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GoCardless

  • Payment Processing System
  • GoCardless.com
  • GoCardless is a payment processing platform specializing in direct debit solutions, enabling businesses to collect recurring payments efficiently.

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About This App

GoCardless is a payment processing platform specializing in direct debit solutions, enabling businesses to collect recurring payments efficiently. It was founded in 2011 by Hiroki Takeuchi, Matt Robinson, and Tom Blomfield in the United Kingdom. GoCardless is designed to simplify the collection of recurring payments, such as subscriptions, invoices, and installment plans, by leveraging the direct debit system. Unlike traditional credit card payment gateways, GoCardless focuses on bank-to-bank transfers, reducing transaction fees and improving reliability for businesses and customers alike.

Features

  • Direct Debit Payment Processing
    GoCardless facilitates direct debit transactions, enabling businesses to collect payments directly from customer bank accounts, ideal for recurring payments.
  • Recurring Billing
    The platform automates recurring billing, allowing businesses to schedule payments and reduce manual follow-ups.
  • Global Reach
    With support for bank debits in various countries, GoCardless enables international payments, helping businesses manage cross-border transactions smoothly.
  • Integrations with Major Platforms
    GoCardless integrates with popular accounting and business platforms, including Xero, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Zuora, allowing businesses to streamline financial processes.
  • Payment Tracking and Notifications
    The software provides real-time tracking of payment statuses and automatically sends notifications for successful or failed payments, improving transparency for both businesses and customers.
  • Customer Portal
    The customer portal allows clients to manage their payment details, update bank information, and view payment history.
  • Intelligent Retry System
    GoCardless has an intelligent retry mechanism that automatically retries failed payments based on optimal timings, increasing the success rate of transactions.
  • Security and Compliance
    The platform complies with major financial regulations and security standards, such as GDPR, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001, ensuring the protection of customer data and financial information.
  • Transparent Pricing
    GoCardless offers a transparent pricing model with no setup fees or hidden charges, making it straightforward for businesses to manage costs.

Pros

  • Efficient for Recurring Payments
    GoCardless is ideal for businesses with recurring billing needs, automating payments and reducing the administrative burden.
  • Lower Transaction Fees
    Direct debit payments typically have lower fees than credit card transactions, saving businesses money over time.
  • Reliable Payment Collection
    GoCardless’s direct debit model reduces the risk of payment failures associated with expired or canceled credit cards.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy for businesses to set up, track payments, and manage customer accounts.
  • Global Payment Support
    With cross-border payment options, GoCardless is suitable for businesses with international customers.
  • Automated Notifications
    The system automatically sends payment confirmations and failure notices, reducing customer service demands.

Cons

  • Not Ideal for One-Time Payments
    GoCardless focuses on direct debit, which is typically better suited for recurring payments, rather than one-off transactions.
  • Limited Credit Card Support
    GoCardless primarily supports bank-to-bank transfers, so businesses looking for a card payment gateway may need an additional provider.
  • Setup Time for Direct Debit
    The initial setup for direct debit payments can take longer compared to card payments, which could be a limitation for new customer acquisition.
  • Fees for International Payments
    Although GoCardless supports international payments, cross-border fees can be relatively high compared to domestic transactions.

Who is GoCardless Best For?

  • Subscription-Based Businesses
    GoCardless is ideal for businesses with a subscription model, as it automates monthly or quarterly payments, reducing administrative tasks.
  • SMEs with Recurring Invoicing
    Small to medium-sized enterprises with recurring invoices, such as accounting firms or service-based businesses, will benefit from GoCardless’s automated billing and direct debit model.
  • Non-Profits and Charities
    Organizations that collect regular donations will find GoCardless useful for managing recurring contributions without the need for manual payment processing.
  • Businesses with International Clients
    Companies with a global customer base can use GoCardless to handle international payments and reduce foreign exchange and transfer issues.
  • Businesses Needing Flexible Payment Collection
    Companies that collect variable payments (such as utility or energy companies) can use GoCardless’s direct debit to streamline billing and improve cash flow.

Who Might GoCardless Not Be Suitable For?

  • Retailers with One-Time Purchases
    Businesses that primarily process one-off transactions may not benefit from GoCardless’s recurring billing focus.
  • Companies Requiring Card Payments
    GoCardless lacks robust support for credit card transactions, so businesses relying on card payments may need an additional payment solution.
  • Fast-Growing Startups Needing Quick Setup
    The setup time for direct debit authorization can be a disadvantage for fast-growing companies that require immediate payment processing for new clients.
  • Businesses with Minimal Recurring Payments
    Companies with few recurring transactions may not need GoCardless’s full range of features and might find simpler, less costly options more appropriate.
Cost (from)
free practice subscription? ✗
trial?✗
partner program: ✓
Support Channels
Mobile Platforms
Accounting Platforms

Xero, Sage 50, Kashflow, Directli

Integrations

QuickBooks, Zoho, Asperato, Tide, Zapier

Geographies Served

Worldwide

INDUSTRIES

Ecommerce, SaaS, Marketplaces, Platforms

CATEGORY

Payment Processing System

Disclaimer

The information provided about various software products on this website is sourced from third-party websites and publicly available resources. We strive to ensure that all data is accurate and up-to-date; however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Software companies frequently update their products and services, and such changes may not always be reflected immediately in our listings. Please verify all information with the software provider before making purchasing decisions. For deeper explanations, please read StackPlan’s Software Review Methodology.

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