PaidFast vs QuickBooks for Kenyan businesses
QuickBooks, from Intuit, is a full accounting package. PaidFast is a focused tool for sending invoices and getting paid by M-Pesa and WhatsApp. Here is how they differ.
Last reviewed October 2026
At a glance
| PaidFast | QuickBooks | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Invoicing and payment collection | A full accounting package from Intuit |
| Best for | Small businesses that want to send invoices fast and get paid | Businesses that want bookkeeping, reporting and an accountant-friendly ledger |
| Full accounting (ledger, bank feeds, VAT returns) | No. PaidFast is not an accounting package | Yes |
| Pay link on the invoice (M-Pesa, Airtel Money, card) | Yes, on Starter, through your own Pesapal account | Check the payment options QuickBooks offers for Kenya |
| Sending invoices on WhatsApp | Yes. Free plan includes trial messages; Starter is unlimited | Check with Intuit |
| Getting started | Minutes: add your business, add a customer, send | More setup: chart of accounts, bank connections and more |
| Price | Free plan; Starter is KES 499 per month | Subscription plans. See Intuit's pricing for your country |
This comparison uses information from each vendor's public website as of October 2026. Features, availability and prices change, so check the vendor's site before you decide. Product names are trademarks of their owners; PaidFast is not affiliated with them.
Choose PaidFast if
- You need to send invoices quickly and chase payment without learning bookkeeping software.
- Your customers pay by M-Pesa or Airtel Money and read WhatsApp more than email.
- You want a free plan to start.
Choose QuickBooks if
- You need full bookkeeping and financial reporting.
- Your accountant works in QuickBooks.
- You need features beyond invoicing, such as expense tracking and bank reconciliation.
Frequently asked questions
Is PaidFast an alternative to QuickBooks?
For invoicing and collecting payments, yes. For full accounting, no. PaidFast is not a bookkeeping package.
Which is better for M-Pesa payments?
PaidFast puts an M-Pesa, Airtel Money and card pay link on invoices through Pesapal on the Starter plan. Check which payment options QuickBooks offers in Kenya.
Create your first invoice free
Set up in minutes. No card needed on the Free plan.