
GoCardless - Detailed Review
Finance Tools

GoCardless - Product Overview
GoCardless Overview
GoCardless is a payment processing platform that simplifies and streamlines the collection of payments for businesses of all sizes. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
GoCardless allows businesses to collect payments via Direct Debit and Instant Bank Pay, eliminating the need for credit or debit cards. This bank-to-bank payment method automates the payment collection process, ensuring timely and secure transactions.Target Audience
GoCardless caters to a diverse range of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. Its services are particularly beneficial for industries such as subscription-based services, e-commerce businesses, SaaS companies, utilities, and any other businesses that rely on recurring or one-off customer payments.Key Features
Automated Payments
GoCardless automates the payment collection process through direct debits, reducing the risk of late payments and minimizing manual administrative tasks. This ensures that businesses receive their funds efficiently and on time.Easy Setup and Integration
The platform is easy to set up and integrates seamlessly with over 350 software packages, including popular accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and Zuora. This integration makes managing payments alongside other business processes straightforward.Global Reach and Multi-Currency Support
GoCardless operates in multiple countries and supports various currencies, enabling businesses to accept payments from customers worldwide. This global reach is particularly useful for businesses looking to expand their international customer base.Transparency and No Hidden Fees
GoCardless is known for its transparent pricing model, with no hidden fees or surprises. This transparency helps businesses budget effectively without unexpected costs.Enhanced Security
The platform offers secure payment processing, reducing the risk of fraud by eliminating the need for physical payment methods like cards or checks. The Direct Debit Guarantee also provides an additional layer of security for both businesses and their customers.Dedicated Support
GoCardless provides dedicated customer support to help businesses with any queries or issues they may encounter, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free payment experience.By leveraging these features, GoCardless helps businesses streamline their payment processes, reduce administrative time, and improve cash flow management.

GoCardless - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of GoCardless is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it an attractive option for businesses managing recurring payments and direct debits.Clear and Intuitive Dashboard
When you log in to the GoCardless merchant dashboard, you are presented with a clear and easy-to-use interface. The most critical information, such as the amount you are owed, the amount you have collected, and what is currently due, is prominently displayed. This immediate overview helps you get a real-time snapshot of your account status.Easy Access to Key Features
The dashboard is organized with a right-side menu that allows you to easily access your payments and subscriptions, customer information, and payouts. This layout ensures that all core menu options are readily available, making it simple to manage your business operations.Customization and Branding
GoCardless allows you to customize and brand your payment pages and emails with your logo and color scheme. This feature enhances the user experience by maintaining your brand’s identity throughout the payment process.Automation and Efficiency
The platform is built to automate many administrative tasks associated with recurring payment processing. It encourages users to automate payment collections and Direct Debit requests, which helps improve cash flow and reduce the time spent on administrative tasks. This automation is highlighted at relevant steps, such as creating a new invoice or adding a new customer.User Experience Guide
GoCardless provides a user experience guide for its partners, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise language, and ensuring that users know where they are and what is happening at every step. The guide suggests integrating frequent actions, like taking payments and managing Direct Debit mandates, directly into your interface, while less frequent functions should be accessible through the GoCardless resources.Support and Feedback
While the interface is user-friendly, GoCardless also offers comprehensive support. There is a built-in feedback tool in the dashboard, allowing users to provide comments and feedback easily. Additionally, users can access a support portal with guides, FAQs, and the option to contact support directly, although some users have reported mixed experiences with customer support.Security and Compliance
The platform ensures security and compliance, being authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority and protected under the Direct Debit Guarantee. It also holds ISO27001 information security management certification, providing a secure environment for managing payments.Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of GoCardless is straightforward, efficient, and designed to simplify the process of managing recurring payments and direct debits. While there may be some issues with customer support, the platform’s ease of use and automation features make it a valuable tool for businesses.
GoCardless - Key Features and Functionality
GoCardless is a finance tool that specializes in automating and simplifying payment processes, particularly for businesses that rely on recurring payments. Here are the key features and how they work:
Payment Options and Automation
Recurring Billing
Direct Debit, ACH, and PAD
Payment Scheduling and Tracking
Payment Scheduling
Payment Tracking
Invoicing and Reconciliation
Invoicing
Reconciliation
Automation and AI Integration
Automated Workflows
Email Notifications
Security and Compliance
Encryption
Integration and Compatibility
E-commerce Integration
Multi-Currency Support
Reporting and Analytics
Reporting/Dashboards
User Management and Access Control
User, Role, and Access Management
Settlements and Payouts
Settlements

GoCardless - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating GoCardless Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the performance and accuracy of GoCardless in the Finance Tools AI-driven product category reveals several key strengths and some areas for improvement.
Performance Highlights
GoCardless has demonstrated exceptional performance in several areas:
Customer Satisfaction
GoCardless leads in customer satisfaction in the Payment Processing category, with 95% of reviewers likely to recommend the service and 97% rating it 4 or 5 stars. It excels in criteria such as Quality of Support, Ease of Use, and Ease of Setup, all above 90%.
Payment Success Rates
GoCardless boasts a low payment failure rate of 2.9%, significantly lower than traditional card payments. Its Success feature, which uses machine learning to retry failed payments, achieves a 70% recovery rate for failed payments, a substantial improvement over the average 38% recovery rate without such intelligent retries.
Integration and Automation
The platform integrates with over 350 partners, including top automated invoice and accounting software, to streamline billing processes. This automation helps reduce manual errors and speeds up payment collection and reconciliation.
Accuracy and Reliability
Fraud Prevention
GoCardless’s Protect feature uses machine learning to detect and prevent fraudulent payments, offering KYC capabilities and the ability to filter out risky payments. The Verified Mandates feature allows for instant verification of customer accounts, reducing the risk of fraud at the point of checkout.
Payment Failure Management
The platform provides detailed notifications for payment failures, retries, and other aspects of the recurring payment process. This visibility helps businesses take prompt action to address payment issues, reducing customer churn.
Areas for Improvement
While GoCardless performs well in many areas, there are some challenges and areas that require attention:
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring compliance with the ever-changing regulatory landscape, especially in multiple countries, is a significant challenge. GoCardless must continue to adapt to new regulations to maintain its operations smoothly.
Security and Data Privacy
As a payment processing company, GoCardless faces ongoing threats from cyber attacks and data breaches. Continuous investment in robust security measures is essential to protect customer data.
Scaling Operations
As the company expands globally and grows its customer base, it must efficiently scale its operations. This includes optimizing processes, enhancing infrastructure, and hiring and training new employees.
Technological Advancements
To stay competitive, GoCardless needs to keep pace with technological advancements, such as adopting AI and machine learning to further enhance its services and customer experience.
In summary, GoCardless has a strong track record in customer satisfaction, payment success rates, and integration capabilities. However, it must address regulatory compliance, security, scaling operations, and staying abreast of technological advancements to continue its growth and maintain its leadership position.

GoCardless - Pricing and Plans
GoCardless offers a clear and structured pricing model, divided into several tiers to cater to different business needs. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing structure, features, and any free options available:
Tiers and Pricing
GoCardless has four main tiers: Standard, Advanced, Pro, and Custom.Standard Tier
- Transaction Fee: 1% plus £0.20 per payment, capped at £4.
- Features: Basic customisation, collecting one-off and recurring payments via Direct Debit, Instant Bank Pay, and international payments.
Advanced Tier
- Transaction Fee: 1.25% plus £0.20 per payment, capped at £5.
- Features: Includes all Standard tier features, plus full customisation, instant payer verification through Verified Mandates, and intelligent retries with Success .
Pro Tier
- Transaction Fee: 1.4% plus £0.20 per payment, capped at £5.60.
- Features: Includes all Advanced tier features, plus advanced fraud protection with GoCardless Protect , a scalable payment recovery solution, and a fully customisable user experience.
Custom Tier
- Pricing: Volume-based pricing.
- Features: Tailored solutions for enterprise-level operations, including dedicated support services.
International Payments
For international transactions, the fees are slightly higher:- Standard Tier: 2% plus £0.20.
- Advanced Tier: 2.25% plus £0.20.
- Pro Tier: 2.4% plus £0.20.
Additional Fees and Features
- Monthly Fees: There are no monthly fees for the base plans, but some optional features and add-ons have separate monthly costs. For example, having your own SUN (Service User Number) costs £50 per month, and drop-in payment pages cost £150 per month for Advanced and Pro tiers.
- Chargeback Fees: Apply only if you have over 15 chargebacks per month.
- High-Value Transaction Fee: Applies to the portion of a domestic scheme payment above £2,000.
Free Options
- Account Setup: You can create a free GoCardless account, which gives you access to a user-friendly payments dashboard and the ability to connect your accounting software.

GoCardless - Integration and Compatibility
GoCardless Overview
GoCardless integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, making it a versatile solution for managing payments, especially for recurring and one-off transactions.
API Integration
To integrate GoCardless into your application, you can use their API, which is relatively straightforward. Here are the key steps:
- Sign up for a sandbox account to test your integration.
- Download one of the API client libraries available for languages such as Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, and .NET.
- Generate a read-write access token from the Developer section of your dashboard.
- Follow the developer documentation, which includes a getting started guide and a full API reference with code examples for each endpoint.
Payment Flow
GoCardless allows you to create a redirect flow that uses hosted payment pages to set up mandates with your customers. This flow is fully compliant and translated into multiple languages. Customers can enter their details, and the system securely stores this information, creating a customer, customer bank account, and mandate. You can then use this mandate to create payments or subscriptions.
Compatibility with Accounting and Billing Software
GoCardless integrates well with popular accounting and billing software. For example, it integrates with Xero, a comprehensive accounting and bookkeeping platform. This integration allows for seamless management of invoices, inventory, payroll, and bank connections, making it easier to manage finances and automate data entry.
E-commerce Platforms
GoCardless also integrates with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce. The GoCardless extension for WooCommerce enables merchants to accept payments for subscription products, invoices, memberships, and installments directly from customers’ bank accounts. This integration supports various features, including WooCommerce Subscriptions and WooCommerce Pre-Orders, and offers transparent pricing with no setup fees.
Global Coverage
GoCardless supports various bank debit schemes globally, including BACS Direct Debit in the UK, SEPA Direct Debit in Europe, ACH debit in the US, BECS in Australia, and PAD in Canada. This global coverage makes it suitable for businesses operating in multiple regions.
Additional Integrations
GoCardless has partnerships with other platforms, such as BillingPlatform, which combines flexible billing solutions with GoCardless’s payment capabilities. This integration supports multiple payment methods, including bank transfers, paper checks, and direct debit, making it a comprehensive solution for all customer payment needs.
Conclusion
In summary, GoCardless offers a wide range of integrations with various tools and platforms, ensuring it can be adapted to different business needs and operational environments. Its API and client libraries make integration relatively simple, and its compatibility with major accounting, billing, and e-commerce platforms enhances its utility.

GoCardless - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
GoCardless offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively manage their payments and resolve any issues promptly.Phone Support
For immediate assistance, you can contact GoCardless via their customer service phone numbers. The primary phone number for customer service inquiries is 44 207 183 8674. For customers in the USA, you can call 1-628-241-0044. The phone lines are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST, with the longest wait times typically on Mondays and the shortest on Tuesdays.Email Support
You can also reach out to GoCardless via email at help@gocardless.com. This email address is for sending questions, concerns, and requests, and a customer care agent will respond to provide assistance or resolve your issue.Live Chat and Virtual Assistant
On the GoCardless website, you can engage with a live chat operator within their business hours. If you need help outside of these hours, you can use the virtual assistant available 24/7. The live chat and virtual assistant can help with simple questions, troubleshoot issues, or connect you with a live operator if needed.Online Forms and Social Media
In addition to phone and email, you can submit your inquiries, complaints, or suggestions using the online contact form on the GoCardless website. You can also send direct messages via social media, and the customer care team will typically respond within several business hours.Knowledge Base and Customer Hub
GoCardless has a comprehensive Knowledge Base and Customer Hub that provide detailed information on various topics, including product questions, feature usage, and troubleshooting. You can find localized phone numbers, service status updates, and other resources in the Customer Hub.Community Support
Although not yet available, GoCardless is planning to introduce a community section where users can interact and share information.Service Level Definitions
GoCardless defines different service levels, including assistance for complex queries that are not covered by available help content. They also provide service status updates on their website, which helps users check if there are any system issues affecting payment processing.Additional Resources
For users integrating GoCardless with other software, such as Nexudus, there are dedicated articles and support resources available. These integrations allow for automatic payment collection, invoice reconciliation, and payment notifications, making the payment process more efficient. By offering these diverse support channels and resources, GoCardless ensures that users can get the help they need quickly and efficiently.
GoCardless - Pros and Cons
When Considering GoCardless
When considering GoCardless as a finance tool, especially for managing direct debit payments, there are several key advantages and disadvantages to be aware of.
Advantages
Automated Payment Collection
Automated Payment Collection: GoCardless automates the process of collecting payments, reducing the administrative burden on your team. This helps in ensuring that payments are made on time, every time.
Flexible Payment Terms
Flexible Payment Terms: The platform allows for flexible payment terms that can be set according to the needs of both the customer and the merchant. Payments can be scheduled weekly, monthly, or on any other agreed-upon frequency, with the option to set an end date if necessary.
No Monthly Fees
No Monthly Fees: GoCardless operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, which means there are no monthly fees, long-term contracts, or early termination fees. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking for a straightforward way to collect one-off or recurring payments.
International Payments
International Payments: GoCardless supports payments in over 30 countries and 8 currencies, making it a viable option for businesses that need to handle international transactions. It uses the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network in the US and similar systems in other countries.
Integration and Scalability
Integration and Scalability: The platform integrates well with various third-party services, including CRM systems like Financial Cloud, and offers scalable solutions that can grow with your business. This integration provides actionable insights into customer behavior and payment trends.
Customer Support
Customer Support: GoCardless offers 24/7 customer service via support tickets, phone support during business hours, and an extensive help center with instructional videos.
Disadvantages
Initial Payment Delay
Initial Payment Delay: One of the drawbacks is the time it takes to receive the first payment, which can be a consideration for businesses needing immediate cash flow.
Customer Trust
Customer Trust: Authorizing a company to collect automatic payments requires a high level of trust from customers. Some customers may prefer manual payment methods, and forcing them to use Direct Debit could be discouraging.
Transaction Fees
Transaction Fees: While the fees are competitive, they can add up, especially for international transactions. For example, international transaction fees range from 1.5% $0.05 to 1.9% $0.05, depending on the plan.
Limited Payment Options
Limited Payment Options: GoCardless does not process credit or debit card payments, so businesses may need to use it in combination with a traditional card processing service. Additionally, it does not support paper check scanners.
Account Restrictions
Account Restrictions: Some users have reported that their accounts were closed unexpectedly after a full review by GoCardless, highlighting the importance of ensuring your business type is permitted by the service before signing up.
Payment Limits
Payment Limits: There is a limit of $5,000 on the amount that can be processed per transaction, which may not be suitable for businesses that handle larger payments.
By weighing these advantages and disadvantages, you can make an informed decision about whether GoCardless is the right fit for your business needs.

GoCardless - Comparison with Competitors
When considering finance tools like GoCardless, it’s essential to evaluate its unique features and how it stacks up against its competitors. Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed decision:
Unique Features of GoCardless
- Direct Debit Specialization: GoCardless is a leader in Direct Debit payments, allowing businesses to collect payments directly from customers’ bank accounts. This reduces the risk of involuntary churn due to expired or cancelled cards.
- Recurring Billing: GoCardless offers robust recurring billing capabilities, which are highly praised by users for automating subscription-based payments.
- Integration: It integrates seamlessly with various accounting software such as Xero, Chargebee, Sage, and QuickBooks, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows.
- Customization and Automation: Businesses can send customized links for sign-ups and automate the invoice billing process, saving time and money.
- Cost-Effective: GoCardless is generally more affordable compared to other payment solutions, with some users reporting it to be about 80% cheaper.
Potential Alternatives
Stripe
- Card-First Payment Gateway: Stripe is a popular alternative that specializes in card payments and digital wallets. It is often used in tandem with GoCardless to cater to a broader range of payment preferences.
- Global Reach: Stripe offers extensive support for international payments and has a comprehensive suite of financial infrastructure tools.
Payoneer
- Global Payments: Payoneer is another strong alternative that focuses on global payments, allowing businesses to send and receive payments in multiple currencies. It is particularly useful for businesses looking to expand their global reach.
- Multi-Currency Support: Payoneer supports multiple currencies and provides quick access to funds, which can be beneficial for international transactions.
Chargebee
- Subscription Management: Chargebee is a subscription billing platform that integrates well with GoCardless. It offers advanced features for managing recurring payments and subscriptions.
- Scalability: Chargebee is known for its scalability, making it a good choice for businesses that are growing rapidly.
PayNearMe
- Cash Payments: PayNearMe is unique in that it allows customers to pay with cash, which can be an attractive option for businesses serving a demographic that prefers cash transactions.
- Billing and Payment Platform: PayNearMe offers a comprehensive billing and payment platform that facilitates the end-to-end customer payment experience.
Satispay
- Payment Platform: Satispay provides a payment platform that allows users to send payments to other users, pay for in-store and online purchases, and make in-application purchases. It is particularly popular in certain regions for its ease of use.
Key Differences and Considerations
- Payment Methods: While GoCardless excels in Direct Debit, alternatives like Stripe and Payoneer offer more diverse payment methods, including card payments and digital wallets.
- Customer Service: GoCardless has been criticized for its customer service, with reports of slow response times and account closures without explanation. Alternatives like Stripe and Payoneer may offer better support in this area.
- Fees: GoCardless charges a fee of 0.20 cents for small payments, which can be less cost-effective for businesses dealing with small transactions. Other platforms may have different fee structures that could be more beneficial depending on your business needs.
- Customization: While GoCardless offers some customization options, they are limited unless you subscribe to the Pro tier. Other platforms might offer more flexible customization options.

GoCardless - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about GoCardless
How can my customer pay me through GoCardless?
Customers can pay you by entering their bank details online via GoCardless. Depending on the plan you choose, they can also provide their details by phone or on paper. For example, with GoCardless Pro, customers have the option to enter their details online, by phone, or on paper.
Can I host the payment pages on my own website?
The ability to host payment pages on your own site depends on the GoCardless plan you are using. With the standard GoCardless plan, payment pages are securely hosted on GoCardless’s site, and you can redirect your customers to these pages. However, with GoCardless Advanced or Pro, you can build and host your own payment pages, keeping the customer within your website’s payment journey.
Do you offer iFrames for payment pages?
No, GoCardless does not offer iFraming of their payment pages. However, if you use GoCardless Pro, they provide a Flow JS solution that allows you to integrate payment functionality without storing any bank data on your server.
Can payments be made directly via the API?
Payments can be requested via the API only after the customer has given initial authorization through GoCardless’s secure payment pages. Once authorization is in place, you can use the API to request payments.
Can customers pay from their mobile devices?
Yes, GoCardless is compatible with mobile devices and tablets. The payment pages work in any modern and up-to-date internet browser, making it convenient for customers to pay from their mobile devices.
Can I fill in the payment pages on my customer’s behalf?
No, due to strict rules around Direct Debit, customers must fill in their payment details and go through the signup process themselves. This ensures compliance with Direct Debit scheme rules.
How do customers authorize a payment?
Customers authorize payments by clicking a link sent to them, which directs them to GoCardless’s secure online payment page. Here, they enter their bank details to set up an ACH debit and authorize future payments automatically.
When do I receive my payment?
Payments are automatically deposited into your specified bank account 2 working days after they are collected from your customer. You can track the status of payments in real-time through the GoCardless online dashboard.
Can I set payments to start and end on a particular date?
Yes, you can customize the day, date, frequency, and duration of payments. This can be managed easily through the GoCardless dashboard, allowing you to adjust payment plans as needed.
Can I change a payment or payment plan once it has been created?
Yes, you can cancel an existing payment or modify a payment plan provided the payment has not been submitted to the banks yet. These changes can be made quickly within your GoCardless dashboard.
How do I know if I’ve been paid?
You can check the status of any payment in real-time using the GoCardless online dashboard. This dashboard provides you with up-to-date information on all your payments and customers.

GoCardless - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of GoCardless
GoCardless is a highly effective payment processing platform that leverages Direct Debit and Instant Bank Pay to streamline payment collection for businesses. Here’s a comprehensive overview of who would benefit most from using GoCardless and an overall recommendation.
Key Benefits
- Automated Payments: GoCardless automates the payment collection process, ensuring businesses receive payments on time without the need for manual intervention. This feature is particularly beneficial for reducing late payments and the associated administrative burden.
- Payment Certainty: With GoCardless, customers know exactly how much they are paying and when, which helps with budgeting. The Direct Debit Guarantee also provides an added layer of security and transparency.
- Easy Setup and Integration: The platform offers easy setup through the GoCardless merchant dashboard, API, or partner integrations. It seamlessly integrates with popular accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and Zuora, making it convenient for businesses to incorporate into their existing systems.
- Global Reach: GoCardless operates in multiple countries and supports various currencies, enabling businesses to accept payments from customers worldwide.
- AI-Driven Solutions: GoCardless uses AI with its Success feature to mitigate failed payments, recovering an average of 70% of payments that fail the first time around. This significantly improves revenue recovery and reduces involuntary churn.
Who Would Benefit Most
GoCardless is ideal for a diverse range of businesses, including:
- Subscription-Based Services: Companies offering subscription-based services can benefit from GoCardless’s recurring payment options, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.
- E-commerce Businesses: Online retailers can simplify their payment processes and reduce the risk of late payments using GoCardless.
- SaaS Companies: Software as a Service (SaaS) companies can use GoCardless to collect payments seamlessly, improving cash flow and reducing administrative tasks.
- Small Startups to Large Enterprises: Any business needing to collect recurring or one-off customer payments can benefit from GoCardless, regardless of size.
Overall Recommendation
GoCardless is a reliable and efficient payment solution that can significantly streamline payment processes for businesses. Here are some key reasons why it is highly recommended:
- Reduced Administrative Burden: By automating payment collection, businesses can save time and reduce the stress associated with chasing payments.
- Improved Cash Flow: GoCardless ensures timely payments, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy cash flow.
- Transparency and Security: The platform offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees and is backed by the Direct Debit Guarantee, providing an added layer of security for both businesses and their customers.
- Global Compatibility: With its global reach and support for multiple currencies, GoCardless is an excellent choice for businesses looking to expand their customer base internationally.
In summary, GoCardless is an excellent option for any business seeking to simplify and secure their payment collection processes. Its automated payment solutions, global reach, and AI-driven features make it a valuable tool for ensuring timely and secure payments.