If you’re still using GoCardless to collect client payments, you’re not alone. It’s long been a popular choice for Direct Debit. Simple, effective, and integrated with many platforms.
But in 2025, simplicity alone isn’t enough.
Firms using Engager are increasingly looking for a payment solution that does more. One that chases payments, accepts multiple methods, and actually fits around the way modern accounting and bookkeeping firms operate.
That’s why so many are making the move from GoCardless to Adfin, and using Engager’s native Adfin integration to unlock a seamless practice management and payment workflow.
Let’s explore why.
The Challenge with Traditional Payment Tools Like GoCardless
GoCardless has done a great job making Direct Debit more accessible. It works well for recurring payments and can be linked to your accounting software.
But for growing firms, it has limitations:
❌ Only supports bank payments (no cards, Apple Pay, etc.)
❌ Manual chasing or bolt-on tools required
❌ Complex reconciliation due to net settlement
❌ Extra fees for customisation or visibility on bank statements
❌ No connection to your practice management workflows
When you’re managing hundreds of clients, proposals, and deadlines inside Engager, you need your payment platform to connect with the rest of your systems.
Why Firms Are Choosing Adfin (and Engager Together)
Adfin isn’t just a GoCardless alternative. It’s a completely reimagined way for accountants and bookkeepers to get paid, and it’s been built with direct input from the industry.
And when combined with Engager, it becomes even more powerful.
Here’s why firms are making the switch:
| Feature | GoCardless | Adfin (with Engager) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment methods | Direct Debit only | Direct Debit, card, Pay by Bank, Apple & Google Pay |
| Chasing | Manual or via third-party | Automated chasing via email, SMS, WhatsApp |
| Client experience | DD mandate form | Branded checkout with multiple payment options |
| Reconciliation | Net settlement | Gross settlement for easier reconciliation |
| Engager integration | None | Native integration with proposals & billing |
| Customisation | Paid add-ons | Included as standard |
| Support | Email only | UK-based multi-channel support |
A Fully Integrated Payments Workflow (from Proposal to Payment)
Engager + Adfin is a natural pairing.
💡 Send a proposal with direct debit setup process embedded
💡 Engager tracks it all from proposal status to payment collection
💡 Invoices sync to Xero or QuickBooks
💡 Payments reconcile automatically
No more chasing. No more missed payments. No more hopping between apps.
Why the Integration Matters
GoCardless works fine, but it’s just one tool. To make it work with your practice management, you often need to:
-
Build Zapier automations
-
Manually link to invoices
-
Use third-party email tools for chasing
-
Cross-reference your CRM or onboarding documents
With Engager and Adfin, those barriers are gone.
You’ll be able to set up:
✅ Payment collection at proposal stage
✅ Real-time tracking of invoices, reminders and receipts
✅ Full visibility from within your Engager dashboard
✅ Automated reconciliation with your cloud accounting software
It’s the difference between managing tasks and managing a business.
What Firms That Made the Switch Are Saying
“People think GoCardless and Adfin are interchangeable, but they’re not. The integrations are completely different. Adfin is built for accountants – you can tell it’s been designed with us in mind. There’s just so much more flexibility and depth to the integration with Xero. It’s a different level of tool altogether.”
Knights Lowe
“It’s super simple and easy to use – great for non-techy people like me! My existing clients have signed new mandates with no issues and new clients have been easy to set up.”
Jan McDermott Chartered AccountantsHas Adfin helped you with anything in particular? Yes! Lower debts, faster payments, and fewer awkward “Did you see my invoice?” chats. It’s made getting paid so much easier.
KH Accounts“The support is really good. It’s timely, provides a lot of information, and gives you options.”
Moore to Bookkeeping
The Bottom Line
GoCardless is fine if you just want to collect money.
But if you want a modern, branded, flexible, and fully connected payment experience, especially one that fits neatly inside your practice management system, Adfin is the smarter choice.
And when paired with Engager, it doesn’t just collect payments, it transforms the entire proposal-to-payment experience.
If you’re ready to upgrade your payments and give your clients a better experience, the answer isn’t to patch together more tools.
It’s to connect them.
Get Started
✅ Already using Engager? Book your Adfin demo or find out more here.
✅ Not an Engager user yet? Start your 28-day free trial or book a demo today.
