How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge Per Transaction? A Cost Breakdown for Small Businesses
Understanding Bookkeeping Costs Per Transaction
If you’re managing a growing business, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does a bookkeeper charge per transaction? The answer depends on multiple factors, including the type of transaction, business complexity, and the billing structure of your provider.
Download Our Free Brochure →Average Per Transaction Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for various transaction types:
| Transaction Type | Average Cost Per Transaction |
|---|---|
| Bank or Credit Entry | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Payroll Processing | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Journal Entry | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Check Entry | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Tax Preparation Entry | $0.50 – $1.00 |
Keep in mind, these rates apply to bookkeepers who offer itemized billing, and may vary based on the volume or complexity of your books.
Per-Transaction vs. Monthly Flat Rate
Instead of per-transaction pricing, many bookkeepers now offer a monthly flat fee that covers:
- Bank reconciliation
- Monthly financial reports
- Dedicated bookkeeper support
- Email or phone consultation
- Tax-ready records
Monthly rates can range from $500 to $2,500+, depending on the size of your business and volume of transactions. At RemoteBooksOnline, we offer flat-rate bookkeeping starting at $150/month, with no per-transaction billing or hourly rates.
Test Case: Small Business Scenario
Business Type: Independent Marketing Consultant
Monthly Transactions: ~120
Previous Setup: Billed per transaction by local bookkeeper
Total Monthly Cost: $300–$400
Switched To: RemoteBooksOnline $150/month flat rate
Result:
- Savings of $150+ monthly
- Books reconciled on time
- No surprise invoices or add-on fees
- Tax preparer received clean, organized reports
Which Option Is Right for You?
Per-Transaction Billing Might Work If:
- You have very low monthly volume
- You only need occasional bookkeeping help
Flat-Rate Billing Works Best If:
Download Our Free Brochure →- You want predictable monthly expenses
- You need ongoing support and reconciliations
- You’re tired of surprise bills and hourly fees
FAQs
How are transactions counted?
Each check, deposit, journal entry, invoice, or payment processed is considered a transaction.
Is it cheaper to pay per transaction?
Only if you have minimal volume. Otherwise, a flat monthly rate is more cost-effective and easier to manage.
What if my volume changes month to month?
With RemoteBooksOnline, you get consistent pricing and support, even during seasonal spikes.
Is catch-up bookkeeping included?
Catch-up services are offered at a flat rate based on your backlog-not billed per transaction.
Final Takeaway
Bookkeeping per transaction can seem cheaper upfront—but it often adds up quickly. For most small businesses, flat-rate bookkeeping like RemoteBooksOnline’s $150/month plan offers better value, predictability, and support.
