Introduction

Recurring payments shape how businesses collect revenue. Since 2019, new solutions have emerged to streamline cash flow, improve customer retention, and handle complexities in subscription billing. This guide ranks eight top platforms launched or significantly upgraded in this period.

We evaluate based on innovation, ease of use, integration options, security features, and cost-effectiveness. Each solution targets different business needs, from startups to enterprises operating worldwide.

Whether you sell SaaS, memberships, or physical subscriptions, understanding these tools helps you choose the right system. Let’s dive into the top platforms pushing boundaries in the recurring payments space.

1. Stripe Billing (Expanded 2019 Launch)

Stripe Billing built upon Stripe’s core payment gateway with powerful recurring payment features. The 2019 expansion introduced metered billing, usage-based pricing, and automatic dunning management, streamlining subscription revenue.

Developers benefit from Stripe’s API-first model and extensive documentation. This allows for seamless integration with mobile apps, websites, and backend services. Reporting tools offer deep insights into churn and cash flow timing.

It supports 135+ currencies and multiple payment methods globally. Businesses gain flexibility with trial periods, discounts, and easy upgrades. The per-invoice pricing aligns cost with usage, valuable for scaling startups.

2. Chargebee (Major Upgrade 2020)

Chargebee emerged with strong subscription management and billing automation suited for mid-market and enterprise. The 2020 overhaul emphasized improved customization and compliance features.

Its rule-based workflows allow complex billing logic without coding. Chargebee supports tax compliance around the globe, including VAT and GST, reducing administrative burden.

Integrations with CRM, accounting software, and payment gateways extend its utility. It supports multiple pricing models: tiered, volume, and flat-rate, appealing to SaaS, content providers, and physical goods businesses.

3. Recurly (Enhanced Features 2021)

Recurly specializes in subscription revenue optimization. The 2021 update incorporated AI-driven churn prevention and dynamic retry logic, improving revenue recovery from failed payments.

User experience is a priority with a simple dashboard and customizable customer portals. It offers flexible payment options, including credit cards, ACH, and PayPal.

Recurly supports over 30 currencies and handles multinational tax scenarios automatically. Its analytics provide actionable data to reduce churn by targeting high-risk accounts early.

4. Zuora RevPro (New Cloud Launch 2019)

Zuora RevPro targets enterprise clients with complex recurring revenue recognition needs. Launched in cloud form in 2019, it simplifies compliance with revenue standards like ASC 606 and IFRS 15.

Its automation captures contract modifications, subscriptions renewals, and multi-element arrangements accurately. This reduces manual reconciliations and audit risks.

The platform integrates with ERP systems and Zuora’s subscription billing. It is ideal for larger firms where finance teams require precise and transparent revenue reporting.

5. PayPal Subscriptions (Refreshed 2020)

PayPal refreshed its subscription tools in 2020 to better compete with dedicated SaaS billing vendors. Its widespread brand recognition helps with consumer trust and faster user adoption.

It offers a simple setup, automated billing, and flexible subscription plans. PayPal supports card payments directly and can easily integrate into e-commerce platforms.

While less customizable than some rivals, PayPal’s global reach and fraud protections make it a safe choice for small to mid-sized businesses seeking an easy start.

6. Paddle (Launch Expansion 2019-2021)

Paddle focused on software sellers and digital products, expanding globally from 2019 through 2021. Its unified platform manages payments, subscriptions, taxes, and compliance in one package.

Developed with non-technical founders in mind, Paddle minimizes coding needs. It handles VAT, sales tax, and localized checkout automatically, a boon for international sellers.

The all-in-one pricing model includes payments and compliance fees. This transparency helps businesses forecast cost vs. revenue clearly without hidden charges.

7. Braintree (Subscription Features Since 2019)

Braintree enhanced its recurring payment features after its 2019 updates to cater better to startups and SMBs. Owned by PayPal, it offers a full-stack payment solution with subscription management.

Flexible API also facilitates upgrading, downgrading, and multiple subscription plans per customer. Braintree supports multiple payment types including cards, wallets, and local payment methods.

It offers robust fraud prevention and vaulting to securely store customer data. Ideal for businesses wanting an integrated payments and billing approach under one platform.

8. GoCardless (Recurring Bank Debits 2019+)

GoCardless grew rapidly after 2019 by focusing on recurring bank debit payments, a lower-cost alternative to card payments. This option suits businesses with strong B2B or subscription models reliant on direct debits.

The platform boasts simple setup, global reach across Europe, North America, and Australia, and instant payment notifications. Its integration ecosystem includes popular accounting and CRM platforms.

GoCardless helps reduce churn by improving payment success rates and minimizes transaction fees significantly, making it an attractive option for high-volume recurring payments.

Conclusion & How to Choose

The best recurring payment solution depends on your business size, industry, and technical resources. Consider future growth, geographic reach, and the complexity of your billing models.

Startups might prioritize ease of integration and flexible pricing (Stripe Billing, Paddle). Enterprises may need compliance-heavy tools like Zuora RevPro or Chargebee. For cost efficiency with bank payments, GoCardless stands out.

Make sure to test trial versions and assess customer support responsiveness. The right subscription platform can streamline revenue and build predictable growth for years ahead.

Sources

Stripe Billing - stripe.com/billing

Chargebee - chargebee.com/product/updates/

Recurly - recurly.com/features/

Zuora RevPro - zuora.com/products/revpro/

PayPal Subscriptions - developer.paypal.com/docs/subscriptions/

Paddle - paddle.com/features

Braintree - braintreepayments.com/features/recurring-billing

GoCardless - gocardless.com/features/