Startup Alternatives
Payments & Billing7 tools40+ indie alternatives

Payments & Billing

Take payments and run subscriptions. Browse the 7 parent tools below — each has a dedicated page with up to 10 indie or bootstrapped alternatives, plus pricing, founders, and where applicable, open-source flags.

Stripe is the default, and for good reason — but the cost (2.9% + 30¢ in the US, more outside) adds up fast, and not every business wants to negotiate Atlas + Tax + Radar pricing. The indie payment space splits two ways: merchants-of-record that handle global tax for you, and lean processors that undercut Stripe on rate. Both deserve a serious look before you migrate.

What to look for

  • Merchant-of-record vs. processor — the first handles VAT/sales tax, the second leaves it to you
  • Cross-border card success rates (publicly disclosed where possible)
  • Payout schedule and minimum thresholds — weekly with $25 minimums is normal; daily is rarer
  • Whether subscription dunning is built-in or a paid add-on

Common gotchas

  • Dispute fees that aren't on the pricing page
  • FX margins that quietly cost 1–2% on every non-USD charge
  • Limited Apple Pay / Google Pay support outside North America

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7 indie & bootstrapped payments & billing tools — Startup Alternatives · Startup Alternatives