated financial tools that address broader operational needs. Brex automates the entire payment and expense process—from automated receipt matching to approvals to real-time expense and reconciliation. Further, Brex’s advanced spend controls give teams more granular operating budget management than Tipalti's traditional approach.

"We chose Brex for enterprise-grade spend controls, automation, and integrations. The transparency and real-time insights we get into spend enable us to better manage our budget and AP," says Teddy Collins, VP of Corporate Finance for SeatGeek.

Brex's integrated corporate card program and comprehensive cash management tools provide deeper financial insights and controls, making it particularly useful for companies seeking end-to-end financial optimization.

Brex's commitment to innovation and customer success has positioned it as the go-to solution for forward-thinking businesses. The platform's modern interface, combined with its robust financial tools and transparent pricing structure, delivers immediate value while scaling seamlessly with your business growth.

Sign up for Brex today to experience the future of spend management and join over 30,000 other successful businesses using Brex to optimize their financial operations.