Software your AI can run.
Evaluating QuickBooks?
A different question.
You came here comparing QuickBooks. Fair. But most businesses on this page have the same underlying problem: they need to get paid, and they want an AI to handle the boring parts. Holdings built the category for that — agentic invoicing, MCP-native, no monthly fee.
QuickBooks vs Holdings
QuickBooks is the incumbent small-business accounting tool. Holdings is agentic invoicing + accounting — you direct an AI, and it drafts invoices, follow-ups, and journal entries. You approve every send. Books stay current on their own.
Side by side
QuickBooks Online and Holdings solve different problems. Here's the honest version.
| What you're comparing | Holdings | QuickBooks Online |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Claude, ChatGPT, or Cursor (MCP) | Web app forms and menus |
| Draft-by-default AI sends | Yes — you approve every AI action | AI features limited to auto-categorization |
| Invoicing | Native, agent-drafted, QR codes + payment links | Native invoicing |
| Payment collection | 3% + $0.30 per payment (Stripe Connect) | 2.9% + $0.25 (QuickBooks Payments) |
| Double-entry accounting | Included ($25/mo Software) | Included (Simple Start $30/mo and up) |
| Payroll | Not included | Add-on ($45+/mo) |
| Inventory | Not included | Plus ($90/mo) and up |
| Bank sync | Native via Plaid | Native via Plaid |
| Monthly cost | No monthly fee (payments-only) or $25/mo full accounting | $30-$200/mo |
| 48 free financial tools | Included | Not included |
Why teams pick Holdings
Direct your AI, not a form
With QuickBooks you fill out an invoice screen. With Holdings you tell Claude "invoice Acme for last week's engagement, thirty-day net, follow up on day thirty-one" and approve the send. Same outcome, one message.
The books stay current on their own
Every invoice, payment, and follow-up posts to double-entry accounting the moment it happens. No monthly close crunch. No bank-feed reconciliation weeks. Books are always tax-ready.
One product, half the price
QuickBooks Simple Start is $30/mo for accounting alone; QuickBooks Plus is $90/mo. Holdings is $25/mo for accounting + invoicing + payments in one, or free if you only need invoicing.
MCP-native — your AI can drive the whole stack
Holdings exposes an MCP server. Any AI agent that speaks Claude/ChatGPT/Cursor's protocol can direct invoicing, look up balances, and generate reports. QuickBooks has AI features; it isn't an agent-native product.
Get the Accounting Switch Guide
Moving off QuickBooks? This guide covers data migration, what integrations you'll need (hint: fewer than you think), and how Holdings replaces your entire stack.
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When QuickBooks Online might be the better choice
If you need native payroll (QuickBooks + Intuit Payroll), advanced inventory (QuickBooks Plus/Advanced), or your accountant refuses to use anything else, QuickBooks is still the best answer for those specific needs.
Common questions
Can Holdings really replace QuickBooks?
For core accounting — categorization, P&L, balance sheet, general ledger — yes. Plus you get agentic invoicing that QuickBooks doesn't have. If you need native payroll or inventory management, you'll want QuickBooks for those specific features.
How much would I actually save?
QuickBooks Simple Start is $30/mo ($360/yr); QuickBooks Plus is $90/mo ($1,080/yr). Holdings Software is $25/mo for full accounting + native invoicing + AI direction. Or free if you only need the invoicing.
What does "agentic invoicing" actually mean?
You use Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or any MCP-compatible agent to direct the work. "Invoice Acme for last week's engagement, thirty-day net, follow up on day thirty-one" — Holdings drafts the invoice, generates the payment link, schedules the follow-up. You approve every send.
Can my accountant use Holdings?
Yes. Invite your CPA or bookkeeper with the Bookkeeper role — full access to accounting, reports, and transaction history. Export to QuickBooks format if they prefer.
Do I have to switch banks?
No — you can keep your current bank. Holdings includes a free business checking account (1.75% APY, FDIC to $3M) if you want to consolidate, but it's optional. Connect any existing bank via Plaid for reconciliation.
Let your AI do the invoicing.
No monthly fee. 3% + $0.30 per payment collected. Full accounting from $25/mo.
No credit card · No monthly fee · Works with Claude, ChatGPT & Cursor