Melio vs Deputy
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Melio
Melio is a business bill payment platform that simplifies accounts payable for small businesses. It lets you pay any vendor by bank transfer or card, even if they only accept checks, and syncs with QuickBooks and Xero.
Deputy
Deputy is a workforce management platform focused on employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance. It helps businesses with shift-based workforces build schedules, manage leave, and track hours worked. Deputy integrates with major payroll providers to streamline the pay run process.
Pros
- ✓Free to use for bank transfers
- ✓Pay vendors who only accept checks
- ✓Seamless QuickBooks and Xero sync
- ✓Good for managing AP workflows
- ✓Fast setup
Cons
- ✗Focused only on accounts payable, not full accounting
- ✗Card payments carry a fee
- ✗Limited reporting
- ✗Not a replacement for full accounting software
Pros
- ✓Excellent scheduling tools with AI-powered shift recommendations
- ✓Strong labor compliance features for overtime and break rules
- ✓Good mobile app for employees to clock in, swap shifts, and request leave
- ✓Integrates with 30+ payroll providers
Cons
- ✗Limited core HR features beyond scheduling and time tracking
- ✗Not a full HRIS replacement
- ✗Reporting could be more customizable for complex workforce analytics
Melio vs Deputy: Side by Side
| Factor | Melio | Deputy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $4.50/user/mo |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software | Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Melio Features
- ✓Bill payments
- ✓invoicing
- ✓payment scheduling
- ✓vendor management
- ✓bank sync
- ✓approval workflows
Deputy Features
- ✓Employee scheduling
- ✓time tracking
- ✓leave management
- ✓payroll integrations
- ✓reporting
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
Best For
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking
Also Consider
If neither Melio nor Deputy is the right fit, Dext is worth evaluating.
Dext
Bookkeepers, accountants, and businesses with high receipt volumes wanting to eliminate manual data entry
From $15/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Melio and Deputy?
Melio is best for small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Deputy is best for businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
Which is better, Melio or Deputy?
Choose Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose Deputy if businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking.
How much does Melio cost?
Visit Melio website for current pricing.
How much does Deputy cost?
Deputy starts at $4.50/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Melio?
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Who should use Deputy?
Businesses with hourly workers needing scheduling and time tracking