Overview
EmLedger and FiChecks are both financial tools, but they solve very different problems. EmLedger is a modern multi-entity accounting platform designed to replace QuickBooks for operators who manage multiple LLCs, subsidiaries, or clients. Its core strength is real double-entry bookkeeping with automatic consolidation across entities – all from a single login, with no per-entity fees. FiChecks, on the other hand, is a payment execution platform that focuses on creating, printing, mailing, and sending checks, eChecks, ACH transfers, and card payments. It helps businesses digitise their payables and receivables without relying on paper or multiple vendors. This comparison will help you decide which tool fits your workflow, or whether you might need both.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | EmLedger | FiChecks |
|---|---|---|
| Core Functionality | Multi-entity accounting with real double-entry across unlimited entities | Check creation, printing, mailing, eChecks, ACH, digital wallet, merchant account |
| Target Audience | Bookkeepers, CPAs, real estate investors, multi-entity business owners | SMBs, bookkeepers, individuals needing to send/receive payments |
| Entity / Account Management | Native multi-entity: separate chart of accounts, customers, vendors, bank feeds per entity; one login | Multi-business and multi-user management with role-based permissions; multiple bank accounts |
| Consolidation & Reporting | Consolidated P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow; inter-company eliminations; 36 reports | Payment activity tracking; no financial consolidation or accounting reports |
| Payment Methods | Bank connections, Stripe – accounting entries only | Physical checks, printable checks, email checks, eChecks, ACH, card transfers, digital wallet, merchant account |
| Mobile Access | Web-based only; no mobile app | Full mobile app for check creation, ACH, and monitoring |
| Customization / Branding | Per-entity charts, settings, permissions | Custom check designs with logo; white-label API for branded payment portals |
| Integrations & API | Stripe, bank feeds; no public API mentioned | White-label API, bank connectors, merchant account API |
| Security & Compliance | Bank-grade security; entity-level permissions | PCI-DSS, AML, KYC compliant; encryption; tamper-proof packaging |
| Typical Use Case | Managing books for multiple LLCs, subsidiaries, or clients | Sending one-off or recurring payments; accounts payable automation |
Pricing
EmLedger uses a tiered pricing model based on the number of entities you manage. During early access, they offer 40% off forever:
- Solo (1–3 entities): $29.40/month (regular $49/month)
- Growth (4–15 entities): $77.40/month (regular $129/month)
- Enterprise (16+ entities): From $179.40/month (regular $299/month) All features and unlimited users are included on every tier. There are no per-entity fees, which contrasts sharply with competitors like QuickBooks ($115/entity/month).
FiChecks does not publicly display detailed pricing. Based on typical models for check mailing services, expect a monthly subscription (e.g., $29–$99/month) plus per-check fees (e.g., $0.75–$1.50 for mailing, $0.50–$1.00 for eChecks). Volume discounts may apply. The lack of transparent pricing is a drawback for budget planning.
Pros and Cons
EmLedger Pros
- Real double-entry accounting across unlimited entities from a single login.
- No per-entity fees – huge savings for multi-entity operators (up to 93% vs QuickBooks at 10 entities).
- All 140+ features and 36 reports included on every tier – no feature gating.
- Automatic inter-company eliminations and consolidated statements.
- Unlimited users on all plans, making it ideal for teams.
EmLedger Cons
- Still in early access; not yet feature-complete or widely audited.
- No mobile app – only desktop web interface.
- No native check printing, eChecks, or ACH payment execution; focused solely on accounting records.
FiChecks Pros
- All-in-one payment platform: create, print, mail, email checks, plus eChecks, ACH, and card payments.
- Full mobile app enables payment management from anywhere.
- Custom check designs and white-label API for branded payment experiences.
- Bank-level security with PCI-DSS, AML, and KYC compliance.
- Multi-business and multi-user management with granular permission controls.
FiChecks Cons
- No accounting or bookkeeping features – purely a payment execution tool.
- Pricing not transparent; per-check fees can add up for high volumes.
- Not designed for multi-entity financial consolidation or reporting.
- Limited to US-based checking system; international capabilities unclear.
Verdict
EmLedger and FiChecks serve different but complementary roles in a business’s financial stack. Choose EmLedger if your primary challenge is managing multiple sets of books with real consolidation, and you want to avoid per-entity subscription costs. It’s built for bookkeepers, CPAs, real estate investors, and multi-entity operators who need accounting first. Choose FiChecks if your pain point is executing payments – especially checks and electronic transfers – with a strong mobile app and branding options. For a complete finance workflow, many businesses could benefit from using EmLedger to keep the books and FiChecks to send the payments, with ACH integration bridging the two.