Detailed Guide: 6 Best Payment collection platforms for Law Firms [2025 Guide]

For most law firms, getting paid still involves chasing invoices, handling card terminals, or waiting days for bank transfers to clear. These outdated methods often result in unnecessary admin, missed follow-ups, compliance risk, and slower cash flow.

The good news? There’s a better way to collect payments.

Today, many law firms are switching to payment collection platforms powered by Open Banking. These tools allow clients to authorise payments directly from their bank account — instantly, securely, and without relying on cards or manual processing. Whether you’re billing for fixed-fee services or requesting disbursements, these platforms simplify how funds are collected and recorded.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best payment collection platforms for law firms in the UK — tools that not only speed up cash flow but also support compliance, reconciliation, and a smoother experience for clients and staff alike. If you’re looking to reduce friction in your billing process, stay compliant, and get paid faster, this list is a solid place to start.

What Law Firms Should Look for in a Payment Collection Platform

When it comes to choosing a payment collection platform for law firms, the goal isn’t just convenience — it’s about staying compliant, reducing overhead, and making the payment experience as smooth as possible for both your firm and your clients. Legal billing has its own set of rules, especially when it comes to managing client money and trust accounts.

Here are the key factors law firms should prioritise when evaluating a platform:

✅ 1. Compliance With Trust Account Rules

The platform should handle client funds in a way that aligns with SRA, AML, and trust account requirements. That includes clear audit trails, support for office/client account separation, and safeguards to ensure no misallocation of funds.

✅ 2. Real-Time, Card-Free Payments via Open Banking

Modern payment collection platforms should let clients send money directly from their bank, without needing to input card details or wait for manual transfers to clear. Real-time account-to-account (A2A) payments reduce fees, speed up reconciliation, and eliminate chargebacks.

✅ 3. Integration With Legal Software

The ideal platform should connect with your firm’s billing or case management software. This means faster matching of payments to matters, fewer errors, and less time spent on admin. Look for platforms that offer APIs or direct integrations with tools you already use.

✅ 4. Simple, Branded Client Experience

Whether you’re collecting retainers, deposits, or invoices, the process should feel secure and easy for your clients. Branded payment links, QR code options, and customisable portals can help make that possible, while reinforcing your firm’s professionalism.

✅ 5. Transparent, Scalable Pricing

Look for a platform that grows with your firm. Many payment collection platforms for law firms offer flexible pricing based on transaction volume, with no setup fees or long-term contracts. Avoid systems that charge high flat fees unless you’re processing very high volumes consistently.

1. Finexer

Finexer is a UK-based payment collection platform for law firms that enables instant account-to-account transfers through Open Banking. Designed specifically for regulated use cases like legal billing and client fund management, it helps law firms simplify how they collect payments, without relying on cards, manual reconciliation, or outdated infrastructure.

Firms can use Finexer to send branded payment links, automate real-time tracking, and verify clients as part of the same payment flow. Whether you’re collecting retainers, disbursements, or final balances, it offers both speed and compliance in a single interface.

Best For

• Law firms looking to reduce reliance on card processing or manual transfers
• Firms that manage client funds and need trust account compatibility
• Practices that want to combine payment collection with onboarding checks

Key Features

• Account-to-account (A2A) payments via secure Open Banking flows
• Built-in verification for KYC, AML, and source of funds
• Real-time payment tracking and downloadable audit trails
• White-label payment pages with custom branding
• Configurable workflows for office and client accounts

Pros

• FCA-authorised and built with compliance at its core
• Flexible usage-based pricing with no setup or testing fees
• Combines client verification and payment in a single flow
• Ideal for firms handling regulated transactions like conveyancing or probate

Cons

• Does not support card payments (bank-based only)
• Requires client authentication through their banking app

Integrations

• API access for billing or case management tools
• Webhook support for real-time reconciliation
• Simple link-based or embeddable payment workflows

Pricing

Finexer offers scalable, usage-based pricing, making it accessible for smaller firms and growing practices. There’s no charge for testing, and law firms only pay for what they use, making it one of the most affordable options among UK-focused payment collection platforms for law firms.

Why It Works for Law Firms

Finexer brings together compliance, speed, and flexibility in one dashboard. With support for trust account routing, real-time client consent, and built-in KYC checks, it removes friction from getting paid, without compromising on control or cost. It’s a practical fit for law firms that want to modernise payment collection while staying audit-ready.

2. Legal Pay

Legl Pay is a dedicated payment collection platform for law firms, built to streamline how legal practices send, receive, and reconcile payments. Clients can pay through secure, branded links — via debit card, credit card, or Open Banking — with payments tracked in real time. It’s particularly popular among UK law firms seeking SRA-aligned solutions for compliance and billing.

Legl also offers value beyond payments by bundling tools for AML checks, onboarding, and digital client journeys under the same umbrella — ideal for firms that want to reduce administrative effort and modernise client engagement.

Best For

• Firms wanting branded, secure payment flows without heavy dev work
• Legal teams looking to simplify trust account and office account separation
• Practices that want to connect payments to onboarding, AML, and client data

Key Features

• Bank and card payments via secure branded payment pages
• Instant payment tracking and reconciliation dashboard
• Optional integration with Legl’s AML, KYC, and ID verification tools
• SRA-compliant trust account fund routing
• Link-based requests and automated payment reminders

Pros

• Clean, mobile-friendly interface for both firms and clients
• Strong compliance and risk controls baked into the platform
• Supports full Open Banking and card-based workflows
• Scalable solution with additional legaltech modules

Cons

• Pricing is quote-based and not public (firms need to contact Legl for access)
• More feature-rich than needed for firms only looking to collect payments

Integrations

• Compatible with Clio, LEAP, and other UK legal practice tools
• Works alongside Legl’s wider suite: onboarding, eID checks, AML screening

Pricing

Legl offers fixed monthly plans that vary depending on features used (payments only, onboarding, risk screening, etc.). Pricing is typically suited to mid-sized firms and above. Custom quotes are available upon request.

Why It Works for Law Firms

Legl Pay is ideal for firms that want to offer a modern, frictionless client payment experience while also reducing the time spent on compliance, onboarding, and reconciliation. As part of Legl’s broader legaltech stack, it gives firms the option to scale into more tools while starting with just payment collection.

3. Pay it by NatWest

Payit by NatWest is a bank-backed payment collection platform for law firms, using Open Banking to offer secure, instant payments without relying on cards. It’s designed for businesses that want to accept client-authorised payments directly from their bank accounts, making it ideal for law firms handling retainers, disbursements, or settlement fees.

Because it’s built by a major UK bank and FCA-regulated, Payit offers a layer of credibility that appeals to risk-conscious legal professionals.

Best For

• UK law firms seeking bank-backed Open Banking payment solutions
• Practices needing real-time settlement for high-value legal transactions
• Firms prioritising client trust and payment transparency

Key Features

• Account-to-account (A2A) payments via Open Banking
• Payments settle in seconds — with full tracking
• No app or account needed for clients
• Branded payment requests via link, email, or QR
• Designed with PSD2 and FCA compliance in mind

Pros

• Backed and maintained by NatWest
• Reduces card fees and manual errors
• High client trust and ease of use
• Real-time payment confirmation and reconciliation

Cons

• Card payments are not supported (bank transfers only)
• Requires firm to apply for API access (not a plug-and-play tool)

Integrations

• API access for embedding into billing systems or client portals
• Web-based dashboard for payment requests and monitoring

Pricing

As of April 2025, Payit does not list fixed public pricing. Fees are quote-based depending on volume, integration method, and business type. NatWest requires a business account for onboarding and custom API access.

Why It Works for Law Firms

Payit offers an FCA-regulated, Open Banking-powered solution designed to simplify how law firms collect payments. With its trusted brand backing and a strong focus on security and speed, it’s a smart option for firms that want to modernise how they handle client billing — particularly for high-value or time-sensitive transactions.

4. Modulr

Modulr is a UK-based payment collection platform built for regulated businesses — including law firms — that need speed, control, and compliance when moving money. With powerful APIs and FCA-authorised infrastructure, Modulr enables law firms to collect client payments directly into designated accounts while automating payment flows, reconciliations, and ledger reporting.

It’s particularly valuable for firms dealing with high volumes of disbursements, trust account separation, or needing embedded payments within legal tech or onboarding tools.

Best For

• Mid-to-large law firms handling regulated transactions
• Firms needing custom workflows, trust account routing, and API access
• Legaltech providers or practices looking to embed payments into portals

Key Features

• Real-time account-to-account (A2A) payments
• Separate account creation for trust, client, or disbursement funds
• Webhook and API-driven reconciliation
• SRA-aligned account handling
• Strong user access controls and real-time ledger visibility

Pros

• Fully FCA-regulated and trusted by major UK financial platforms
• Open Banking-ready infrastructure
• Ideal for firms needing deeper control over payments
• High uptime and transaction reliability

Cons

• Developer/API setup may require initial technical resources
• Best suited to firms with regular or high-value payment flows

Integrations

• Connects via API to practice management systems, portals, and CRMs
• Used by platforms like Sage, Revolut, and Liberis

Pricing

As of April 2025, Modulr’s pricing is based on custom quotes depending on volume, regulatory use case, and services used (accounts, payments, VRP, etc.). There are no fixed monthly fees for basic A2A collection.

Why It Works for Law Firms

Modulr stands out for firms that need real-time payments with legal-grade compliance. Whether you’re routing trust funds, collecting invoices, or building a portal where clients can pay directly, Modulr gives you the speed of fintech with the governance law firms require.

5. Clio Payments

Clio Payments is a built-in payment collection platform for law firms using the Clio Manage practice management software. It’s designed to let law firms send invoices, accept payments, and reconcile transactions — all from within the same dashboard where they manage client matters, time tracking, and billing.

It’s a natural fit for firms already using Clio, offering one-click payment links, trust account support, and full compliance with SRA billing guidelines.

Best For

• Firms already using Clio Manage for case and billing management
• Legal practices needing trust and office account segregation
• Teams looking to automate billing, reminders, and reconciliation

Key Features

• Built-in within Clio Manage — no separate tool needed
• One-click payment links added to invoices
• Trust and operating account support
• Real-time payment status and automated reminders
• Option to enable recurring payments for ongoing matters

Pros

• No external tools required if using Clio Manage
• Reduces double entry and billing admin
• PCI-compliant and built for legal workflows
• Clean client-facing interface for easier collection

Cons

• Only available with a Clio Manage subscription
• Not ideal if you’re not using Clio for case management

Integrations

• Fully embedded into Clio Manage
• Compatible with Clio Grow for client intake-to-payment journeys

Pricing

As of April 2025:

• Clio Payments is free to use with Clio Manage, with no monthly fee
• Processing fees:
  • Credit cards: 2.95% + 20p per transaction
  • American Express: 3.5% + 20p
  • Bank transfers (via Pay by Bank): 1% flat fee

Why It Works for Law Firms

Clio Payments is ideal for law firms already using Clio’s software — allowing billing, payment, and client communication to run from one place. It offers trust accounting support, flexible billing setups, and simple client experiences. For practices looking to reduce back-and-forth between systems, it’s an all-in-one solution that makes getting paid feel effortless.

6. TrustPay

TrustPay is a specialised payment collection platform for law firms focused on providing compliant, client-authorised payments directly into office or trust accounts. Built with the legal profession in mind, it supports full visibility over transactions, trust account segregation, and integration with common practice management systems.

It’s a suitable choice for firms that require flexible billing options but want a high level of financial control and audit readiness.

Best For

• Mid-sized and large law firms needing advanced reporting
• Practices that manage high volumes of client payments and disbursements
• Firms looking for SRA-compliant workflows and trust account support

Key Features

• Secure A2A bank transfers using Open Banking
• Built-in handling for trust vs operating account routing
• Payment requests via email, SMS, or embedded links
• Full audit logs and real-time payment status tracking
• Optional recurring and scheduled payments

Pros

• Fully aligned with legal compliance requirements
• Supports both one-off and ongoing client payments
• Multiple account routing with transparent reconciliation
• Reliable customer support and training provided

Cons

• Designed primarily for firms with higher transaction volumes
• Pricing is custom and may not suit smaller practices

Integrations

• Compatible with several legal PMS and billing systems
• Can be accessed via web portal or integrated API

Pricing

As of April 2025, TrustPay offers custom pricing based on the firm’s monthly transaction volume and required features. Pricing includes a per-transaction fee and optional monthly account fee depending on the plan.

Why It Works for Law Firms

TrustPay is designed for legal professionals who want total control over how client payments are received and managed. With trust account routing, strong compliance support, and Open Banking infrastructure, it gives firms confidence in both speed and accuracy. If you’re collecting disbursements, managing multi-party transactions, or scaling your billing systems, TrustPay is built to handle it.

How Finexer Helps Law Firms Collect Payments with Confidence

Finexer isn’t just another Open Banking provider; it’s a platform designed to meet the practical needs of UK law firms collecting payments every day. Whether you’re handling client deposits, matter-related disbursements, or post-service fees, Finexer gives your firm a way to get paid faster, stay compliant, and cut costs.

Here’s how it helps:

• ✅ Instant bank-to-bank payments via secure Open Banking flows (no card networks or manual transfers)
• ✅ Compliant with SRA guidelines for handling client funds, with clear audit trails and trust account routing
• ✅ Integrated KYC, AML, and source of funds checks, so you can verify clients while collecting payment
• ✅ Usage-based pricing with no charge during testing, making it affordable for growing firms and small teams
• ✅ Fully branded payment links, embeddable flows, and live transaction monitoring — right from your dashboard

By using Finexer, law firms reduce admin, cut out card fees, and make it easier for clients to pay without friction. It’s especially effective for firms handling conveyancing, probate, or regulated transactions where both compliance and cash flow matter.

If you’re looking for a modern payment collection platform for your law firm, Finexer gives you the infrastructure, flexibility, and pricing that make Open Banking work, without adding complexity.

Choosing the Right Payment Collection Platform for Your Law Firm

Choosing the right payment collection platform for your law firm isn’t just about faster transactions; it’s about freeing your team from manual admin, giving clients a better experience, and staying on the right side of compliance.

Whether you need built-in KYC like Thirdfort, a full legal suite like Clio Payments, or a low-cost & Secure Open Banking option like Finexer, your decision should reflect how your firm works, who you serve, and how you want to grow.

If you’re already using accounting or practice management software, integrations will matter. If you’re handling regulated funds, trust account routing is non-negotiable. And if you’re watching costs (especially as a smaller firm), flexibility and transparent pricing will save more than just money — it’ll save time.

No matter which platform you choose, modernising your legal billing process can lead to faster cash flow, fewer headaches, and more control over your firm’s operations. And with Open Banking now powering most A2A transactions in the UK, the shift from cards to direct bank payments isn’t just coming — it’s already here.