Best AP automation software for intelligent invoice processing

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BUYERS GUIDE OCR Overview
AP automation software digitizes and streamlines the accounts payable process, from invoice capture through payment execution. Traditional AP departments often struggle with manual data entry, paper-based approvals, and time-consuming payment processes.

Modern AP automation platforms use AI technology to automatically capture invoice data, route approvals based on business rules, and integrate with accounting systems. This eliminates most manual tasks, reduces processing costs by up to 80%, and provides finance teams with improved visibility and control over cash flow.

In this buyer's guide, we compare the leading AP automation tools and explore how they're transforming financial operations for businesses of all sizes.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Top AP Automation Software

Feature
Primary FocusDocument processing with AP workflowsInvoice processing and payment executionSpend management platform with AP featuresCorporate cards and spend managementInvoice collaboration and approval workflowsGlobal payment execution with AP capabilitiesIndustry-specific invoice processing
Payment methods supportedACH, check, virtual cardsACH, check, virtual cards, international wire, ACH, check, wire, physical cards, International wireACH, check, cards, International wire, ACH, Check, Card, International wire, ACH, Check, International wire, Paypal, Prepaid debit card- Strong global and multi-currency support.ACH, check
Pre-built ERP integrationsQuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, plus connects with over 5000+ apps using Zapier. Offers API and Webhook supportQuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Sage Intacct — advanced plan offers more integrationsFully managed integration for NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks Online + custom API integration200+ apps including QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Odoo API integrations connect with cloud ERPs like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and QuickBooks OnlinePre-built connectors for NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Xero, and AcumaticaQuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Yardi, MRI Software, and Rent Manager
AI-powered matchingAdvanced AI with 95%+ accuracy on varied documents, zero-shot learning, automatic line-item matching Basic matching capabilitiesAI matching for corporate card transactions, basic invoice matchingAI-powered receipt matchingAI-powered invoice capture with "Billy the Bot"Automated matchingAutomated matching
Approval workflow customizationConfigurable approval workflowsBasic approval routingApproval workflows for spend controlApproval workflows for expensesCommunication-centered approval workflowsCustomizable approval workflowsApproval workflows
Mobile capabilitiesYes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vendor portal/managementYes — but limitedYesYes — but limitedYes — but limitedYesYes - comprehensiveYes — Supplier network
Fraud prevention featuresDuplicate detection, approval controlsBasic fraud preventionSpend controlsCard spend controlsDuplicate detectionFraud monitoring, tax validationFraud prevention features
Global/multi-entity capabilitiesMulti-entity supportLimited multi-entity featuresMulti-entity supportMulti-entity supportMulti-entity supportGlobal payments across 196 countriesUS-focused multi-entity
Analytics and reportingReporting and analyticsBasic reportingSpend analyticsSpend analyticsReporting capabilitiesAnalytics and reportingReporting capabilities
Early payment discountsSupports early payment discountsLimited early payment featuresLimited early payment featuresCard-based rewardsSupports early payment optionsSupports early payment discountsEarly payment program
Implementation timeWeeksDays to weeksWeeksDays to weeksWeeksWeeks to monthsWeeks to months
Pricing modelUsage-basedSubscription with transaction feesSubscription modelFree with card revenueVolume-based on invoicesTransaction-based pricingTransaction-based pricing
Security and complianceSOC2, GDPR, HIPAASOC complianceSOC2 complianceSOC2 complianceSOC2 complianceMultiple compliance certificationsSOC1, SOC2 compliance
Best suited forSmall to medium businesses and large enterprises looking for advanced automationSmall to mid-sized businessesMid-market companies focused on spendGrowing companies seeking card-first approachTeams prioritizing approval workflowsGlobal businessesIndustry-specific needs

1. Nanonets

At its core, Nanonets is an intelligent automation AI for business processes and AP automation is one of its most popular use cases.

With Nanonets, companies get two distinct AP automation solutions - one for automating/streamlining existing accounts payable workflows and another that serves as a complete end-to-end AP automation solution. The key offerings are:
  • Manage supplier communication, process invoices in seconds, set up controls, gain visibility into spends, and streamline the financial close with an AI-based AP automation software.
  • Scan and approve invoices instantly, and make payments for free anywhere in the world. Reduce manual effort for your team by 10x.
  • Export to any ERP of your choice in a customized mapping.
It is a platform ideally suited for small-to-medium businesses that want to automate their AP process in a fully customizable yet scalable way.
Key Features
  • AI-Powered Document Processing - Nanonets uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and machine learning to automatically extract data from invoices, receipts, and other financial documents.
  • Integration Capabilities - Nanonets can integrate with popular accounting software and ERP systems.
  • Automated Data Entry - The platform can automatically populate accounting systems with extracted invoice data, reducing manual data entry.
  • Customizable Workflows - Users can create approval workflows tailored to their organization's specific needs and hierarchy.
  • Invoice Matching - Automated three-way matching capability that compares purchase orders, receiving documents, and invoices.
Pricing structure
  • Free Trial: New users receive $200 worth of free credits upon signup to test the platform.
  • Pay-as-You-Go: Users are charged per workflow block run, meaning you only pay when a block executes a task. There are no platform fees or fixed costs.
  • Credits Accelerate (Volume-Based Discounts): Businesses with high processing volumes can get discounted pricing based on usage. This includes access to premium AI blocks, analytics, and team-wide credit sharing.
  • Enterprise Solutions: Custom pricing is available for large organizations with unique requirements, including add-ons such as role-based access and private cloud/on-premise deployments.
PROS
  • Export to any ERP of your choice in a customized mapping.
  • Automate data capture, build workflows and streamline existing AP processes completely.
  • End-to-end automated AP management - import, approve and pay invoices in the same platform.
  • Advanced machine learning capabilities, which generally provide better accuracy in document data extraction compared to more traditional OCR solutions.
CONS
  • Nanonets started as a general document processing platform and expanded into AP automation, so it may not have all the AP-specific features of more specialized solutions.
  • While it offers integrations, some users may find certain connections to legacy systems require additional configuration.
  • The actual payment facilitation features aren't as robust as dedicated payment platforms.

2. Bill

Bill offers a range of financial automation tools particularly suited to freelancers, sole proprietors, and small businesses. In addition to AP automation, it offers flexible lines of credit to let owners smooth out cyclical business periods and facilitates a range of accounts receivable options that are ideal for smaller, nimbler firms that need cash quickly.

Bill syncs with software used by a range of clientele, including Oracle, Microsoft products, Slack, Quickbooks, and more. For individuals or small companies starting to expand beyond what they can reasonably manage manually, Bill is a simple, intuitive, no-frills option.
Key Features
  • Email Alias for Invoice Collection - The ability to have vendors email invoices directly to a dedicated address for automatic processing.
  • Approval Workflow - The multi-level approval process that facilitates proper controls while enabling outsourcing of A/R and A/P management.
  • ACH Payment Processing - The capability to send and receive ACH payments directly through the platform.
  • Dashboard View - The main page showing all pending bills that need approval, although some noted it could be better organized.
Pricing structure
  • Subscription-Based: ranging from $45-$79 per user per month & custom quote-based pricing for enterprises.
PROS
  • Automates routine tasks like invoice processing, payment scheduling, and reconciliation, reducing manual effort and speeding up financial operations.
  • Integrates well with popular accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and Intacct, making it easier to manage financial operations across systems.
  • Multiple payment options including checks and e-payments/ACH transfers are available, giving businesses flexibility in how they pay vendors and receive payments.
  • Centralizes accounts payable and receivable, making it easier to track pending approvals and manage the overall payment process.
CONS
  • Holding Funds/Float Period - Multiple users complained about Bill.com's practice of holding funds for extended periods (up to a week) before releasing them, which affects cash flow.
  • Relatively expensive compared to alternatives.

3. Airbase

Airbase combines a simplified user interface with advanced workflow customization and optimization. These traits create an enterprise-level AP automation solution that’s easily deployed company-wide with a quick learning curve.

Airbase’s approval flows are its highlight, as users can automate the entire stream to notify approval authorities as procurement proceeds, and those authorities can easily validate the request digitally. The approval flows are highly customizable, too, and clients can adapt the platform to suit their individual needs and address a variety of use cases - though full customization does take more work upon adoption, it pays dividends down the road.
Key Features
  • Receipt Matching - The automatic matching of receipts to transactions saves significant time and reduces manual reconciliation work.
  • Bulk Report Functionality - The ability to group multiple expenses into a single report streamlines the submission process.
  • Approval Workflows - Customizable approval processes that enforce spend policies without creating bottlenecks.
Pricing structure
  • Subscription-Based: Pricing is quote-driven and typically set on an annual basis.
PROS
  • Airbase's AI automatically uploads, saves, and extracts details from receipts, significantly reducing manual data entry.
  • The integration of bill payments, corporate cards, and reimbursements into a single platform streamlines expense management processes.
  • The ability to easily generate and use virtual cards, including the option to sync with mobile payment systems like Google Pay.
CONS
  • The mobile app lacks features available on the desktop version, particularly for iPhone users who reported issues with photo uploads.
  • The invoice submission process involves too many steps and is time-consuming compared to expense reporting.
  • The lack of custom reporting features and inability to customize auto-fill preferences.
  • Can’t edit or modify requests (virtual cards, POs) or expense reports once submitted.

4. Ramp

Ramp offers a range of financial products and automation solutions to businesses (mostly) concentrated within the tech Ramp offers a range of financial products and automation solutions to businesses (mostly) concentrated within the tech sphere. Ramp is unique in that it offers a spectrum of services, including vendor management, corporate credit cards, and billing to smaller companies and startups that ultimately let leaders focus on growing the business.

The initial learning curve startups navigate when expanding their financial footprint is steep and costly from a time perspective. Entries, approvals, syncs, and more all take precious time that could be better spent managing the company. Ramp also offers payment management systems, including virtual cards and recurring billing, that let clients automate both payables and receivables.
Key Features
  • Virtual Cards - The ability to create multiple virtual cards (up to 100 per employee) for specific vendors or projects was frequently praised.
  • Expense Categorization - Users appreciate being able to code expenses directly in the app before they sync to accounting systems.
  • Spend Controls - The granular control over spending limits that can be customized by card, with refresh options (daily, weekly, monthly).
  • Reimbursement System - The straightforward process for employee reimbursements, with immediate ACH transfers after approval.
Pricing structure
  • Subscription-Based: ranging from Free to -$15 per user per month & custom quote-based pricing for enterprises.
PROS
  • The automatic receipt collection, including email/SMS reminders to upload receipts and AI matching of receipts to transactions.
  • Easy-to-use platform for tracking expenses and issuing cards to team members.
  • 1.5% cash back and various partner offers.
CONS
  • Unexpected reductions in credit limits based on bank account balances, causing operational disruptions.
  • Unlike traditional credit cards, Ramp requires full payment the day after the statement closes, providing no float period.
  • While Ramp offers integrations with major accounting software, some users reported challenges with their specific systems.

5. Stampli

Stampli is tailor-made for companies with efficient and useful systems in place that want to bring AP automation into the fold. Stampli integrates with more than 70 existing ERPs, meaning you can fold AP automation and improved management into your existing ecosystem with minimal hassle or adoption difficulty.

Stampli’s plug-and-play, modular nature also makes it a top pick for companies actively seeking M&A, as integrating an acquisition’s workflows and books into your own is simplified via Stampli compared to manual methods or trying to migrate the processes and systems via brute force.
Key Features
  • Duplicate Detection - The system's ability to identify duplicate bills was highlighted as a key feature that prevents erroneous payments.
  • Centralized Invoice Storage - Users appreciate having all invoices in one place, making them easy to review, approve, and reference later.
  • Communication Tracking - The ability to see all conversations related to an invoice throughout the review process improves transparency and accountability.
  • Automated Coding - The system's capability to automatically code invoices saves time and improves efficiency for accounting teams.
Pricing structure
  • Subscription-Based: Pricing is quote-driven and typically set on an annual basis.
PROS
  • Stampli's ability to centralize vendor payments across multiple locations, making it easier to manage bills from different business units.
  • The software significantly improves the invoice approval process, eliminating the chaos of email-based approvals and streamlining communications.
  • Seamless integration with accounting systems like NetSuite and QuickBooks (though integration with QuickBooks Desktop was noted as challenging).
CONS
  • Payment processing times and the ability to make foreign payments needs to be improved.
  • The onboarding process and initial integration can be time-consuming and have "kinks to work through.”
  • AI coding could be improved to look beyond the first page of PDF bills.

6. Tipalti

Tipalti targets the “next-gen” eCommerce market by letting businesses automate their payables to affiliate marketers, freelancers, and similar unique contractor positions that primarily operate digitally. True to form, Tipalti’s vision extends beyond national borders as the platform lets clients pay vendors in more than 200 local currencies.

Tipalti syncs with more obscure affiliate and influencer platforms that other AP automation tools don’t even consider, so it’s a digital marketing team’s best friend. At the same time, by automating those payments, Tipalti helps companies keep their affiliate or influencer campaigns going without operational disruption and keeping their brand top-of-mind.
Key Features
  • Multi-Currency/International Payments - The ability to efficiently manage payments to both domestic and international vendors, including tax document handling (1099s and 1042s).
  • Three-Way Matching - Users appreciate the accuracy provided by the three-way matching feature that verifies purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
  • Approval Workflows - The customizable approval flows help control spending while also speeding up the bill processing.
  • AI-Powered Data Capture - The automatic extraction of information from invoices saves time, though some noted occasional misinterpretation issues.
Pricing structure
  • Subscription-Based: starting at $99 per month & 2 custom quote-based pricing plans.
PROS
  • Automates accounts payable workflows, significantly reducing manual work and speeding up processes that previously took days or months.
  • Seamless integration with accounting systems like SAP B1 is frequently mentioned as a key strength that makes reconciliation easier.
  • The self-service portal for vendors is highly appreciated as it reduces email inquiries, allows suppliers to update their information, and provides payment status transparency.
CONS
  • Steep learning curve to understand all of Tipalti's features and functionality.
  • The separation between procurement and accounts payable modules creates some lack of cohesiveness as they must be administered separately.

7. AvidXchange

AvidXchange focuses on B2B middle-market clients - too big for basic startup financial automation tools but not yet needing cumbersome enterprise-level solutions. AvidXchange streamlines vendor payments by nesting itself within your existing accounting software or ERP, meaning you don’t need to rewrite standard operating procedures in order to automate accounts payable.

AvidXchange’s middle-market focus means it also has a host of account managers standing by ready to help deploy AP automation, rather than leaving financial teams on their own to figure out AP best practices leveraging the software.
Key Features
  • Customizable Reporting - The ability to create and access customized reports that meet specific business needs.
  • Automated Approval Workflows - The streamlined approval process that eliminates the need to manually route invoices.
  • Comments Section - The ability to document follow-up actions and track approval progress through comments.
  • Invoice Association - The feature that links related invoices from the same vendor, enabling better historical analysis.
Pricing structure
  • Subscription-Based: Custom quote-based pricing plans.
PROS
  • AvidXchange integrates very well with existing accounting systems like Sage 300 and Intacct, allowing teams to work from a single platform.
  • The ability to eliminate paper invoices and access the system remotely.
  • Comprehensive audit trail that shows when invoices were scanned, coded, and approved throughout the workflow process.
  • The supplier portal that allows vendors to manage their own payment information and check payment status directly.
CONS
  • Frequent system outages and downtime.
  • The payment process takes too long, causing vendor relationship issues.
  • Limited Vendor Support

Choosing the Best AP Automation Software: A Buyer's Guide

Selecting the right AP automation solution involves looking beyond basic invoice digitization. This guide focuses on key factors for choosing modern AP software designed for financial process optimization.

AP automation has evolved significantly from simple digital invoice storage to comprehensive platforms that transform how organizations manage their entire accounts payable function. Today's solutions leverage artificial intelligence to streamline approvals, optimize payment timing, and provide valuable financial insights.

This buyer's guide will help finance leaders navigate the complex AP automation marketplace to find the solution that best matches their organization's specific needs, volume requirements, and existing technology infrastructure.

What are Some Must-Have AP Automation Features That You Need to Look For?

Modern AP automation platforms leverage advanced technology to transform invoice processing. Beyond basic digital workflows, prioritize these essential capabilities:
  • Intelligent data capture: The solution must incorporate AI and machine learning algorithms that accurately recognize and extract data from diverse invoice formats without manual intervention.
  • Smart invoice matching: Look for systems that automatically match invoices against purchase orders and receiving documents, identifying discrepancies and routing exceptions according to customizable business rules.
  • Multi-channel invoice intake: The platform should support various invoice submission methods including email, vendor portals, EDI, mobile capture, and manual upload, creating a centralized processing hub regardless of format.
  • Approval workflow automation: Seek solutions offering configurable approval matrices based on vendors, amounts, departments, and GL codes, with features for delegation, mobile approvals, and automatic escalations to prevent bottlenecks.
  • Payment optimization: The system should manage multiple payment methods (ACH, check, virtual card) while intelligently scheduling payments to capture early payment discounts or optimize cash flow based on your financial strategies.
  • Vendor management tools: Look for built-in supplier portal functionality allowing vendors to submit invoices, check payment status, and update their information, reducing inquiry volume and strengthening relationships.
  • Fraud prevention controls: Essential security features include duplicate invoice detection, segregation of duties enforcement, audit trails, and anomaly detection to identify suspicious transactions before payment.
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics: The platform must provide real-time visibility into invoice status, approval bottlenecks, cash flow projections, and spending patterns with customizable dashboards and exportable reports.
  • ERP and accounting integration: Seamless bidirectional synchronization with your financial systems is crucial, ensuring consistent data across platforms without manual reconciliation or duplicate entry.
  • Compliance and audit support: Look for features that automatically capture and organize documentation for audit trails, tax compliance, and regulatory requirements with searchable archives and retention policies.

How to Choose the Right AP Automation Software?

Selecting the ideal AP automation solution requires thoughtful assessment. You need a platform that effectively addresses your specific invoicing challenges and financial processes.
Here's what to prioritize when evaluating your options:
  • Does it perform effectively with your invoice formats?
    Utilize the free trial period to upload samples of your invoices from different vendors. Schedule personalized demos to verify how the system handles the varying layouts and quality levels your business regularly encounters.
  • Can it accommodate your approval workflows?
    Consider your requirements beyond invoice data extraction. Do you need multi-level approvals, conditional routing rules, or exception handling? Evaluate if the software provides flexible workflow configuration that matches your organizational structure without unnecessary complexity.
  • How seamlessly does it integrate with your financial systems?
    Your AP automation solution must connect with your existing technology stack. Verify compatibility with your accounting software (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite?), ERP, banking platforms, and payment systems. Check for pre-built connectors and assess API documentation if custom integrations are necessary.
  • How adaptively does it handle new vendors and invoice designs?
    Search for solutions with intelligent learning capabilities. The best systems can quickly adapt to new vendor invoices without requiring manual template creation for each supplier. This significantly reduces setup time when onboarding new vendors.
  • Can it scale with your transaction volume?
    Assess your current invoice volume and anticipated growth. The platform should maintain performance during month-end peaks and accommodate expanding business operations. Consider processing speed, user limits, and pricing implications as volume increases.
  • What is the implementation and maintenance commitment?
    Evaluate the initial deployment effort and ongoing support requirements. Solutions requiring minimal IT involvement and featuring intuitive interfaces will accelerate adoption. Look for platforms that automatically update to accommodate changing compliance requirements and tax regulations.

How AP Automation Software Streamlines Invoice Processing Workflows

Leading AP automation platforms streamline the entire payables lifecycle:
  • Capture: Invoices arrive automatically via email, vendor portals, EDI, mobile apps, or manual upload. Multi-channel intake ensures all documents enter the system regardless of format.
  • Extract: The AI engine recognizes document types and intelligently extracts critical data including vendor details, line items, payment terms, and tax information – without requiring predefined templates. Smart validation rules automatically flag discrepancies against POs and receiving documents.
  • Route & Approve: Intelligent workflows distribute invoices to appropriate approvers based on amount thresholds, departments, or custom business rules. Mobile approvals and configurable delegation options maintain process flow even when key personnel are unavailable.
  • Pay: Once approved, the system initiates payments through preferred methods (ACH, virtual cards, checks) while optimizing for early payment discounts or managing cash flow timing. Payment status tracking provides real-time visibility throughout the process.
  • Reconcile: Completed transactions automatically sync with your accounting system or ERP, eliminating manual data entry and ensuring accurate financial records without duplicate work.

FAQs About AP Automation Software

How is AI-powered AP automation different from traditional AP software?

Traditional AP software often relies on manual data entry or basic OCR with predefined templates, requiring significant human intervention. AI-powered AP automation uses machine learning to intelligently capture invoice data, understand approval contexts, and make payment recommendations. This results in higher accuracy, fewer exceptions, and truly touchless processing for most invoices.

What kind of time savings can I realistically expect?

Leading AP automation solutions typically reduce invoice processing time by 70-80%. A process that once took 2-3 weeks can be completed in 2-3 days or even hours. The most significant time savings come from eliminating manual data entry, automatic routing of approvals, and removal of paper-based steps.

Do I need separate solutions for PO and non-PO invoices?

No, comprehensive AP automation platforms handle both purchase order-based and non-PO invoices effectively. The system can automatically match PO invoices against purchase orders and receiving documents, while routing non-PO invoices through appropriate approval workflows based on your business rules.

Can AP automation handle both domestic and international payments?

Yes. Advanced AP platforms support multiple payment methods including ACH, check, wire transfers, and virtual cards for domestic payments, while also accommodating international payment requirements like SWIFT codes, IBAN numbers, and multi-currency processing.

How does AP automation integrate with our ERP system?

Modern AP solutions offer several integration methods: 1) Pre-built connectors for major ERPs like SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite. 2) API connections for custom integration. 3) Flat file imports/exports for simpler systems. The best platforms synchronize vendor master data, GL codes, and payment information bidirectionally while posting completed transactions automatically.

What level of customization is available for approval workflows?

The best AP automation platforms offer highly configurable approval rules based on multiple parameters including dollar thresholds, departments, vendors, GL codes, and exception conditions. Look for solutions that allow parallel approvals, delegations during absences, and mobile approval capabilities.

How does AP automation help with audit compliance?

AP automation creates a complete digital audit trail capturing who processed, approved, and paid each invoice, along with timestamps and any comments. All supporting documentation is digitally attached to each transaction, making audit preparation significantly faster and more thorough.

Is cloud-based AP automation secure for financial data?

Reputable vendors implement robust security measures. Look for solutions with SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance, encryption for data at rest and in transit, role-based access controls, and regular security audits. Many offer single sign-on (SSO) integration and multi-factor authentication for additional protection.
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“There was a visible difference in how the app worked, and we were able to appeal to our customers by making it easy to pay bills”

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Financial Advisor, ProPartners Wealth

“We are seeing a major difference in accuracy, as Nanonets provides a >95% accuracy which has helped cut down our processing time by ~50%.”

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Product Manager, Tapi

“Tapi has been able to save 70% on invoicing costs, improve customer experience by turnaround of seconds from >6hrs and free up staff members from tedious work”

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