The Nickel Blog
News, insights, and product updates from the Nickel team.
Xero and Melio: What Free ACH Costs After the Acquisition
Xero made ACH bill pay free, then raised its prices. Getting paid by ACH in Xero still costs 1%. Melio caps free ACH at 5 a month. Nickel is free both ways.
Miguel Vera
8 min read
Cash Flow vs Profit: What SMB Owners Need to Know
Learn the critical difference between cash flow vs profit and why cash flow often matters more for B2B businesses with large invoices.
21 min read
Ray Fu
How to Get Clients to Pay Faster: 8 Proven Strategies
Cut collection time in half with these 8 proven strategies for getting clients to pay faster. Includes real tactics for contractors, distributors & accountants.
13 min read
Ray Fu
October at Nickel: Money that moves on your schedule, not the bank's
Waiting days to pay vendors or get paid costs more than fees. October at Nickel: free instant vendor payments, same-day wires and custom user roles.
November 2025 What's New at Nickel
Nickel's November 2025 updates: sync with QuickBooks Desktop, automate workflows with API integrations, and send payments internationally.
October 2025 What's New at Nickel
Nickel's October 2025 updates: automatically save and charge payment methods, set up recurring invoices, and protect transactions with 3D Secure authentication.
getnickel.com is now nickel.com
A simpler domain that matches the straightforward platform we've built for your business.
Nickel Recognized as Leader in G2 Fall 2025 Awards
Nickel has been recognized as a leader in G2's Fall 2025 awards, winning 13 badges across multiple categories from real user reviews.
7 Best GCPay Alternatives for Construction and Industrial Businesses
Compare 7 GCPay alternatives for contractors and industrial businesses. Explore free ACH, QuickBooks integration, AP/AR tools, and payment automation.
12 Best BlueTape Alternatives for Construction Payment & Financing in 2026
Overview of 12 BlueTape alternatives for construction payments and financing comparing Nickel, Billd and Procore focusing on workflows, ACH savings and cashflow.
How to Market a Solar Panel Business: The Revenue-Driving Playbook
Solar marketing strategies that actually drive revenue. From digital tactics to referral systems, learn what works in 2026's solar market.
Roofing Business Cash Flow: 9 Strategies for Slow Seasons
Improve roofing cash flow with 9 strategies for surviving slow seasons. Cut processing fees, require deposits, and build reserves to protect your margins.
Top Alternatives to PayPal for Business
Discover top alternatives to PayPal for small business. Compare fees, features, and find the best payment processor for B2B transactions.
Cash Flow vs Profit: What SMB Owners Need to Know
Learn the critical difference between cash flow vs profit and why cash flow often matters more for B2B businesses with large invoices.
How to Get Clients to Pay Faster: 8 Proven Strategies
Cut collection time in half with these 8 proven strategies for getting clients to pay faster. Includes real tactics for contractors, distributors & accountants.
Unlock faster payments on federal jobs with the Miller Act
Struggling to get paid on a federal project? Learn how the Miller Act protects you with payment bonds and keeps your cash flow intact. Here's everything you need to know.
How to resolve disputes and stay out of court
Disputes happen in construction, but court battles don’t have to. Learn how smart Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) clauses can save your building supply business time and money
The IRS is replacing FIRE with IRIS: Apply for your new TCC before 1099 season
From January 1, 2027, IRIS is the only way to e-file 1099s, and you'll need a new TCC to use it. Here's who needs one and how to apply.
Should You Send a Notice of Intent to Lien?
A Notice of Intent to Lien shows you're serious about getting paid. But is it worth the hassle and should you file one now?
Why waiting to send a preliminary notices is a bad idea
Waiting to send a preliminary notice on an overdue account? That could cost you. Learn why sending it on time, every time, is the smart move to protect your payment
When does the clock start for mechanic's liens?
Learn how to nail down your trigger date for mechanics liens and avoid missing out on getting paid. Timing is everything—don't lose your lien rights.
You Filed a Mechanics Lien. Now What?
Filing a mechanics lien is just the start. Discover what happens next, how it impacts payment, and the key deadlines you can’t afford to miss
What is a Notices of Intent to Lien and which states require one?
Sending a Notice of Intent to Lien can save you time, money, and stress on unpaid projects. Find out how this powerful tool can get you paid faster!
The Most Expensive Email Your AP Team Will Ever Get
A vendor emails to say they changed banks, and the next payment disappears. Learn how a vendor bank change scam works and the call that stops it.
Nickel Bank Holiday Schedule 2026–2027: When Payments Settle
Every 2026 and 2027 bank holiday when ACH payments and wires on Nickel don't settle, how weekend holidays are observed, and how long each payment type takes.
How Bank Holidays Affect ACH Payments and Wire Transfers
Why ACH payments and wires stop on bank holidays, how many days a holiday adds, and how to time invoices and vendor payments so money still lands on time.
Best B2B Payment Software for Cabinet Makers
Compare 10 B2B payment tools for cabinet makers. Explore free ACH, QuickBooks integration, high-value payments, AR/AP workflows, and lower fees.
Best B2B Payment Software for Concrete Companies
Compare 10 B2B payment tools for concrete companies. Explore free ACH, QuickBooks integration, high-value payments, AR/AP workflows, and lower fees.
Best B2B Payment Software for Excavation Companies
Compare the best B2B payment software for excavation companies, featuring free ACH, QuickBooks integration, high-value payments, and cost-saving workflows.
Xero and Melio: What Free ACH Costs After the Acquisition
Xero made ACH bill pay free, then raised its prices. Getting paid by ACH in Xero still costs 1%. Melio caps free ACH at 5 a month. Nickel is free both ways.
Best AP Automation Tools for Restaurants and Other Multi-Location Businesses
Compare the best AP automation tools for restaurants and multi-location businesses to cut invoice costs, speed approvals, and scale operations.
What Are Accounting Packages? A Small Business Guide
Learn what accounting packages are, why your business needs one, and how to choose software that saves time and money. Compare top options.
10 Best Melio Alternatives in 2026: Free ACH, Fees, and Support Compared
Melio now caps free ACH at 5 a month and is owned by Xero. We compared 10 Melio alternatives on ACH fees, subscriptions, QuickBooks sync, and support — and which one is actually free.
Ramp vs. Bill.com: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Ramp and Bill.com for business payments: Pricing tiers, transaction fees, approval workflows, and free alternatives with unlimited ACH transfers.
Melio Acquired by Xero: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Xero acquired Melio payments platform. Learn what this means for your business and explore alternatives with unlimited free ACH transfers.