Best Embedded Payroll and Accounts-Payable Banking Solutions for Staffing and Payroll Providers in USA in 2025
Published: December 5, 2025 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Pay by Zeal scored highest due to Designed specifically for platforms seeking to embed payroll, with a focus on automation, compliance, and real-time data access for staffing and payroll businesses..
Content Verification
Evaluation Criteria:
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | #1 Pay (Zeal) | #2 HR + Payroll Software (Paycor) | #3 WurkNow Payroll (Meritus Capital) | #4 Global Payroll (KarbonPay) | #5 Z3N Payments (CARDZ3N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Designed specifically for platforms seeking to embed payroll, with a focus on automation, compliance, and real-time data access for staffing and payroll businesses. | Comprehensive compliance monitoring across all 50 states, robust API infrastructure for easy integration, and end-to-end payroll automation from time tracking to tax remittance. | Combines payroll with insurance and vendor management, tailored for staffing agencies needing integrated financial and operational solutions. | Focus on automating manual payroll processes, per active employee pricing, and automated compliance for both domestic and international payroll needs. | Extensive global payment support and AR management, making it ideal for staffing agencies with diverse payment and payroll needs. |
| Integration & APIs | REST APIs with API key + companyID authentication; endpoints for companies, employees, payroll checks, contractors, Instant Pay, paycards, and reports. (docs.zeal.com) Webhooks for onboarding, checks, payments, shifts, and Instant Pay wallet events. (docs.zeal.com) Prebuilt auth-link components (taxes, dashboards, paystubs) embeddable via iframe. (docs.zeal.com) Built-in integrations for timekeeping and benefits; developer docs and Postman available. (zeal.com) | Integration via Paycor Integration Platform: 320+ prebuilt connectors (Marketplace), Developer Services for custom builds, and Developer Tools/Developer Portal with 140+ APIs, templates, and connectors for data feeds/reporting. (paycor.com) Supports public APIs and event subscriptions/webhooks for change notifications. (prnewswire.com) | - Open API/OpenAPI with secured APIs for rapid integration to third‑party ATS, CRM, timekeeping, accounting, and payroll systems; API documentation available. (wurknow.com) - Accounting integrations include mapping/exporting invoice data; supports QuickBooks Online and SAP. (wurknow.com) | Integrates with HCM, ATS and accounting systems; current accounting support includes Xero with chart-of-accounts import/mapping and posting completed pay runs (via Journal or Bill), with changes syncing. (karbonpay.com) Additional integrations are listed as coming soon. (karbonpay.com) API access is available on request for custom integrations. (karbonpay.com) | SDKs (Android, iOS, Linux, Windows) and Direct APIs (.NET, Java, PHP, Perl, C++). eCommerce via Three-Step Redirect API, Direct Post API, and hosted payment page. 175+ shopping cart integrations, gateway emulator, tokenization; supports Apple Pay/Google Pay. (cardz3n.com) |
| Payments & Banking | Rails and methods: Next‑Day/Same‑Day ACH; instant push‑to‑card (Visa/Mastercard); branded paycards and digital wallet (Apple Pay/Google Wallet); direct deposit; downloadable/physical checks. 24/7/365 payouts, incl. weekends/holidays. Paycards issued by Bangor Savings Bank (Mastercard); pass‑through FDIC. Admin/API for Instant Pay and disbursements. (support.zeal.com) | Direct deposit (incl. same-day ACH); paper checks; OnDemand Pay/EWA via Paycor Wallet; Paycor Visa paycard with up to 2-day early direct deposit; electronic wage garnishment payments; payroll tax filing (federal/state); money transmission provided under Paychex entities’ licenses. (paycor.com) | Online bill payment and collections in one system; automates invoicing, pays bills, and tracks payment status across methods; integrates with accounting systems (QuickBooks, SAP). Via Rostyr with Meritus Capital, offers embedded business banking and funding services, enabling faster payroll funding. (wurknow.com) | Built-in payroll payments: schedule payments (immediate to a few days). Fund via a single local bank transfer; ACH pull available in some cases. Customizable approvals; payment confirmations and error reporting. Bank account validation via direct bank request to reduce errors. Supports employee disbursements locally and across borders. (karbonpay.com) | Accepts credit/debit (card-present, online, MOTO), ACH/e-checks, SEPA, BNPL and crypto; Level III B2B. (cardz3n.com) Multi-currency processing with local acquiring and domestic/international merchant accounts via banking partners across Europe, North America, LATAM, APAC and MEA. (cardz3n.com) Unified gateway offers virtual terminal, multi-MID reporting, and 175+ cart integrations. (cardz3n.com) |
| Compliance & Tax Filing | Built-in tax/compliance engine automates gross‑to‑net, withholdings, tax payments and filings across thousands of jurisdictions (multi‑state/local), plus unemployment, workers’ comp, overtime, and pay rules. Includes tax setup tracking, minimum‑wage alerts, KYC, and quarterly/annual reporting. Generates and provides end‑of‑year W‑2/1099 forms with API/dashboard document access. (zeal.com) | Automates payroll tax compliance: federal and state tax filing, W‑2/1099 processing, compliance dashboard with proactive alerts, and address‑based tax setup recommendations. (paycor.com) Supports ACA reporting (1094‑C/1095‑C). (paycor.com) Includes new‑hire filing. (paycor.com) | Automates tax calculations/deductions; supports multi-state tax jurisdictions. Built-in FLSA/state/local compliance templates, real-time exception flags, and audit-ready payroll reports/logs. Provides payroll-ready exports to major payroll systems for tax filing; no native e-filing stated. (wurknow.com) SOC 2 Type I for data security. (wurknow.com) | Automated, country‑specific compliance with changing local tax laws; built‑in rule engines produce compliant payroll and annual tax forms. (karbonpay.com) Managed services make required submissions to local authorities; in South Africa, EMP201/EMP501/UIF filings and SARS compliance are automated with timely submissions. (karbonpay.com) GDPR‑aware data controls support regulatory compliance. (karbonpay.com) | PCI DSS Level 1, PCI P2PE, PCI PIN Security v2.0, and ANSI TR‑39 compliant; supports 3‑D Secure payer authentication and tokenization (Customer Vault). (cardz3n.com) Three‑Step Redirect API reduces merchant PCI scope. (cardz3n.com) No stated tax filing/1099‑K features. |
ZealCompany Information
"The best way for staffing companies to onboard workers"
Description
Zeal makes it faster, easier, and better for staffing companies to inventory, onboard, pay, and bill. Our solutions reduce costs, improve worker retention, and unlock new revenue streams.
What They Do
Zeal provides best-in-class onboarding, payroll, and billing solutions tailored for staffing companies.
Who They Serve
Staffing companies and agencies across different sectors including healthcare, industrial, hospitality, and professional services.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Summary
Zeal Pay automates payroll, pay, taxes, and compliance for staffing and gig-work companies. It enables fast, flexible payments to workers, supports both W-2 and 1099 models, and offers a custom branded pay experience. The platform also generates new revenue streams for companies through paycards, digital wallets, and instant pay features.
Best For
Staffing agencies, Gig marketplaces, EOR (Employer of Record) and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) providers, Workforce management companies, Industries with temporary, on-demand, or mixed workforces (healthcare, industrial, hospitality, professional services, home services, creative, transportation)
Key Features
- Gross-to-net pay calculations for complex work arrangements
- Flexible pay frequency and schedule selection
- Multiple payment methods: paycards, digital wallet, instant pay (push-to-card), same-day ACH, direct deposit, downloadable and physical checks
- Earned wage access (workers can access pay immediately)
- Branded paycards and digital wallets with mobile wallet integration (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Custom branded iOS and Android apps for workers
- Automated tax compliance (withholdings, filings, unemployment, workers’ comp, overtime, multi-location pay rules)
- Native integrations for timekeeping and benefits
- API and pre-built components for fast implementation
- Dashboards and admin tools for payroll management
Key Benefits
- Automated payroll, payments, taxes, and compliance
- Faster payments to workers (including daily, weekends, holidays, 24/7/365)
- Supports both W-2 and 1099 workers in one platform
- Flexible pay frequencies and payment methods
- Custom branded pay experience via mobile apps and cards
- Transforms payroll from a cost center to a revenue driver
- Reduces payroll headcount and operational costs
- Improves worker retention and satisfaction
- Minimizes compliance risk with built-in tax and compliance engine
- Seamless integrations with timekeeping, benefits, and workforce systems
Who Is It For
- Staffing agencies
- Gig marketplaces
- EOR (Employer of Record) and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) providers
- Workforce management companies
- Industries with temporary, on-demand, or mixed workforces (healthcare, industrial, hospitality, professional services, home services, creative, transportation)
Geographic Availability
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Integration & APIs
Payments & Banking
Compliance & Tax Filing
HR + Payroll Software
PaycorCompany Information
Summary
Paycor’s HR + Payroll Software is an all-in-one solution that streamlines HR and payroll processes for organizations, eliminating the need for multiple systems and spreadsheets. The platform automates tasks, supports compliance, and provides data-driven insights to help leaders make strategic decisions.
Best For
Small businesses (1-49 employees), Medium businesses (50-1000 employees), Large organizations (1000+ employees), Leaders and frontline managers, HR teams, Payroll administrators, Industries including healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, nonprofits, restaurants, education, retail, technology, finance
Key Features
- Payroll processing with real-time compliance
- Unified HR platform with unlimited workflows
- Expense management (review, reimburse, report in one location)
- AI-powered analytics and workforce predictions
- Mobile punching and location verification for time & attendance
- Document management for compliance
- Automated onboarding and offboarding
- Employee self-service portal
- Customizable workflows and reporting
- Integration with benefits administration, talent acquisition, and workforce management modules
Key Benefits
- Automates routine HR and payroll tasks
- Reduces compliance risks with built-in protection across all 50 states
- Delivers actionable, AI-powered workforce insights
- Unifies HR, payroll, analytics, and expense management in one platform
- Mobile-friendly and accessible from any location
- Improves employee experience with self-service tools
- Scales with company growth
- Integrates with hundreds of third-party apps and systems
Who Is It For
- Small businesses (1-49 employees)
- Medium businesses (50-1000 employees)
- Large organizations (1000+ employees)
- Leaders and frontline managers
- HR teams
- Payroll administrators
- Industries including healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, nonprofits, restaurants, education, retail, technology, finance
Geographic Availability
How It Works
Automates payroll calculations and tax compliance
Centralizes employee data and HR documents
Provides dashboards and analytics for workforce insights
Enables employees to access pay stubs, update information, and request time off via mobile or web
Integrates with other Paycor modules and third-party apps for a seamless HCM experience
HCM Software Built for Leaders
Transform your people management with the HCM solution that drives growth and helps ensure compliance.
Turn HR Chaos into Strategic Success
Stop juggling multiple systems and spreadsheets. Paycor’s HCM software gives you a unified platform that automates routine tasks, delivers personalized experiences, and offers actionable insights. With built-in compliance protection across all 50 states, you’ll save time while staying ahead of ever-changing regulations.
- Automate routine tasks
- Personalized experiences
- Actionable insights
- Built-in compliance protection
HR and Payroll
Simplify payroll processing and HR management with our award-winning mobile-friendly solutions.
- Flexible payroll with real-time compliance
- Unified HR platform with unlimited workflows
- Expense management
- AI-powered analytics
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Integration & APIs
Payments & Banking
Compliance & Tax Filing
Meritus CapitalCompany Information
"AI Powered Workforce Management solutions for Staffing"
Description
WurkNow streamlines sourcing, hiring, timekeeping, billing, and labor law compliance with ONE seamless digital platform.
What They Do
WurkNow provides AI-powered workforce management solutions that streamline staffing processes including sourcing, hiring, timekeeping, payroll, and billing.
Who They Serve
WurkNow primarily serves staffing agencies and related industries.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Navigation Links
Summary
WurkNow Payroll & Billing Software brings all invoices together in one place, allowing users to view cash flow more clearly and save time through automation. The platform is designed to expedite invoicing, minimize errors, and ensure accurate payment processing for staffing firms and other businesses managing multiple clients.
Best For
Staffing industry, Light industrial, Healthcare staffing, Commercial facilities, 3PL & warehousing, Businesses managing multiple clients, job sites, or custom billing requirements
Key Features
- Automate invoice creation
- Customize invoice templates (unlimited)
- Multi-client management
- Integration with accounting systems (QuickBooks, SAP, and more)
- Flexible grouping (by division, project, department, or shift)
- Set approval levels with dollar thresholds
- Interactive dashboard with real-time data visualizations
- Open API for integration with internal or third-party applications
Key Benefits
- Centralized invoice management
- Faster, more accurate payment processing
- Reduced manual errors
- Improved cash flow visibility
- Customizable to client-specific needs
- Supports multi-client operations
Who Is It For
- Staffing industry
- Light industrial
- Healthcare staffing
- Commercial facilities
- 3PL & warehousing
- Businesses managing multiple clients, job sites, or custom billing requirements
Geographic Availability
How It Works
Automate invoice creation workflow
Customize templates and billing intervals per client
Manage multiple clients' billing centrally
Integrate with accounting and third-party systems
Set approval levels for invoices
Use dashboards for real-time insights
Simplify payments: automate invoices, pay bills, and get paid — all in one system.
Bring all your invoices together in one centralized place and view your cash flow more clearly with our Pay & Bill Cloud Software. Save time with automation to achieve faster, more accurate payment processing.
Billing Software for Staffing
Streamline the employment process with our modern, intuitive digital experience powered by data.
Key Features
- Automate Invoice Creation
- Customize Templates
- Multi-Client Management
Other Features
- Integrate with Accounting Systems
- Flexible Grouping
- Set Approval Levels
- Interactive Dashboard
- Open API
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Integration & APIs
Payments & Banking
Compliance & Tax Filing
KarbonPayCompany Information
"Premium Global Payroll Software"
Description
KarbonPay provides a unified multicountry payroll solution that automates payroll processes while ensuring compliance with global regulations.
What They Do
KarbonPay offers a comprehensive payroll software solution that automates payroll processes and integrates with HCM systems.
Who They Serve
Organizations with a global workforce that require efficient payroll management across multiple countries.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Summary
KarbonPay Global Payroll is a cloud-based platform designed to manage payroll across multiple countries from a single system. It automates country-specific payroll calculations, centralizes payroll data, and streamlines payroll operations for organizations with a global workforce.
Best For
Organizations with employees in multiple countries., Payroll teams seeking to consolidate and automate global payroll operations., Companies aiming to reduce reliance on specialized payroll domain experts., Businesses looking to provide self-service payroll features to employees.
Key Features
- Automated, country-specific payroll calculations via rule engines.
- Centralized global payroll dashboard for consolidated data and reporting.
- Visibility into outstanding pay runs, critical payroll movements, and accounting integration submissions.
- Intuitive, streamlined workflow for payroll processing and reporting.
- Employee self-service portal for updating personal information, accessing payslips and tax forms, requesting time off, and submitting support tickets.
- Reduces reruns and ensures correct payment disbursement.
Key Benefits
- Mitigates risk and automates compliance for global payroll operations.
- Optimizes operational costs by consolidating payroll processes.
- Provides instant, compliant, country-specific payroll calculations.
- Centralizes payroll data for a single source of truth.
- Eliminates the need for multiple payroll system logins.
- Reduces dependency on specialized domain experts with an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
- Empowers employees with self-service capabilities, reducing administrative burden.
Who Is It For
- Organizations with employees in multiple countries.
- Payroll teams seeking to consolidate and automate global payroll operations.
- Companies aiming to reduce reliance on specialized payroll domain experts.
- Businesses looking to provide self-service payroll features to employees.
How It Works
Country-specific rule engines automate payroll calculations for compliance and accuracy.
All payroll data is centralized, providing a single source of truth and eliminating the need for multiple system logins.
Intuitive workflows allow users to process payroll and generate reports without specialized expertise.
Employees access a self-service portal for personal data management, payslips, tax forms, time-off requests, and support.
Payroll that transcends borders
Consolidating multicountry payroll using latest technologies, KarbonPay provides you with a global payroll strategy to mitigate risk, automate compliance, and optimize operational costs.
Automated Calculations
Our country-specific rule engines give you instant and compliant calculations, meaning you can finalize payroll closer to pay day. Better accuracy, fewer reruns, and correct payment disbursement.
See Payroll at the Global Level
You don't need 21 logins for 21 different payroll systems anymore. Payroll data in one place means a single source of truth to view your global payroll data. See which pay runs are outstanding, critical payroll movements, accounting integration submissions and much more.
No More Domain Experts
Complex payroll systems require specialized domain expertise. When a member of your payroll team leaves it can be difficult to fill the void. Our platform is designed to be intuitive for all users. From processing payroll to pulling reports, KarbonPay provides a streamlined, user-friendly workflow.
Employee Self-Service
Employees can update their personal information, access and download payslips and annual tax forms, request time off and submit support tickets. Reducing the administrative dependency on your payroll team while streamlining support queries is the key to a more effective payroll operational cycle.
- Update personal information
- Access/download payslips
- Access/download annual tax forms
- Request time off
- Submit support tickets
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Integration & APIs
Payments & Banking
Compliance & Tax Filing
CARDZ3NCompany Information
"Technology with a Human Touch"
Description
CARDZ3N is a merchant service payment processor and payment gateway service provider offering a global, and simple payment platform. We cater to both online and physical stores, including high risk industries.
What They Do
Merchant service payment processing and payment gateway solutions.
Who They Serve
Online and physical stores, including high-risk industries.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Navigation Links
Summary
Z3N Payments is a merchant services solution that allows businesses to accept credit card payments in various environments, including online, over the phone, and in-person. It offers true unified processing, devices, and reporting for seamless payment acceptance.
Best For
Small businesses, B2B (Business to Business), B2G (Business to Government), Retailers (in-store payments), Mobile businesses (mPOS), E-commerce businesses, Enterprises (omni integrated solutions), High risk merchants, International merchants, EU merchants, Businesses needing ACH/electronic check payments, Aerospace industry (AerospacePay)
Key Features
- Merchant account setup
- Support for card-present (POS, terminal, mobile) and card-not-present (online, MOTO) transactions
- Wireless mobile point of sale (mPOS)
- Retail and in-store payment solutions
- E-commerce/online payment processing
- Integrated payments via SDKs and APIs
- Enterprise-level omni integrated solutions
- ACH/electronic check processing
- Specialized solutions for high risk, international, and EU merchants
- AerospacePay industry solution
Key Benefits
- Accept credit card payments in multiple scenarios (in-person, online, phone, mail order)
- Unified processing, devices, and reporting
- Support for both card-present and card-not-present transactions
- Diverse payment options for various business models
- Predictable and easy payment services for small businesses
- Unparalleled rates for high risk payments
- Cross-border and international payment support
Who Is It For
- Small businesses
- B2B (Business to Business)
- B2G (Business to Government)
- Retailers (in-store payments)
- Mobile businesses (mPOS)
- E-commerce businesses
- Enterprises (omni integrated solutions)
- High risk merchants
- International merchants
- EU merchants
- Businesses needing ACH/electronic check payments
- Aerospace industry (AerospacePay)
Geographic Availability
Merchant Services
Credit Card Processing Accept Credit Cards with True Unified Processing, Devices, and Reports
How to Accept Credit Cards for Your Business
Start with a Merchant Account A merchant account is your passport to accept card payments for your business, whether online, over the phone or in a face-to-face situation. The purpose of a merchant account is to enable you to accept credit card payments. There are two basic types of merchant accounts to choose from: card-present, where both the cardholder and payment card are physically present at the point-of-sale (POS), and card-not-present, or CNP. Card-present transactions are the norm in traditional retail environments and mobile situations where the cardholder swipes, dips or taps their card or device at the terminal and the card reader collects the data. CNP transactions occur when the card is not physically present, as is the case with online and mail order/telephone order (MOTO) sales where cardholder information is entered manually into the system. Diversified businesses that deal in both card present and CNP transactions will require support and pricing for both types of service.
Payment Options
A Payment Ecosystem
- Small Businesses: Easy, predictable payment services.
- B2B & B2G Payments: Business to Business & Business to Government
- Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS): Wireless Processing
- In-Store Payments: Retail, Terminal or POS
- Online Payments: E-Commerce
- Integrated Payments: SDKs and APIs
- Enterprise Payments: Omni Integrated Solutions
- High Risk Payments: Unparalleled Rates
- International Payments: Cross Boarder Payments & Merchants
- ACH Payments: Electronic Checks
- AerospacePay
- EU Merchants
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Integration & APIs
Payments & Banking
Compliance & Tax Filing
Our Ranking Methodology
How we rank these offerings
We ranked these embedded payroll and accounts-payable banking solutions for staffing and payroll providers in USA based on three key factors: Integration & APIs (40% weight), Payments & Banking Features (35% weight), and Compliance & Tax Filing (25% weight). Pay scored highest because it offers comprehensive API integration, a variety of payment methods including instant pay options, and robust tax compliance features tailored for staffing needs.
Ranking Criteria Weights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the typical costs and pricing models for embedded payroll and accounts-payable solutions in the USA?
- The pricing models for embedded payroll and accounts-payable solutions, such as those offered by Zeal Pay and WurkNow Payroll, typically include subscription-based fees, based on the number of employees or transactions processed. Zeal Pay, for instance, generates revenue through paycards and digital wallets, which can include transaction fees or per-user pricing. Many providers offer tiered plans, allowing businesses to scale services as they grow, while others might charge extra for additional features like instant pay or advanced analytics. Overall, costs will vary depending on the level of customization and integration required by the organization.
- What are the key selection criteria when choosing a payroll and accounts-payable solution?
- Key selection criteria include integration capabilities, automation features, compliance support, and ease of use. Paycor's HR + Payroll Software excels in integration capabilities by offering an all-in-one solution that reduces the need for multiple systems. Zeal Pay offers flexibility with support for both W-2 and 1099 payment models, which is crucial for staffing and gig-work companies. Compliance and regulatory support, such as the ability to manage various tax obligations, is also essential as evidenced by KarbonPay's country-specific payroll calculations for global operations.
- What industry standards and compliance factors should be considered with payroll solutions?
- Compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations is paramount. Solutions like KarbonPay provide automation of country-specific payroll calculations to ensure compliance with international standards, which is critical for companies with a global workforce. Zeal Pay and Paycor emphasize compliance by automating tax filings and labor law adherence to minimize legal risks. Adopting a solution that maintains up-to-date compliance with evolving regulations can significantly reduce the risk of audits or penalties.
- What are the common implementation challenges with payroll systems, and how can they be addressed?
- Challenges include data migration, system integration, and user training. Platforms like WurkNow Payroll address these by providing seamless invoice and cash flow integration, reducing the complexity of transitioning from previous systems. Moreover, Zeal Pay's customizable branded pay experiences can ease the user adoption process. To overcome these challenges, it's essential to work closely with the provider during deployment and leverage their support resources for training and troubleshooting.
- How do embedded payroll solutions deliver ROI and value?
- Embedded payroll solutions deliver ROI by reducing manual labor, minimizing errors, and ensuring timely payments, all of which contribute to improved employee satisfaction and operational efficiency. Paycor's data-driven insights help leaders make strategic decisions that can lead to cost savings and enhanced productivity. Furthermore, Zeal Pay's instant pay features and digital wallets offer new revenue streams and increase financial flexibility for workers, enhancing company value. The overall automation also allows staff to focus on more strategic tasks, generating long-term value.
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