Software your AI can run.
Evaluating Xero?
A different question.
You came here comparing Xero. 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.
Xero vs Holdings
Xero is a beloved cloud accounting product, especially outside the US. Holdings is agentic invoicing + accounting — you direct an AI to draft invoices and follow-ups, the books stay current, and everything lives in one product.
Side by side
Xero and Holdings solve different problems. Here's the honest version.
| What you're comparing | Holdings | Xero |
|---|---|---|
| Primary interface | Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor (MCP) | Web app forms |
| Draft-by-default AI sends | Yes — you approve every AI send | Limited AI features |
| Invoicing | Native, agent-drafted | Native invoicing |
| Payment collection | 3% + $0.30 (Stripe Connect) | Via Stripe/GoCardless integrations |
| Double-entry accounting | Included ($25/mo) | Included (Early $15/mo and up) |
| Monthly cost | No monthly fee (payments-only) or $25/mo full accounting | $15-$78/mo |
| US market presence | US-first | AU/NZ/UK-first |
| Payroll | Not included | Add-on / regional |
Why teams pick Holdings
Direct your AI, not a form
Xero is a beautiful accounting product; you still fill out its screens. Holdings inverts that — you tell an AI what you want and approve the send.
One product, one price
Xero splits invoicing, expense claims, projects, and payroll into add-ons and tiers. Holdings puts invoicing, payments, and accounting in one product for $25/mo (or free).
The books stay current on their own
Every invoice, payment, and follow-up posts to double-entry accounting the moment it happens. No manual reconcile, no month-end close.
MCP-native
Any AI agent that speaks Claude/ChatGPT/Cursor's protocol can direct invoicing and reporting. Xero has AI features; it isn't an agent-native product.
Get the Accounting Switch Guide
Considering alternatives to Xero? This guide covers what to migrate, how Holdings replaces your add-ons, and how to keep your books clean during the switch.
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When Xero might be the better choice
If you're primarily outside the US (AU/NZ/UK), or if your accountant refuses to use anything else, Xero is a legitimately great product for those markets.
Common questions
Can I use Holdings if I'm outside the US?
Payment collection via Stripe Connect works in most of Stripe's supported countries. Full accounting features are US-first — chart of accounts, tax categorizations — so US and US-adjacent operators are the best fit today.
How does Holdings compare on price?
Xero starts at $15/mo (Early) and goes to $78/mo (Ultimate). Holdings is $25/mo for full accounting + native invoicing + AI direction, or free if you just need invoicing.
What is agentic invoicing?
You use Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or any MCP-compatible agent to direct the invoicing work. The agent drafts; you approve every send.
Can my accountant use Holdings?
Yes — invite your CPA or bookkeeper with the Bookkeeper role. Export supported for standard accounting file formats.
Is Holdings a bank?
Yes — free business checking with 1.75% APY (FDIC to $3M via program-bank partners), plus invoicing and (optionally) full accounting on top. You don't have to switch banks to use Holdings, though — connect any existing bank via Plaid if you'd rather keep both.
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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