The verdict in three sentences
When 35% of invoices are paid late, the issue is rarely bad faith: clients lack a two-click way to pay and a reminder at the right moment. A unique payment link on every invoice, accepting card, ACH and wire, combined with automatic reconciliation in the ERP, costs USD 6,000 to 14,000 to set up and takes 6 to 10 weeks. As a ballpark, companies that deploy it cut their DSO by around 15 days.
Options available in the US in 2026
In Miami, as elsewhere in the US, invoice payment links come from processors and AR platforms: Stripe Invoicing, QuickBooks Payments, Bill.com, Melio, or your bank's merchant services. The fees below are 2026 ballpark figures on standard pricing, negotiable above roughly USD 100,000 in monthly volume.
| Payment method | Indicative fee | Funds availability | Typical B2B use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH debit (Stripe) | 0.8%, capped at USD 5 | 3 to 5 business days | Most invoices, recurring clients |
| ACH (QuickBooks, Bill.com, Melio) | Free to around 1% or a flat fee | 1 to 3 business days | SME clients |
| Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) | 2.9% + USD 0.30 (Amex can be higher) | 2 business days | Small invoices, corporate cards |
| Wire with unique reference | USD 15 to 30 bank fee | Same day | Large invoices, enterprise accounts |
| Card surcharging | Allowed in Florida within network rules, capped around 3% | Check rules before passing fees on |
The key technical point is the unique reference per invoice: each link carries the invoice number, the processor's webhook confirms payment and the ERP closes the invoice automatically. Without it, accounting spends hours matching anonymous deposits.
Budget and project scope
The amounts below are 2026 ballpark figures for an agency-led integration connected to an ERP or accounting system (QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics).
| Item | Essential version (USD) | Advanced version (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping with finance and collections | 900 | 1,600 |
| Link generation and branded payment page | 1,700 | 3,100 |
| Processor integration (ACH, card) | 1,400 | 2,800 |
| Automatic reconciliation in the ERP | 1,200 | 3,500 |
| Automated email and SMS reminders | 500 | 1,800 |
| Collections and DSO dashboard | 300 | 1,200 |
| Total project | 6,000 | 14,000 |
| Monthly maintenance | 170 to 260 | 350 to 600 |
The advanced version adds partial payments, payment plans, graduated reminders (D-3, D+7, D+15) and a client portal where each company sees its open invoices.
Mini case study
Laura, CFO of a business services firm in Miami, bills 480 clients USD 7.2 million a year with a 68-day DSO. Bringing it down to 53 days frees about 7,200,000 × 15 / 365 = USD 296,000 in cash. At a credit line cost of around 9% a year, that saves nearly USD 26,600 in annual interest, plus the 2 days a week of manual reconciliation that disappear. If 60% of the amount moves to ACH at 0.8% capped at USD 5, the fee on 2,900 payments stays under USD 14,500 a year, while card payments are steered to small invoices. A USD 11,000 project pays back in under 6 months on cash and time gains alone.
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FAQ
Can we pass card fees on to clients?
In Florida, surcharging is allowed within card network rules, typically capped around 3% with clear disclosure. Many firms instead absorb fees and nudge clients toward ACH, which costs a few dollars per payment.
Can a USD 250,000 invoice go through a payment link?
ACH and card processors set per-transaction limits based on your risk profile, often lower for new accounts. For very large amounts, the same link should offer wire instructions with the unique reference.
How long does setup take?
Allow 6 weeks for the essential version and 10 weeks with advanced reconciliation and a client portal. Merchant account approval takes 1 to 3 weeks, so start it during scoping.
Does reconciliation work with QuickBooks or NetSuite?
Yes, through native connectors or the API. Auto-matching usually exceeds 90% when every link carries a unique reference.
What improvement in late payments should we expect?
As a ballpark, the share of late invoices drops from 35% to 20 to 25% within 6 months, thanks to automated reminders and one-tap payment from a phone.
Let's scope your project. Send us your invoice volume, your ERP and your current payment methods: we will price a solution between USD 6,000 and 14,000, delivered in 6 to 10 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.

