Software your AI can run.
Evaluating Wave?
A different question.
You came here comparing Wave. 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.
Wave vs Holdings
Wave is free-tier accounting and invoicing beloved by freelancers. Holdings is agentic invoicing + accounting — you direct an AI, it drafts and chases, the books stay current. Same starting price ($0), different product.
Side by side
Wave and Holdings solve different problems. Here's the honest version.
| What you're comparing | Holdings | Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor (MCP) | Web app forms |
| Draft-by-default AI sends | Yes | None |
| Invoicing | Native, agent-drafted | Native invoicing |
| Payment collection | 3% + $0.30 | 2.9% + $0.60 (card), 1% ACH |
| Double-entry accounting | Included ($25/mo Software) | Included on free tier |
| Monthly cost | Free (payments-only) or $25/mo | Free / Wave Pro $16/mo |
| Payroll | Not included | Add-on ($20-$40/mo) |
| Support | Human support included | Chat/email; live only on paid |
Why teams pick Holdings
Agentic, not just cheap
Wave's pitch is 'free.' Holdings' pitch is 'your AI does the invoicing work.' Both are free at the entry point; the value goes different directions.
The books stay current on their own
Every invoice and payment posts to double-entry accounting as it happens. Wave requires you to keep up with categorization; Holdings' AI helps.
Direct your AI, not a form
You tell Claude what you want done. Wave still asks you to click through screens.
MCP-native
Holdings exposes an MCP server; any AI agent can direct invoicing and reporting. Wave doesn't.
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When Wave might be the better choice
Solo freelancers who send a handful of invoices a month and don't want to think about AI at all: Wave's free tier is completely fine.
Common questions
Is Wave really free?
Wave's accounting and invoicing are free; you pay processing on payments. Wave Pro is $16/mo. Holdings' payments-only tier is also free — the difference is AI direction and native accounting integration.
Do I lose anything switching from Wave?
You'll want to export your accounting history from Wave before switching. Holdings supports standard imports.
What is agentic invoicing?
You direct Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or any MCP agent to draft invoices, quotes, and follow-ups. You approve every send.
Do I have to switch banks?
No — you can keep your existing bank. Holdings includes free business checking (1.75% APY) if you want to consolidate, but it's optional.
Which is better for a solo freelancer?
If you're a solo who mostly just needs to send simple invoices and doesn't care about AI direction, Wave's free tier is perfectly fine. If you want the AI to draft, chase, and reconcile, Holdings.
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
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Calculate Your Savings
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