Melio vs OnPay
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.
OnPay
OnPay is a full-service payroll and HR platform designed for small and mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited payroll runs, automatic tax filing, and built-in HR tools at an affordable flat rate. OnPay is consistently rated as one of the best value payroll solutions for small businesses and supports a wide range of industries including restaurants, farms, and nonprofits.
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 value — flat monthly pricing with no per-run fees
- ✓Supports multiple pay schedules and unlimited payroll runs
- ✓Strong industry-specific features for restaurants, farms, and nonprofits
- ✓US-based customer support included on all plans
Cons
- ✗US-only — no international payroll support
- ✗Mobile app is less polished than competitors
- ✗Limited advanced HR features compared to full HRIS platforms
Melio vs OnPay: Side by Side
| Factor | Melio | OnPay |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Accounting Software | Payroll Software |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting Price | Contact for pricing | $40/mo + $6/person |
| Best For | Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software | Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Melio Features
- ✓Bill payments
- ✓invoicing
- ✓payment scheduling
- ✓vendor management
- ✓bank sync
- ✓approval workflows
OnPay Features
- ✓Unlimited payroll runs
- ✓automatic tax filing
- ✓direct deposit
- ✓employee self-service
- ✓HR tools
- ✓benefits administration
- ✓PTO management
- ✓integrations
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 OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Best For
Small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software
Best For
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees
Also Consider
If neither Melio nor OnPay 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 OnPay?
Melio is best for small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. OnPay is best for small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
Which is better, Melio or OnPay?
Choose Melio if small businesses wanting a simple free tool to manage bill payments and accounts payable alongside their existing accounting software. Choose OnPay if small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees.
How much does Melio cost?
Visit Melio website for current pricing.
How much does OnPay cost?
OnPay starts at $40/mo + $6/person. 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 OnPay?
Small businesses wanting affordable, full-service payroll with no hidden fees