Is Melio legit? With a 7.9/10 rating from 34 reviews and over 1,400 reviews on Trustpilot, the evidence certainly suggests so. Additionally, their seamless QuickBooks Online integration has transformed how I manage invoices. However, questions about whether Melio is safe and reliable still concern many potential users. Throughout this review, I’ll share my experience with Melio Payments Inc. and their customer service team, including those responsive agents like Jess, Lulu, and Landry, whom previous users have praised. Let’s dive into what makes this payment solution worth considering in 2025.
Why I Chose Melio for My Business Payments
After researching numerous payment solutions, I found myself drawn to Melio for several compelling reasons. My search began with a frustrating cycle of late payments and paperwork that was eating into my productive hours.
Evaluating Alternatives: QuickBooks, Xero, and Others
When comparing payment platforms, I first looked at QuickBooks Bill Pay, which charges $90 per month for unlimited payments, plus the additional QuickBooks Online subscription, ranging from $35 to $235 monthly. Meanwhile, Xero requires integration with third-party payment processors, adding another layer of complexity.
What immediately stood out about Melio was its cost-effectiveness. Unlike competitors, Melio offers a free plan with no platform fees. Furthermore, while both QuickBooks and Xero provide robust accounting features, I needed something focused specifically on streamlining vendor payments without the hefty price tag.
Another deciding factor was Melio’s ability to integrate with both QuickBooks Online and Xero. This flexibility meant I wouldn’t need to change my accounting software while gaining enhanced payment capabilities.
Melio’s Free ACH and Credit Card Flexibility
The payment method flexibility essentially sealed the deal for me. Melio offers free ACH bank transfers that arrive within 3-5 business days, perfect for regular vendor payments. For urgent situations, I can choose same-day or instant transfers.
Perhaps most valuable is the ability to pay by credit card—even to vendors who don’t accept cards. This feature allows me to:
- Defer payments until my next billing cycle, improving cash flow
- Earn rewards and points on business expenses
- Pay vendors on time while holding onto cash longer
The 2.9% fee for credit card payments is often offset by the cash flow benefits and rewards earned. In contrast, competitors either don’t offer this flexibility or charge higher fees for similar services.
Initial Impressions and Setup Simplicity
Setting up my Melio account was refreshingly straightforward. I had two options for connecting my bank account: instant connection via Plaid or manual verification with micro-deposits. I chose the Plaid option and was operational within minutes rather than days.
The interface proved intuitive and clean, with no accounting jargon or complicated menus to navigate. Rather than requiring extensive training, I was sending my first payment almost immediately. Particularly impressive was the ability to upload invoices directly or forward them to a dedicated Melio inbox.
Security concerns were addressed through their PCI compliance and secure technology. Given that Melio works with established financial institutions like JP Morgan and Silicon Valley Bank, I felt confident about entrusting them with my business payments.
Real-World Usage: Processing $50,000+ in Payments
Over the past year, I’ve put Melio through its paces, processing more than $50,000 in vendor payments. The experience has given me firsthand insights into how the platform performs under real business conditions.
ACH Transfers: Speed and Reliability
Regular ACH transfers with Melio arrive within 3 business days, which has proved reliable for most of my standard payments. For time-sensitive situations, I’ve utilized their same-day ACH transfer option, which processes payments submitted before 2 pm ET on the same business day.
The most impressive feature, though, is Melio’s instant transfer capability, which delivers funds within minutes during weekday business hours. This saved me during several tight deadlines when vendors needed immediate payment.
Tracking payments is straightforward through the payment progress bar, which clearly shows three stages: deducted (money collected from my account), sent/in transit (payment processing), and cleared/deposited (successfully delivered to the vendor).
Vendor Experience and Check Delivery
My vendors who prefer checks have reported positive experiences. Melio’s standard check delivery via USPS typically takes 5-7 business days, while their Fast Check option cuts that time to just 3 business days. For truly urgent situations, the overnight check option delivers by the next business day.
Notably, Melio automatically notifies vendors by email when their payment begins processing, eliminating those “check is in the mail” conversations. Moreover, vendors don’t need to sign up for Melio to receive payments, making the transition smooth for all parties.
Recurring Payments and Cash Flow Management
The platform’s recurring payment feature has transformed my cash flow management. I can schedule payments in advance to ensure they arrive exactly on the due date—not too early, not too late. This allows me to hold onto cash longer while avoiding late fees.
Melio’s credit card payment option has proven especially valuable for cash flow. Even when vendors don’t accept cards, I can pay by credit card (with a 2.9% fee) while Melio delivers payment via check or ACH. This effectively gives me up to 45 extra days to hold onto cash, significantly improving my business’s financial flexibility.
The batch payment feature also deserves mention, as it allows me to bundle multiple bills and pay them simultaneously with just a few clicks, saving considerable time in my payment workflows.
Melio Customer Service: The Good and the Bad
Customer support can make or break a payment platform, and my experience with Melio’s service has been decidedly mixed. After encountering several payment hiccups, I’ve gained firsthand knowledge of their support system’s strengths and limitations.
Live Chat vs. Email Support
Melio’s support operates Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM EST, excluding Federal Holidays. Their primary support channels include:
- Live chat: Available to all users through the Support section in your account
- Email support: Responses typically arrive within 24 hours during business hours
- Callback support: Exclusively for Boost and Unlimited subscribers (10 AM to 5 PM EST)
The live chat starts with an AI assistant before connecting you to a human agent—a process that sometimes feels unnecessarily time-consuming. Nevertheless, Core, Boost, and Unlimited subscribers receive priority support with faster response times, which I found valuable during urgent situations.
Agent Responsiveness and Knowledge
Agent quality varies significantly at Melio. At best, I’ve encountered representatives like those mentioned in customer reviews—Jess, Lulu, and Landry—who provided exceptional service by staying with customers through complex issues. Conversely, at worst, some users report feeling like “no humans work here” after software glitches left their transactions in limbo.
Email support typically takes 3-4 days for responses, whereas live chat connects you with agents much faster once you navigate past the AI assistant. Despite these inconsistencies, when you do reach a knowledgeable agent, they generally handle account setup issues and payment questions effectively.
Support During Critical Payment Issues
Unfortunately, this is where Melio’s customer service struggles most. Some users report payments marked as “paid” while vendors never receive funds. Others describe waiting months for resolution on misplaced payments. In my case, a critical payment issue took nearly a week to resolve, despite being labeled as “escalated.”
Payment problems requiring compliance team involvement seem particularly problematic, with multiple users reporting weeks without responses. Tellingly, Melio’s official responses to negative reviews acknowledge these shortcomings, often apologizing for “frustration” and promising to “improve both our product and support processes”.
Is Melio Safe and Worth It in 2025?
After thoroughly exploring Melio’s platform and putting it through rigorous testing, the question remains: does this payment solution truly deliver on its promises in 2025?
Security and Compliance Overview
Security stands as Melio’s top priority, with multiple layers of protection safeguarding both business and vendor information. Importantly, Melio employs encryption for all transactions, ensuring private bank details are never shared between parties. The platform undergoes an annual SOC 2 Type II audit to verify its security controls, demonstrating its commitment to data protection.
For businesses concerned about payment card security, Melio is fully PCI-DSS compliant and uses a certified Level 1 PCI-compliant third-party processor. This means they don’t store sensitive credit card information on their servers, substantially reducing fraud risk.
Beyond these certifications, Melio implements multi-factor authentication at signup and stores data in PCI and SOC-compliant data centers with continuous monitoring. Their partnership with established financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase Bank provides additional confidence.
Pricing Plans and Value for Money
Melio’s pricing structure has undergone significant changes recently. Currently, they offer:
- Free Plan: Limited to 5 free ACH payments monthly
- Core Plan: $25/month for 20 free ACH transfers
- Boost Plan: $55/month for 50 free ACH transfers
Once you exceed these limits, additional ACH payments cost $0.50 each. Credit card payments still incur a 2.9% fee, while international transfers cost a flat $20.
These changes represent a substantial shift from their previous unlimited free ACH transfers. According to one analysis, businesses processing significant payment volumes could face thousands in additional annual costs.
Is Melio Legit for Small Businesses?
Indeed, Melio remains legitimate for small businesses with limited payment needs. Their security infrastructure is robust, and they offer practical solutions for businesses processing fewer than 5 monthly payments. Obviously, for businesses needing only basic payment features without the complexity of full accounting software, Melio provides a straightforward solution.
Ultimately, your transaction volume determines Melio’s value proposition. For businesses processing numerous monthly payments, the recent pricing changes might prompt consideration of alternatives. Forthwith, smaller operations with minimal payment needs can still benefit from Melio’s user-friendly interface and solid security foundation.
Conclusion
After processing over $50,000 through Melio, my verdict remains decidedly mixed in 2025. Undoubtedly, Melio offers valuable features for small businesses, particularly those making fewer than five monthly payments. The platform shines through its straightforward interface, QuickBooks integration, and the ability to pay vendors by credit card even when they don’t accept cards directly.
Nevertheless, recent pricing changes significantly alter the value equation. Businesses exceeding the free plan’s five monthly ACH transfers must consider the Core or Boost plans—an expense that quickly adds up. Additionally, customer service remains hit-or-miss, with some issues taking days or even weeks to resolve.
Security-wise, Melio stands strong. Their SOC 2 Type II certification, PCI compliance, and partnerships with established financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase Bank provide peace of mind for businesses trusting them with sensitive financial information.
Overall, Melio works best for small businesses with limited payment needs who value simplicity and flexibility. However, companies processing numerous monthly transactions might find better value elsewhere. Before committing, I recommend calculating your typical monthly payment volume against their tiered pricing structure. Though no longer the unlimited free solution it once was, Melio still offers enough unique benefits to deserve consideration in your business payment toolkit, albeit with clearer expectations about costs and support limitations.