Quick Answer: For large invoices and recurring B2B payments, Nickel is the only platform that actually protects your margins. GoCardless and Stripe both charge up to 1% per ACH transfer, while Nickel processes ACH payments up to $1 million with zero fees and direct QuickBooks syncing built for cash flow accuracy.
Key Takeaways
- GoCardless works well for Direct Debit and subscriptions but lacks flexibility for large US-based B2B transactions.
- Stripe supports cards and developer integrations but its ACH fees quickly cut into B2B margins.
- Both platforms can cost $6,000+ per year in ACH fees when processing $100K per month.
- Nickel charges zero ACH fees, supports transactions up to $1 million, and is built for invoice-heavy B2B businesses.
- Its native QuickBooks Online integration removes manual reconciliation and syncing errors entirely.
- Start using Nickel today to eliminate ACH fees and use a platform built for real B2B cash flow.
What GoCardless and Stripe Actually Do
GoCardless is designed for Direct Debit and performs well in the UK and Europe. It’s expanding ACH support in the US and works best for subscription billing and recurring payments.
Stripe offers a wide range of payment capabilities with strong APIs and developer tools. It supports credit cards, wallets, online checkout, and marketplace payments across SaaS and e-commerce use cases.
Both platforms move money efficiently but are built for different needs: GoCardless focuses on recurring collections, while Stripe is optimized for card-driven transactions. When larger payments enter the equation - such as $50,000 transfers - neither platform is built to handle the cash flow as efficiently as B2B operators require.
GoCardless vs. Stripe Fees
Here's where things get expensive fast. Both platforms charge per-transaction fees that can seriously impact your margins, especially on large B2B payments.
GoCardless Pricing:
- ACH transfers: 1% + $0.25 per transaction (capped at $5 for transactions over $500)
- International transfers: Up to 2.4% + fixed fees
- Monthly minimums: $50 for some plans
- Setup fees: Vary by integration complexity
Stripe Pricing:
- ACH/Bank transfers: 0.8% (capped at $5)
- Credit cards: 2.9% + $0.30
- International cards: 3.4% + $0.30
- Instant payouts: 1.5% (minimum $0.50)
Now let’s look at what this actually costs if you're processing $100,000 in ACH payments each month across 100 transactions of $1,000 each.
GoCardless
- ACH fee per transaction = 1% of $1,000 = $10, but capped at $5
- Total = 100 transactions x $5 = $500
- Plus $0.25 per transaction = $25
- Monthly total: $525
- Annual total: $6,300
Stripe
- ACH fee per transaction = 0.8% of $1,000 = $8, but capped at $5
- Total = 100 transactions x $5 = $500
- Monthly total: $500
- Annual total: $6,000
- Annual cost difference: $300 more with GoCardless
But here’s the kicker - ACH transfers typically cost under $0.30 to process. That means both platforms are charging you 20 to 30 times what it actually costs. If you're still paying 0.8% to 1% on ACH, you’re burning thousands every year on fees that could be avoided entirely.
Feature Comparison: What You Actually Get
Before choosing a platform, it helps to look past pricing and focus on how each one handles real payments.
Payment Methods and Processing
GoCardless excels at Direct Debit and ACH collection, especially for subscriptions and predictable monthly billing. Its Success+ tool automatically retries failed payments and manages reminders.
Stripe supports nearly every payment method - cards, ACH, Apple Pay, Google Pay, international currencies, and buy-now-pay-later - with strong fraud tools designed for higher-volume transactions.
Integration and Developer Experience
Stripe leads in developer flexibility. Its API supports most programming languages and integrates easily with CRM and billing systems.
GoCardless is simpler. It works well for recurring ACH and Direct Debit payments but isn’t built for complex payment flows or large transaction variety.
Customer Experience
GoCardless manages much of the customer process, including mandate setup pages and payment reminders, reducing manual follow-up.
Stripe gives full control over the user flow via elements or hosted checkout pages but requires more customization and setup to maintain a polished experience.
The B2B Reality Check
GoCardless and Stripe both work well in their lanes, but most business payments don’t need complex APIs or polished checkout flows. What matters most is affordable, dependable ACH transfers that protect cash flow.
GoCardless was built around subscription billing, while Stripe prioritizes online commerce and developer-driven integrations. Those models work for their markets - but they weren’t built for large transactions that require accuracy, predictable settlement, and clean accounting sync.
That gap is where Nickel stands apart. It removes ACH fees entirely, supports high-value payments, and aligns with the way modern businesses actually manage invoices and cash flow.
Why Nickel Beats Both for B2B Payments
Unlike Stripe and GoCardless, Nickel is focused on solving the actual payment problems B2B companies face. Here's how it stacks up where it matters:
Free ACH Transfers
Stripe charges 0.8%. GoCardless charges 1%. Nickel charges nothing. If you process $100,000 a month, that’s $0 in ACH fees - versus $800 with Stripe or $1,000 with GoCardless.
Built for Large Transactions
Need to process a single $500,000 payment? No problem. Nickel handles up to $1 million per transaction without volume penalties or processing delays.
QuickBooks Integration
Nickel connects directly with QuickBooks Online, syncing invoices, payments, and statuses in real time. That means no double-entry, no manual reconciliation, and no end-of-month surprises.
B2B-First Features
Approval flows, check processing, vendor payments - Nickel includes the tools your finance team actually uses. It’s not built for app developers or global retailers. It’s built for real B2B operators.
Let’s look at the math. A contractor processing $500,000 annually:
- Stripe: $4,000 in fees
- GoCardless: $5,000 in fees
- Nickel: $0
That’s not a rounding error. That’s your cash, back where it belongs.
Integration Considerations
Each platform offers accounting integrations, but the quality and reliability differ. Here’s how Stripe, GoCardless, and Nickel compare when syncing payments and invoices.
GoCardless Integrations
GoCardless connects with tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and subscription software. It works well for basic syncing but may require occasional manual corrections if entries don’t match perfectly.
Stripe Integrations
Stripe offers the widest integration range, especially for e-commerce and SaaS. However, setup can be complex, and invoice workflows sometimes need extra custom work if payments don’t follow a retail model.
Nickel Integrations
Nickel was built to sync directly with QuickBooks Online. Invoices, payments, and statuses update automatically - no plugins, middleware, or manual reconciliation. It provides the most streamlined option for teams that need accurate accounting without added steps.
Customer Support
Support expectations vary depending on the type of payments your business handles. Here’s what users can expect from each platform.
GoCardless Support
GoCardless offers phone and email support, with faster response times on higher-tier plans. Their team is knowledgeable about Direct Debit regulations, which benefits businesses operating in European markets.
Stripe Support
Stripe provides extensive documentation and email support across all plans. Phone support is limited to premium tiers. While reliable, their support tends to be more technical, which suits developer-heavy teams but may not address finance-specific concerns as directly.
Nickel Support
Nickel emphasizes support for B2B workflows. Their team is familiar with cash flow management, large invoice reconciliation, and QuickBooks syncing. Assistance is direct, with access to real support staff rather than only automated systems or ticket queues.
Security and Compliance Comparison
Security and compliance are non-negotiable when you’re moving six-figure payments. While all three platforms meet baseline standards, the way they handle B2B risk is where differences start to matter.
GoCardless Security and Compliance
GoCardless is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and meets PSD2 and SCA requirements in Europe. In the US, it follows NACHA rules for ACH transfers. It uses 256-bit SSL encryption and holds PCI DSS Level 1 certification. Their fraud monitoring is decent, but their US infrastructure is still maturing.
Stripe Security and Compliance
Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, SOC 2 Type II compliant, and ISO 27001 certified. Their Radar system uses machine learning for fraud detection and supports real-time alerts. They encrypt all data in transit and at rest, with enterprise-grade safeguards across global markets.
Nickel Security and Compliance
Nickel’s security is tailored to B2B. It’s fully compliant with NACHA rules, PCI DSS certified for card processing, and encrypted at bank level. But the biggest difference is focus.
Nickel’s fraud detection isn’t designed for small retail transactions - it’s built to flag anomalies in large B2B invoice flows. The platform also maintains SOC 2 Type II compliance and keeps complete ACH authorization trails for every transaction.
All three platforms meet the minimum. Only one is built around how B2B businesses actually move money - Nickel.
Making the Right Choice
Each platform fits a specific use case, and the right choice depends on how your business handles payments. Here’s where each one shines.
GoCardless: Best for Subscription Payments in the UK and Europe
GoCardless is a strong option for recurring billing via Direct Debit, particularly for businesses in the UK and Europe. It simplifies subscription payments with automated retries and mandate management. However, its usefulness is limited outside of those markets or payment models.
Stripe: Best for Developer-Driven E-Commerce or SaaS
Stripe is widely adopted by online businesses for its flexibility. It supports credit cards, wallets, and international payments, and integrates with countless platforms. For e-commerce stores or SaaS companies with complex billing needs, Stripe’s customization and global reach are valuable, though the fees can add up.
Nickel: Best for B2B Invoicing and ACH Transfers
Nickel focuses on high-value B2B payments, offering unlimited ACH transfers with no processing fees and automatic QuickBooks syncing. It also includes approval workflows and vendor coordination tools that better match how B2B firms handle cash flow. Companies dealing with large invoices may find Nickel’s model more cost-effective than percentage-based platforms.
Beyond Basic Payment Processing
Fees matter, but usability matters more. GoCardless works well for recurring Direct Debit, making it suitable for subscription-style billing. Stripe offers flexible checkout flows and strong international card support, which benefits online sellers.
Challenges often appear when payments involve large invoices, approvals, or vendor coordination. That’s where Nickel stands out. It provides free ACH transfers with no caps, automatic QuickBooks syncing, and a streamlined workflow built for operational efficiency.
Matching platform strengths to payment needs is key: GoCardless suits subscriptions, Stripe supports retail-style payments, and Nickel aligns with businesses handling larger transactions that require faster, cleaner reconciliation.
If you're shopping for a better way to process large payments, check out our Melio alternative comparison. You’ll see exactly how much you can save. You can also explore how Nickel stacks up against other popular platforms in our full feature comparison.
Get Started With Better B2B Payments
GoCardless works well for subscription-style billing in Europe, while Stripe is widely used for e-commerce and SaaS thanks to its flexible checkout tools and international card support. Both fit their intended use cases - but ACH fees quickly add up when handling larger payments.
If your business processes high-value invoices, platforms like Nickel become more practical. Nickel offers unlimited ACH transfers with no fees, automatic QuickBooks syncing, and tools built for real payment workflows like approvals and vendor coordination.
Choosing a processor comes down to priorities: subscriptions may suit GoCardless, online sales may lean Stripe, but companies managing sizable invoices are more likely to benefit from Nickel’s fee-free ACH model and B2B-focused features.
Create your free Nickel account and start processing unlimited ACH transfers at no cost. Or view our pricing to see exactly how much you can save compared to GoCardless, Stripe, and other fee-charging platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Cap on Transaction Size With Nickel?
No. Nickel supports ACH payments up to $1 million per transaction with no hidden fees or delays. This makes it ideal for contractors, distributors, and manufacturers processing large project invoices or supplier payments that would otherwise be penalized on traditional platforms.
How Long Do ACH Transfers Take With Nickel?
ACH transfers through Nickel typically settle in one to two business days, depending on your bank’s processing speed. Unlike some platforms that delay high-dollar transactions, Nickel is built for fast-moving B2B payments, with no artificial hold times or payout limits.
Can I Use Nickel Without QuickBooks?
Yes. While Nickel is deeply integrated with QuickBooks Online, you can also use it as a standalone ACH payment processor. All core features - such as approval workflows, vendor payments, and real-time tracking - are available without QuickBooks, though syncing with your accounting software can save time during reconciliation.
