Which one is right for you?
Tallymark vs FreshBooks.
Key takeaways.
- 01Tallymark is the better fit if you want to invoice clients for free. FreshBooks is the better fit if you need expense and time tracking in one app.
- 02Tallymark is free. FreshBooks starts at $23/month for up to 5 clients, and charges $11/month per team member.
- 03Tallymark connects to your own Stripe account. In the US and Canada, FreshBooks requires FreshBooks Payments.
Why choose Tallymark over FreshBooks.
Free, not $23/month.Every feature, free. FreshBooks Lite is $23/month before add-ons.
No client or team limits.FreshBooks Lite stops at 5 clients, archived ones included, and charges $11/month per team member.
Charge saved cards, no add-on fee.Turn on AutoPay and invoices pay themselves. In FreshBooks, charging a saved card yourself costs $20/month plus 3.5% + 30¢ per payment.
Bring your own Stripe account.Keep the Stripe account you have, wherever you are. In the US and Canada, FreshBooks requires FreshBooks Payments.
Sales pages, not just checkout links.Sell services, packages, and digital downloads from one link, with custom fields, discounts, and subscriptions.
Lower Amex fees.Stripe's standard 2.9% + 30¢ on Amex, instead of FreshBooks' 3.5% + 30¢.
| Feature | Tallymark | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $23/mo |
| Card fee | 2.9% + 30¢ | 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Amex fee | 2.9% + 30¢ | 3.5% + 30¢ |
| Fee to charge a saved card yourself | 2.9% + 30¢ | 3.5% + 30¢ |
| Connect your own Stripe account | Yes | Outside US and Canada |
| Unlimited clients | Yes | 5 max |
| Unlimited invoices | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring invoices | Yes | Yes |
| Charge saved cards yourself | Yes | $20/mo |
| Custom logo and colors | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple users | Yes | $11/mo per user |
| Sales pages and digital downloads | Yes | Checkout links only |
| Expense tracking | No | Yes |
| Time tracking | No | Yes |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Tallymark if...
- You don't want to pay a monthly fee to send invoices.
- You have more than 5 clients, or plan to.
- You want to charge cards on file without paying for an add-on.
- You already use Stripe, or want to.
- You sell packages, products, or digital downloads.
- Your accountant handles the books, or you already use accounting software.
Choose FreshBooks if...
- You want invoicing and expense tracking in a single app.
- You bill by the hour and need built-in time tracking.
- You need mileage tracking.
The bottom line.
Frequently asked questions.
What is Stripe?
Stripe is a payment processor used by millions of businesses. It charges your client's card, runs security and fraud checks, and sends the money to your bank account.
How does payment processing work?
When a client pays an invoice by card, a payment processor charges the card and deposits the money in your bank account, minus a fee. Tallymark uses your own Stripe account, which you can also connect to other apps and keep if you ever switch. In the US and Canada, FreshBooks uses FreshBooks Payments, which only works inside FreshBooks.
Do I need a Stripe account to use Tallymark?
You don't need a Stripe account to create and send invoices. You only need one to accept card or online payments, and it's free to create.
Is Tallymark really free?
Yes. Tallymark has no monthly fees and no percentage fees. You only pay Stripe's standard processing fees on your own account.
Is there a limit on clients or team members?
No. Tallymark includes unlimited clients, invoices, and users. FreshBooks Lite is limited to 5 clients and charges $11/month per team member.
Does Tallymark have time or expense tracking?
No. Tallymark focuses on invoices, subscriptions, sales pages, and payments. If you bill by the hour and need built-in time tracking, FreshBooks is the better fit.
No monthly fees. No percentage fees. Unlimited everything.
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