Ways to Collect Payment for Lawn Care Jobs

Getting paid is the lifeblood of your lawn care business—but figuring out the best way to collect payments isn’t always straightforward. From cash and checks to mobile apps and card readers, today’s business owners have more options than ever. The right payment methods can help you get paid faster, offer a smoother experience for your customers, and keep your finances organized when tax time rolls around. 

In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the most common ways to collect payments for lawn care jobs, weighing the pros and cons of each. If you’re looking to simplify your process, boost your professionalism, or just make life easier for your clients, the right tools—and the right banking partner—can help you get there. 

6 Lawn Care Payment Options to Consider for Your Business 

When it comes to collecting payments, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some methods work better for regular clients, while others are ideal for one-time jobs or on-the-go service. The key is finding the right mix that works for your business and makes things easy for your customers.  

1. Cash 

Cash is as simple as it gets—and for some lawn care professionals, especially those just starting out or doing smaller one-off jobs, it can seem like the easiest way to get paid. 

Pros:  

• Immediate payment: There are no processing delays or waiting for funds to clear. 
• No fees: You keep every dollar you earn. 
• Straightforward for small jobs: It can be useful if your clients are neighbors or you’re offering quick services.

 Cons:  

• Difficult to track: Without proper logging, cash can throw off your records and complicate tax time. 
• Less professional: For clients expecting a receipt or regular service, cash may feel informal. 
• Security risk: Carrying or storing large amounts of cash puts you at risk of loss or theft. 
   

If you do accept cash, deposit it into your business account as soon as possible. Keeping your earnings tracked through a dedicated business account helps with budgeting, taxes, and applying for business credit down the road. 

2. Checks 

While not as common as they once were, checks are still a go-to for some clients—especially those who prefer traditional payment methods or aren’t comfortable with digital tools. 

Pros: 

• No processing fees: You receive the full amount of the payment without any deductions. 
• Paper trail: Each check provides a documented transaction, which is helpful for bookkeeping and tax records. 

Cons: 

• Risk of bounced checks: If there aren’t enough funds in the client’s account, you may have to follow up and request a new payment. 
• Slower process: Depositing the check and waiting for it to clear can delay access to your funds. 
• Inconvenience: Without mobile deposit, you may have to visit a branch to deposit checks, which takes extra time. 
   

With remote deposit capture through Amplify, you can skip the trip to the branch. Just snap a photo, submit the deposit, and keep your business running without interruption. 

3. Debit and Credit Cards 

Card payments are also what most customers expect—81% of shoppers prefer to pay with cards over cash, making it a smart choice if you want to meet your clients where they are. 

To accept card payments, you’ll typically use a mobile card reader or payment app (like Clover, Square, or QuickBooks Payments). These tools let you process payments on the spot using your phone or tablet—no physical store required. Once a transaction is approved, the money is deposited into your business account, usually within a couple of business days. 

Pros: 

• Convenient for clients: Most people carry cards, and paying by credit or debit is quick and familiar. 
• Faster payments: Funds are typically deposited into your account within one to two business days. 
• Professional appearance: Offering card payments can help establish trust and credibility with new customers. 

Cons: 

• Processing fees: You’ll pay a small percentage of each transaction—usually between 2.5% and 3%. 
• Setup required: You may need to purchase or rent a card reader and set up a payment account. 
• Connection needed: Processing card payments often requires internet or mobile data access, which can be tricky in remote areas. 

When you have a dedicated business checking account, linking your payment processor is easy—and it helps keep your personal and business finances separate for cleaner record-keeping. 

4. ACH Payments 

Bank transfers—also known as ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments—let your clients pay you directly from their bank account to yours. This method works especially well for clients you serve on a regular basis, like weekly mowing or monthly maintenance customers. 

You can set up ACH payments manually or use invoicing or accounting software that includes ACH as a payment option. Funds typically take a couple of business days to clear. 

Pros: 

• Lower fees: ACH payments generally have lower transaction fees than credit card payments, and sometimes no fees at all. 
• Reliable and secure: Direct transfers between banks are generally safe and predictable. 
• Great for recurring payments: You can automate regular payments from clients, reducing time spent chasing invoices.  

Cons: 

• Initial setup: Setting up ACH payments may take a little more effort, especially for clients unfamiliar with the process. 
• Processing time: Transfers can take 1–3 business days to clear, so funds aren’t always available immediately. 
• Limited flexibility: Not all clients will feel comfortable sharing banking information or setting up transfers. 

Amplify Credit Union offers free ACH origination for business members, making it easier (and more affordable) to set up recurring payments and streamline your income. 

5. Online Invoicing and Payment Platforms 

Online invoicing platforms like QuickBooks, Jobber, FreshBooks, and others allow you to send professional invoices, accept multiple types of payments, and even schedule recurring billing. These tools are especially helpful for lawn care businesses with repeat clients or a growing customer base. 

Most platforms support multiple payment methods, including ACH, credit cards, and even tips—making them flexible and customer-friendly. 

Pros: 

• All-in-one solution: You can manage invoicing, payment collection, and financial reporting in one place. 
• Customizable and professional: Branded invoices and automated reminders help you look polished and stay on top of payments. 
• Multiple payment options: Clients can pay how they prefer—credit card, ACH, or even Apple Pay—within the same system. 

Cons: 

• Monthly fees: Most platforms charge a monthly fee, and some also take a cut of each transaction. 
• Learning curve: Setting up the software and customizing your workflow can take time. 
• Processing delays: Some platforms hold funds briefly before transferring them to your bank account. 

Look for platforms that integrate directly with your business checking account. This helps simplify cash flow management and makes it easier to track income and expenses in one place. 

6. Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps 

Peer-to-peer (P2P) apps are popular for quick payments between friends and family—and they’ve made their way into small business transactions, too. It’s easy to see why: they’re fast, familiar, and already installed on many clients’ phones. 

However, these apps aren’t always designed for business use. In fact, many of them—like Venmo and Cash App—explicitly prohibit business transactions on personal accounts in their user agreements. Using them that way could result in frozen funds or account suspension. 

Pros: 

• Quick and easy: Clients can send payment in seconds using apps they already know. 
• Instant transfers: In many cases, you can access funds immediately or within minutes. 

Cons: 

• Not designed for businesses: Using a personal account for business violates many platforms’ terms of service. 
• Lack of reporting: These apps don’t offer detailed reporting, which can make bookkeeping harder. 
• Blurs lines between personal and business: Mixing payments can cause confusion and complicate tax filing. 

Amplify Tip: If you use P2P apps, make sure to create a business profile if the platform allows it—and always link payments to your business bank account to keep your records clean and accurate. 

Take the Guesswork Out of Getting Paid 

Choosing how to collect payments is about more than just convenience—it’s about building trust with your clients, staying organized, and keeping your business running smoothly. Whether you’re just getting started or growing your client base, the right payment methods can help you look more professional, get paid faster, and simplify your financial life. 

And with the right banking partner by your side, it’s even easier. 

At Amplify Credit Union, we offer fee-free business banking designed to support Texas businesses at every stage. From mobile check deposit and ACH transfers to expert support from people who know your community, we’re here to help you streamline the way you do business—so you can focus on doing great work.