Legal Payment Processing Solutions Review

You often pay a different rate, as high as 3.5% with an additional 20 cents, depending on how you collect the payment.

Rewards and speciality cards will cost you extra—with an additional 20 cents per transaction.

Pay one low rate of 2.95% for all standard cards and 3.5% for American Express—with no additional hidden fees and no per-transaction fees.

Some providers pass them directly onto you, others will blend them into your rate. Be sure to check their fee policy to avoid any unexpected charges.

Additional network fees are typically applied to most transactions and add to the total cost of accepting card payments.

Clio doesn't pass on card network fees when you run a card. Always know what you're paying with one simple, flat rate per transaction and no hidden fees.

While you won’t be charged a subscription fee, you may be charged monthly for inactivity on your account.

It’s common for providers to charge up to $25 per month in addition to your transaction fees.

The ability to accept online payments is included in all Clio Manage subscriptions.

It can take several days for your client's bank account to be verified and then up to 7 days before you receive the funds.

Not all legal payment processors will have this feature and those that do will have different rates or a lower transaction size.

Accept eChecks at a simple, transparent rate per transaction. Your client's bank account is verified instantly so they can make a secure payment right away.

New payment plans need to be set up for clients from scratch every single time.

Often there’s no payment plan feature and you need to rely on manual workarounds.

Create flexible installment plans that can be paid on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule.

A generic payment processor is not compliant with trust accounting rules.

A legal specific payment provider will ensure you’re compliant with trust accounting rules.

Clio handles all trust-related transactions in compliance with IOLTA rules. With earned and unearned funds kept separate, funds in your trust account are protected from all third-party debiting, including processing fees and chargebacks.

Generic payment processors don’t typically integrate into your practice management system, resulting in more manual data entry work.

While there are integrations between standalone legal payment processors and practice management software, your payments and client information are in two different places. You have two different numbers to phone for support and two separate bills at the end of the month.

Clio allows law firms to manage clients, matters, billing, and payments from one place.

Generic payment processors offer limited support during regular business hours.

Support hours can fluctuate. You may be required to call their support team ahead of time to check if they’re available.

Clio’s award-winning team offers unlimited support at no additional cost. Our North American-based support team is available 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday via phone, email, or live chat.