A note before you read: ABFI has no affiliate deal with either tool. Most comparisons online are written by one of the two companies, so we've stuck to what each says about itself and pointed you to their pricing pages.
What both tools do
Both connect to your sales channels, read each payout or settlement, and post one summary entry to your accounting software that splits the payout into sales, shipping, discounts, refunds, fees, reserves and sales tax collected, mapped to your accounts [1][2]. That summary matches the bank deposit, which makes reconciliation simple.
Neither replaces bookkeeping. Someone still needs to map accounts correctly, record inventory and COGS, and close the month.
Side by side
| A2X | Link My Books | |
|---|---|---|
| Core job | Payout summaries to your ledger [1] | Payout summaries to your ledger [2] |
| Main channels | Shopify, Amazon and other marketplaces [1] | Shopify, Amazon and other marketplaces [2] |
| Accounting platforms | QuickBooks Online and Xero, plus some larger systems [1] | QuickBooks Online and Xero [2] |
| Pricing structure | Plans by channel and order volume; check A2X's page [1] | Plans by order volume, covering multiple channels; check Link My Books' page [2] |
| Setup style | Mapping you or your accountant configure | Guided setup wizard |
| Accountant network | Large partner directory | Growing partner network |
How to choose
- List your channels. If you sell on several marketplaces, compare total cost with all channels included. Pricing structures differ, so the cheaper tool for one store can be the more expensive for another.
- Check your accounting platform is supported for every channel you use.
- Count monthly orders. Both price by volume in some way.
- Ask your bookkeeper. If they already use one, that's a real advantage: they'll know the mapping.
- Trial both on one month of real payouts if you can.
Whichever you choose, set it up right
- One clearing account per channel. See our e-commerce chart of accounts.
- Map every line, including each fee type and reserves.
- Record payouts as transfers from clearing to bank. Walkthroughs: Shopify payouts, Amazon.
- Handle payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal) with their own clearing accounts. See how to reconcile Stripe payouts.
- Post COGS from your inventory records. See inventory and COGS.
Other tools worth knowing: best e-commerce accounting tools. Want it all run for you? Best e-commerce bookkeeping services.
Keep reading
Sources
- A2X, product and pricing pages, www.a2xaccounting.com. Checked November 6, 2026.
- Link My Books, product and pricing pages, linkmybooks.com. Checked November 6, 2026.
Questions owners ask
What's the difference between A2X and Link My Books?
Both post payout summaries to QuickBooks or Xero. They differ mainly in pricing structure, supported platforms and setup style.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on your channels and order volume. Compare each tool's current pricing with all your channels included.
Do I still need a bookkeeper?
Yes. The tools post correct entries; someone still maps accounts, handles inventory and closes the month.
Can I switch from A2X to Link My Books (or back)?
Yes. Switch at the start of a month so one tool covers each payout period, and check the mapping before the first post.
Do they handle Stripe and PayPal?
Both work alongside payment gateways in different ways. Many sellers use a separate clearing account for each gateway.
Want your connector mapped right the first time?
ABFI sets up e-commerce connectors and clearing accounts, then closes your books monthly. Start with a complimentary Business Accounting Diagnostic.