Guide to the best invoice software for New Zealand businesses

Key takeaways

• The best invoice software for businesses does more than generate a PDF – it collects payment in multiple currencies, supports local payment methods, and connects directly to your accounts so reconciliation doesn't become a second job.

• The best invoice software for global businesses operating from New Zealand include Airwallex, Stripe, Xero, QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Zoho Invoice.

• Modern fintech platforms like Airwallex go further than standalone invoicing tools by combining invoices, subscription management, and multi-currency settlement in one place.

Billing customers can be more complicated than it looks – especially if your business is operating across borders. You might be invoicing a client in euros, accepting payment via bank transfer from Asia, and trying to reconcile everything in your accounting software, all at once. There are a number of invoice software tools available for businesses in New Zealand, including options for businesses requiring multiple currencies.

Below, we will walk through what invoice software actually does, which tools work best for global billing, and what features to look for when you are choosing one.

How does invoice software work?

Invoice software is a tool that creates, sends, tracks, and collects payment on invoices. Think of it like a digital billing assistant – instead of emailing a PDF and chasing payments manually, the software handles the whole cycle from generating the invoice to confirming when it has been paid. 

Here is how invoice software differs from accounting software. Accounting software records what has already happened – income, expenses, reports. Invoice software manages the process as it is happening – it sends the bill, reminds the client, and collects the money. Most businesses use both, connected via an integration so payment data flows automatically into their books.

Here is what global invoice software typically does:

• Creates and sends invoices in multiple currencies: Bills clients in their local currency rather than forcing them to convert

• Accepts payment via local methods: Supports cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets depending on where your client is based

• Automates payment reminders: Sends follow-ups when invoices are overdue without you having to chase manually

• Handles recurring billing: Generates repeat invoices automatically for subscription or retainer clients

• Syncs with accounting tools: Pushes payment data to Xero, QuickBooks, or similar so your books stay current

The best invoice software for New Zealand businesses

Different tools suit different billing models. A freelancer sending 10 invoices a month has different needs from a SaaS business billing thousands of subscribers across 20 countries. We picked the tools below specifically for their ability to handle complicated invoicing, including cross-border billing.

Airwallex

Airwallex Invoices sits within a broader Billing suite that also includes Subscription Management and Usage-Based Billing. It is not a standalone invoicing tool – it is part of a full financial platform, so invoicing, collections, foreign exchange (FX), and payouts all connect in one place.

You can send invoices in 130+ currencies and collect payment via 160+ local payment methods, with funds settling directly into an Airwallex multi-currency wallet. From there, you can pay out to suppliers, convert currencies at interbank rates, or move funds to your bank account.

• Currencies and payment methods: 130+ currencies, 160+ local payment methods including cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets

• Settlement: Funds land in your multi-currency wallet, connected to Global Accounts and FX & Transfers

• Billing models: Invoices and Subscription Management available now; Usage-Based Billing coming soon

• Integrations: Syncs with Xero and QuickBooks for automatic reconciliation

Pros:

• All-in-one platform – invoicing connects to Corporate Cards, Expense Management, and global payouts

• No need to convert funds manually before paying out

• Interbank FX rates reduce conversion costs

Cons:

• Better suited to businesses that want a full financial platform, not just a lightweight invoicing tool

Stripe Invoicing

Stripe Invoicing is a developer-friendly option with wide global coverage. It supports 135+ currencies and a wide range of payment methods, making it a solid choice for businesses already using Stripe's payments infrastructure.

The pricing model is per-invoice rather than a flat monthly fee – Stripe charges 0.4% per invoice paid. That is manageable at low volumes but adds up quickly as your billing scales.

• Pricing: 0.4% per invoice paid

• Currencies: 135+

• Recurring billing: Yes

• Integrations: Real-time sync with Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, and other accounting and ERP systems

Pros:

• Extensive global payment method coverage

• Flexible API for building custom billing workflows

Cons:

• Per-invoice pricing can become expensive at high volumes

Xero

Xero is an accounting platform with invoicing built in, and the two are tightly connected. When a client pays an invoice, it reconciles automatically against your bank feed, so you are not doing the bookkeeping by hand.

Keep in mind multi-currency invoicing is only available on higher-tier plans. If you are billing internationally, check which plan you would need before committing.

• Pricing: From NZ$35/month (Ignite plan)

• Multi-currency: Available on higher plans only (from Grow and above)

• Recurring billing: Yes

• Integrations: 1,000+ third-party apps, native accounting

Pros:

• Invoicing and accounting are natively connected

• Large integration ecosystem

Cons:

• Multi-currency only on higher-tier plans

• Less flexible for complex billing models like usage-based pricing

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a widely used accounting platform with invoicing built in. Invoices sync automatically with your accounting records, so there is no manual data entry between your billing and your books.

It is a good fit if you need expense tracking and reporting alongside billing – though if you are only after invoicing, it can feel like more than you need.

• Pricing: From US$21/month

• Multi-currency: Available on higher tier plans (from the Essentials plan and higher)

• Recurring billing: Yes

• Integrations: Native accounting, mobile app

Pros:

• Invoicing and accounting in one platform

• Mobile app for invoicing on the go

Cons:

• Can feel complex for businesses that only need invoicing

• Multi-currency support varies by plan

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is built for service businesses that bill by time or project. Its time-tracking feature feeds directly into invoices – you log hours, FreshBooks calculates the amount automatically, and you do not have to enter anything by hand.

Plans start from US$23, with higher tier plans available. Keep in mind lower-tier plans cap the number of active clients you can bill – so if you are growing fast, it is worth checking which plan actually fits your volume.

• Pricing: From US$23/month

• Multi-currency: Yes 

• Recurring billing: Yes

• Integrations: Third-party accounting tools

Pros:

• Time tracking feeds directly into invoices

• Clean, easy-to-use interface

Cons:

• Client caps on lower-tier plans limit scalability

Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is permanently free, which makes it one of the few invoicing tools with no monthly cost. It includes customisable templates, automated payment reminders, a client portal, and time tracking.

The catch is that Zoho Invoice does not process payments itself — you will need to connect a third-party payment gateway (such as Stripe or PayPal), and transaction fees apply separately.

• Pricing: NZ$0

• Multi-currency: Yes

• Recurring billing: Yes

• Integrations: QuickBooks, Zoho Expense

Pros:

• Permanently free for small businesses with no subscription fees

• Client portal lets customers view and pay invoices online

Cons:

• Requires a third-party payment gateway to collect payments

• Less suited to businesses with complex multi-currency or multi-entity needs

What should you look for in invoice software for global billing?

The right tool depends on how you bill, where your customers are, and how payment data flows into your accounts. If you are billing internationally, these are the features that matter most.

Multi-currency invoicing and local settlement

Invoicing in your client's local currency can make a real difference to how quickly they pay. Clients are more likely to approve and pay an invoice they recognise – one that shows euros, not a converted amount in Australian dollars.

But, there is an important distinction – some tools display a different currency on the invoice but still settle everything in one currency, which means a conversion happens somewhere in the chain. Platforms that support like-for-like settlement into a multi-currency wallet – such as Airwallex – can help avoid double conversion and keep more of your revenue intact.

Local payment methods and payment links

Not every client pays by credit card. In Europe, bank transfers are common. In parts of Asia, digital wallets are the default. If your invoice only offers one payment method, some clients will delay – not because they do not want to pay, but because the method does not suit them.

Invoice software with built-in Payment Links lets clients pay in a few clicks directly from the invoice, choosing their preferred method. Airwallex supports 160+ local payment methods, which means clients in different regions can pay the way they are used to. Tools that support local payment methods can make this easier for clients in different regions, which can mean fewer delays.

Recurring billing and usage-based pricing

If you bill clients on a regular schedule – monthly retainers, annual subscriptions, or variable amounts based on usage – you need software that automates that process. Manually creating the same invoice every month is time you do not need to spend.

Not all invoice tools handle usage-based billing, where the amount charged depends on how much a client actually used (common in SaaS and professional services). Airwallex's Billing suite covers Invoices and Subscription Management in one platform, with Usage-Based Billing coming soon – so you will not need separate tools as your pricing model evolves.

Accounting integrations and reconciliation

Invoice software that does not connect to your accounting tool creates a reconciliation problem – someone has to manually match payments to invoices, which takes time and introduces errors. Most tools integrate with Xero and QuickBooks; fewer connect to NetSuite or more complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The key thing to check is whether payment data flows automatically into your accounts, not just as a CSV export you have to import manually. Airwallex syncs with both Xero and QuickBooks so transactions update in real time.

Tax support and eInvoicing

Tax rules vary by country – value-added tax (VAT) in Europe, goods and services tax (GST) in Australia and New Zealand, withholding tax in parts of Asia. Good invoice software applies the correct tax rate automatically based on the client's location, so you are not calculating it by hand.

eInvoicing – electronic invoicing where structured data is sent directly between accounting systems rather than as a PDF by email – is now a requirement in more and more markets across Europe and Australia. Think of it like the difference between posting a letter and sending a direct message — the data arrives in a format the recipient's system can read immediately, without manual entry. If you are billing in markets where eInvoicing is required, check whether your software supports it.

Transparent FX and total cost

The monthly subscription price is only part of what you will pay. Businesses billing globally also pay FX conversion fees when funds arrive in a different currency, payment processing fees on each transaction, and sometimes per-invoice charges on top.

To get a true picture of cost, calculate what you would pay based on your actual billing volume and currency mix – not just the headline plan price. Platforms like Airwallex use interbank FX rates, which means you are converting at the mid-market rate rather than a marked-up rate, so more of each payment stays in your account.

Why global businesses choose Airwallex

If you have been billing internationally for a while, you have probably felt the friction – funds arriving in the wrong currency, payment methods your clients do not use, and reconciliation that takes longer than it should. Airwallex is built to take on all of that – as a full financial platform, not just an invoicing tool.

Here is what that looks like in practice:

• Multi-currency invoicing: Send invoices in 130+ currencies and collect payment via 160+ local payment methods, with funds settling directly into your multi-currency wallet.

• Flexible billing models: Invoices, Subscription Management, and Usage-Based Billing are available within the same platform – no need for separate tools as your billing complexity grows.

• Real-time FX at interbank rates: Convert and hold funds at a wide range of currencies without the markup that is often built into standard conversion rates, so more revenue stays in your account.

• Accounting integrations: Sync with Xero and QuickBooks so payment data flows into your books automatically.

• One platform, not a patchwork: Invoicing connects to Global Accounts, Corporate Cards, Expense Management, and Bill Pay – so your entire financial operation runs from one place.

If that sounds like the setup you have been looking for, you can get started with Airwallex for free.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zoho Invoice really free with no hidden fees?

Zoho Invoice itself is permanently free with no invoice or user limits, but you will pay transaction fees separately through whichever third-party payment gateway you connect to collect payments – such as Stripe or PayPal.

What is the difference between invoice software and accounting software?

Invoice software manages the billing process in real time – creating, sending, and collecting payment on invoices. Accounting software records what has already happened, tracking income and expenses for reporting and tax purposes.

Can invoice software send invoices in multiple currencies without converting funds?

Some tools display a different currency on the invoice but still settle in one currency, which triggers a conversion in the background. Platforms like Airwallex settle natively in 130+ currencies, so funds land in your multi-currency wallet without an automatic conversion.

Do you need separate invoice software if you already use Xero or QuickBooks?

Both platforms include basic invoicing, but a dedicated billing platform can give you more control over payment collection, automated reminders, and recurring billing – especially if you have high invoice volumes, multiple currencies, or complex pricing models.

How do overseas clients pay an invoice without a bank transfer?

Most invoice software includes a payment link embedded in the invoice – clients click it and choose their preferred method, whether that is a card, bank transfer, or digital wallet. Tools that support local payment methods can make this easier for clients in different regions, which can mean fewer delays.

Sources

1. https://www.xero.com/nz/pricing-plans/

2. https://stripe.com/nz/invoicing/pricing

3. https://marketplace.stripe.com/ 

4. https://quickbooks.intuit.com/global/pricing/#

5. https://quickbooks.intuit.com/global/app-store/ 

6. https://www.xero.com/nz/pricing-plans/ignite/

7. https://apps.xero.com/nz/industry/accounting

8. https://www.freshbooks.com/pricing

9. https://appstore.freshbooks.com/ 

10. https://www.zoho.com/au/invoice/pricing/?src=invoice-newheader

11. https://www.zoho.com/au/invoice/integrations/?src=invoice-newheader#finance-and-accounting

The information in this article is based on our own online research. Airwallex was not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed annually. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. Airwallex (New Zealand) Limited is registered with the New Zealand Financial Service Provider Register (FSP No. 1001602) to provide a range of financial services in New Zealand.