Billing Models
This page explains the two billing models available in Atlas and helps you decide which to use for each client relationship.
Two Billing Models
Atlas supports two billing models that determine who pays for a client's Fiskl subscription. You choose the model when you add each client, and you can mix both models within the same branch.
- Charge Us — Your firm pays the client's subscription. You create and own the account.
- Client Pays — The client pays their own subscription. The client owns the account.
Quick Comparison
| Charge Us | Client Pays | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays the subscription | Your firm | The client |
| Who owns the account | Your firm | The client |
| Who can disconnect | Only you | Either party |
| Billing method | Monthly invoice per branch | Client pays Fiskl directly |
| Billing verification required | Yes | No |
| Ownership transfer available | Yes — to the client | Not applicable |
| Best for | Managed services, full-service clients | Advisory, bookkeeping, independent clients |
Choosing a Billing Model
The right model depends on the level of control you want and the nature of the client relationship.
Choose Charge Us when you want full control of the account and the client relies on you for all accounting work. The client cannot disconnect the relationship, and you manage all billing. This works well for bundled service packages and clients who prefer a hands-off approach.
Choose Client Pays when the client wants to own their account and manage their own subscription. This suits advisory relationships, bookkeeping arrangements, and clients with in-house teams. Either party can disconnect at any time.
You are not locked into one model across your practice. Some clients may suit Charge Us while others prefer Client Pays. You can run both within the same branch.
You cannot change a client's billing model after the account is connected. If you need to switch models, see Switching Billing Models.
How Billing Works
Charge Us Billing
Fiskl generates one invoice per branch each month covering all Charge Us clients on that branch. Adding or upgrading clients prorates automatically based on the billing cycle. Your branch must have a verified payment method through Stripe in the branch billing currency.
Client Pays Billing
Clients on the Client Pays model pay Fiskl directly. You have no payment responsibility for these accounts. The client manages their own subscription, plan level, and payment method from within their Fiskl account.
Related Topics
- Charge Us Model — Detailed guide to firm-paid billing
- Client Pays Model — Detailed guide to client-paid billing
- Switching Billing Models — How to change a client's billing model
- Adding Clients — Add clients using either billing model
- Configuring Branches — Set up branches and billing currencies