Flowglad
Open-source payment processor for real-time billing & monetization
What is Flowglad? Complete Overview
Flowglad is an open-source payment processor designed to simplify monetization for developers and businesses. It provides a real-time system for tracking customer entitlements and usage, making it easier to implement complex billing workflows. The platform is particularly valuable for SaaS companies, startups, and developers who need to implement metered billing, subscriptions, and other monetization models without building the infrastructure from scratch. Flowglad offers a developer-first approach with React hooks and backend functions, eliminating the need for brittle webhook syncs. It's backed by Y Combinator and has received praise from industry professionals for its clean implementation and time-saving capabilities.
Flowglad Interface & Screenshots
Flowglad Official screenshot of the tool interface
What Can Flowglad Do? Key Features
Full Stack SDK
Flowglad provides React hooks and backend functions that let developers build on their own terms rather than being constrained by a REST API. This allows for greater flexibility and customization in implementing billing solutions.
1 Source, 0 Webhooks
The platform enables direct fetching of live billing data from Flowglad without relying on webhook syncs, which can be unreliable and complex to maintain.
Styled Embedded UIs
Flowglad offers embeddable components that seamlessly integrate with your application's existing styling, maintaining brand consistency while providing payment functionality.
Metered Billing
Support for usage-based pricing models where customers are charged based on actual consumption, with real-time tracking and reporting.
Flexible Pricing Models
Supports various pricing models including subscriptions, one-time payments, proration, price plans, and overage charges, giving businesses complete control over their monetization strategy.
Best Flowglad Use Cases & Applications
SaaS Subscription Management
A SaaS company uses Flowglad to manage recurring subscriptions with different tiers, prorated upgrades/downgrades, and annual/monthly billing options.
Usage-Based API Monetization
An API provider implements metered billing through Flowglad to charge customers based on actual API call volume with real-time usage tracking.
Freemium Model Implementation
A startup quickly implements a freemium model with automatic upgrades from free to paid plans when usage thresholds are exceeded.
How to Use Flowglad: Step-by-Step Guide
Install the Flowglad SDK in your application using the provided package manager commands.
Configure your billing models and pricing plans through the Flowglad interface or API.
Implement the checkout components in your application using the provided React hooks and embedded UI components.
Track usage and entitlements in real-time through the Flowglad dashboard or API.
Process payments and manage customer billing cycles automatically through the integrated system.
Flowglad Pros and Cons: Honest Review
Pros
Considerations
Is Flowglad Worth It? FAQ & Reviews
Flowglad processes payments through integrated payment methods including cards and bank transfers, with support for hosted and embedded checkout experiences.
Flowglad supports subscriptions, metered billing, invoicing, proration, price versioning, and various other billing scenarios.
No, Flowglad is not a merchant of record but provides the infrastructure to implement sophisticated billing solutions.
Yes, Flowglad offers $1,000 in free transaction volume per month before billing fees apply.
Flowglad supports global implementations, though specific payment method availability may vary by region.