A Comprehensive Guide for Subscription Billing Platforms (+ 5 Options)

Jan 27, 2023

Most subscription billing platforms let you:

  • Electronically pay invoices and make payments.
  • Customize and manage the subscription model and trial models. Manage and customize any subscription.
  • Install a self-service option for customers to monitor their account (including details about their seating and payment details along with different).
  • Control and provide one-time add-ons Coupons, discounts and many more.
  • Collect metrics and look at annual reports of recurring revenue.

A vast majority of companies that handle subscription billing need solutions for the various aspects of subscription billing process, including:

  • Payment processing.
  • Preventing fraud and chargebacks.
  • Collecting and remitting tax on consumption.
  • Legal compliance.
  • Plus.

Some subscription billing platforms don't have these essential aspects to manage subscriptions.

Furthermore, you'll want take into consideration whether the system you choose to use supports businesses like that of yours. For instance, certain payment services exclusively provide assistance to SaaS companies, while some options offer assistance to businesses who sell physical goods as well as services (e.g. the subscription to gyms, or subscriptions to food clubs that are monthly, in addition to remote-based accounting).

This article reviews the top five payments platforms that allow subscriptions. It will do so by discussing the different features of their payment processes they can handle, what choices will require to be integrated, and the kinds of businesses they serve.

Our solution allows international SaaS firms to handle the entire spectrum of the above lists. The article begins by diving deep into . The remaining choices on the list will be aimed at firms that offer physical goods as well as services.

     Table of Contents    

Complete Subscription Billing Platform for Global Software Companies

is a comprehensive payment solution designed for SaaS companies and other businesses that offer digital goods or downloads. Through the use of B2B as well as B2C software, companies can manage:

  • Trials, a variety of subscription options Discounts, add-ons for one-time, and much more.
  • Automatic invoices, notifications to the customer and invoices.
  • Processing payments (for different payment options around the globe).
  • Self-service, fully managed portal for clients.
  • Reporting and analytics.
  • and many more.

Additionally, it assumes the risk of transaction in addition to taking responsibility for chargebacks, protection against fraud, collecting and paying consumption tax as well as conformity.

As you grow, there won't be any unexpected costs since the entire suite of features is available for one flat-rate price based on the amount of transactions involved. You'll receive payment after the transaction is completed.

HTML0 In the sections below We give a thorough analysis of the ways you are able to:

Create custom subscription models, Trials and Subscriptions with no codes

Most companies need the availability of various recurring billing choices and models for trial in order to accommodate the demands of a variety of product and markets. Additionally, the model you initially use may not be the most effective over time as the company grows.

Some platforms for billing allow the creation of custom subscription plans however, you will need your team of developers to create these custom plans manually (with the assistance of a minimum or none from the billing service provider).

     offers a range of built-in options so that everyone can build custom subscription plans without any technical knowledge.    

Edit Subscription Pricing: Standard or Managed

Here are some examples of different types of subscriptions and trials that you can set up:

  • Paying, free or trial, on a trial basis.
  • Automatic billing after the trial has ended (or let customers start the subscription manually).
  • You can set the billing frequency or even the day (or let your customers decide).
  • Usage-based billing.
  • Coupons, discounts or amounts that are prorated, or even single-time add-ons.
  • Automatically store information about payment (or let customers make the option).
  • Auto-renewing to a different subscription plan.
  • Plus.

If you're in search of more options, you can make use of the API along with the Webhooks Library to design your custom subscription model. The developers are available 24/7 to assist you in finding the best solution for your needs and answer any questions you may have to inquire about.

Customers can manage the information on their accounts through a user-friendly portal

It's a self-service portal where users can access:

  • Subscriptions that are active and inactive (or trials subscriptions).
  • The order's history (and the number of identification).
  • Keys for licenses , as and download histories.
  • Payment details.
  • Contact details.
  • and many more.

Through this web-based portal, users can control upgrades, downgrades for their credit or bank card information along with other data without having to call helpline.

manages the entire portal so that your team isn't being burdened with. However, you'll have complete control over the layout and design of your website. It allows you to create an experience that is unifying for your customers as well as lessen the strain on your development team.

Make Your Checkout Process More Effective in order to increase the number of transactions that are converted

In the case of most services for subscription billing there's an option for checkout and payment processing (which might require an extra cost or software to deal with).

     allows you to control your subscriptions, checkout, as well as processing payments, all in the same system.    

Over the course of nearly two decades, we have collaborated with software firms for more than two decades. we've gained invaluable insights into the best techniques to maximize checkout to increase sales. As an example, shoppers prefer to finish an order after they have:

  • You consent to your preferred method of payment.
  • The transaction is accepted on the first try.
  • Check-out is done in the local currency and in the language of your choice.
  • The design and style of the checkout interface is similar to the overall look of the website.

Each of the zones is constructed into the platform

  • preferred method of payment: allows you to use the most popular method of payment across the globe.
  • high acceptance rate for credit card payments: Each credit card firm and bank that issued it, has its own acceptance levels for fraudulent transactions and chargebacks. Be sure to comply with the rules so that you are able to remain within a certain amount of authorisation. In addition, transactions are more likely to be approved if the gateway is a legal entity that has been authorized that is located in the same area as the buyer. The company is associated with a variety of payment processing companies around the world and makes sure that each payment is routed via the gateway with the best rates of approval in the specific area.
  • Automated conversion of currencies that converts cost to the local currency of the buyer. It's possible to choose to provide the exact cost for each location or let convert the amount instantly.
  • Translating the Checkout process to multiple languages will also aid you by translating checkout process procedures into local languages. Choose the right local language according to the place of the purchaser's residence or let the buyer to choose which one they prefer.
  • Fully customized checkouts: With HTML0, you are able to select from three options for checkout that include an integrated checkout button and pop-up checkout. You can also have an individual storefront which is managed by our team. Every option gives you full control of the appearance and design of the checkout page or the. Most checkout websites offer only a handful of options for customization (e.g. you could include your company logo or choose from a range of colors) But checkouts can be designed to be adapted to the size of your pixels.

Experienced SaaS businesses know that it's crucial to establish the conditions and conditions of subscription. The customer must accept these terms before they can make payments. It can be a difficult task to decide what to be included in the contract. This becomes more difficult when you are transacting internationally because the specifics of the document that it must include will differ with each country, state or region, as well as the state. If you fail to include all the necessary aspects of the document, it could lead to hefty costs or even being barred from doing business within the region of jurisdiction.

Additionally, several states have laws and rules on automated payments, which do not have to be in compliance with the convention. For instance, India limits automatic payments that are up to 15000 rupees (approximately $180 as at the time of writing). If the value of the payment you pay frequently exceeds that limit, then the recipient is required to take the transaction in person every time. To avoid penalty fees, you must make an application for eMandate to the Reserve Bank of India that specifies how you'll follow the guidelines.

Staying up to date with rules similar to these across all countries is a huge challenge for every business.

For our clients who do not have any concerns regarding this, we'll take care of the issue since we ensure conformity to local laws and regulations. The legal department of the company is up to date with every detail of transaction laws and has the ability to make sure that all the necessary procedures and documents are put in place for processing payments instantly.

It's completely in line with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and is fully in compliance to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as well as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as well as various other laws and regulations.

GDPR and PCI DSS

Begin Gathering and Pay GST and Sales Taxes to You

SaaS companies didn't always need to pay tax on consumption However the tax laws for firms that sell software are currently evolving and are being increasingly implemented.

The majority of payment options can help you collecting tax on consumption but you're still responsible for making sure you're paying the right amount and for paying taxes at the conclusion of every tax period. If you do not be sure that you've collected received the right amount (and an appropriate amount) of consumption tax on the correct dates then you could face massive penalties or be denied the privilege operating your business from this specific place.

automatically adds the proper amount (and the form) of consumption tax that is due to the price of the service for the user and pays those taxes for you.

We can assist with tax-free transactions, as in other situations that require special attention. Also, we could serve as the primary for any audits.

VAT Information Customer Checkout

Automate the handling of payment failures and reduce the amount of Churn

In between the first transaction started and each subsequent bill, many things can go wrong which stop the transaction from running effectively and lead to customers having to reverse. In collaboration with hundreds of companies and organizations, we've designed processes that are automated to handle the most common problems that cause an increase in churn. Also, we return the vast majority of the transactions that did not succeed.

There are some HTML0 instruments that are able to cut down on churn as well as inefficient payment

  • Reminders to encourage payment:In our experience, notifying customers of the upcoming date for payment and advising customers of any payments that are cancelled is among the most effective strategies to decrease involuntary churn and also the difficulty of attempting to pay. This program can schedule automatic reminders for upcoming payments.
  • Reminders that are offered in many types: When a transaction fails, users often need multiple reminders to be capable of resolving the issue (e.g. the transfer of funds to their account or changing the method of payment or payment method or method of payment, etc.). The possibility exists to send periodic reminders to follow up in the interval of 3 or 2 days, or seven or seven 14 or 21 days after the initial failed payment ( it will try to make the payment prior to sending every reminder).
  • It will be able to continue running: Another effective way to decrease churn in an involuntary manner is to ensure that the service remains operating while you try to raise the cash. This will give your customers an enjoyable experience because the customer will have an opportunity to address their issue without having to be a victim of the pitfalls of a service that is stopped. The more satisfied customers are, the more likely customers are to stay.
  • Reactivation is simple: Once all reminders are sent, it is possible to stop rather than cancelling the service of your client. This makes it easier for customers renewal of their accounts with no needing to sign-up or sign-up (onboarding can be a major obstacle for starting services).
Notifications & Retention: Payment Notifications, Overdue Notifications, Cancellation, Pause

The system also ensures that it tries to retry every transaction with a different processor (without anybody on the team having to touch the finger) to resolve any problems which result from issues in the network.

Automatically collect Key Metrics and review detailed report

Analytics and Reporting lets you deal with issues like

  • What's the role of each item to my profit margin?
  • What products are proven to be most popular and most efficient? And which ones are a drain on resources?
  • Which promotions, coupons, or sales draw the largest number of clients?
  • Which model of subscription is the most efficient?
  • Which are the markets that have proved to be most profitable, and also have the greatest potential?

It has two dashboards: the Revenue overview dashboard, along with the dashboard which displays the details of subscriptions.

The revenue overview dashboard gives a full picture of the performance of your company It includes:

  • Your client's location.
  • What methods of payment and what currency do customers feel most comfortable with.
  • Net sales per product.
  • The amount of transactions per country.
  • and much more.
's Revenue Overview Dashboard
Transactions, Transaction Currencies, Net Sales and Net Sales by Country in

The Dashboard to show the overall view of subscriptions allows you to track your monthly recurring revenues (MRR) as well as dig more deeply into the factors that affect your MRR in the course of time. It provides statistics on:

  • Upsells, cross-sells as well as additional items.
  • Value for the long-term of each customer.
  • The customer's total turnover.
  • In the billing cycle, churn takes place typically.
  • The worth over the lifetime of a client.
  • Plus.
's Subscription Overview Dashboard

It is possible to alter the report that you wish to save. You can also communicate the information to the other key people via the dashboard, or as a CSV, PNG CSV as well as XLSX spreadsheet export.

Four more subscription management platforms

Recurly

Recurly homepage: Keep a good thing growing

Recurly is a recurring billing and control system designed for companies selling:

  • B2C and B2B B2C software.
  • Mobile app.
  • Media, Entertainment and Media.
  • Consumption and retail items.
  • Professional Services.
  • eLearning.

Recurly supports easy integrations using different payment processors. However, you are responsible for the settings and configurations of each one. The majority of businesses who use Recruly can also include programs to:

  • Taxes (e.g., Avalara).
  • Accounting (e.g. For example, For example, QuickBooks).
  • Protection against fraud (e.g. Sift- customers are protected automatically by Sift).

In addition, you'll have to cover the tax and transaction fees as well, and it's probable that you'll require a separate department in charge of tax compliance. (With everything else, it is included in one bundle and managed by our specialists.)

Chargebee

Chargebee homepage: The revenue engine that powered MakeSpace to launch a B2B model overnight.

Chargebee is a system for billing subscriptions and revenue management system that is specifically designed to:

  • B2B SaaS.
  • eCommerce.
  • eLearning.
  • Publishing.
  • YouTube and OTT.

As with Recurly, Chargebee is primarily intended for the billing of subscriptions, which implies that you'll need other options to tax, fraud protection along with payment processing and many more. Chargebee provides a broad range of built-in integrations (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, SalesForce, and QuickBooks) However, they aren't included in every Chargebee plans.

Chargify

Chargify homepage: Subscription Billing for B2B SaaS

Chargify provides subscription-based options that work well for B2B SaaS businesses.

It's likely you'll require additional options for tax, fraud prevention and processing payments, among others. However, Chargify does offer simple software for accounting to track revenue (for different types of businesses).

Chargify will merge with SaaSOptics in forming a new companycalled Maxio. The merger will allow businesses using the service are able to control their financials which include an automated revenue and expense accounting along with automated reporting.

Zuora

Zuora homepage: Subscriptions are just the beginning

Zuora is the complete solution to monetize your company with the ability to manage subscriptions built into. Most of their clients are that are in these industries:

  • Manufacturing as well as IoT.
  • Software.
  • High-tech.
  • Media and Entertainment Media and Entertainment.

Zuora is a subscription-based service that generally works (e.g. the freemium that is based upon usage and the possibility of upgrading to paid plans) However, it offers options to make it more efficient in methods like the handling of billing, dunning, and billing (although they do have organizations that can connect with different payment processors).

The article was published on here

Article was posted on here