How does Joist payment work?

Payments in Joist work using integrated payment services. While Joist is not a dedicated payment provider, it links users with payment services, which then take their information and use it to process each transaction. The funds then get deposited into the contractor’s bank account.

How much does Joist charge per transaction?

Even though Joist charges a fee, the amount you get charged depends on the payment method used. For instance, a bank transfer may come with a different fee than a credit card payment. You can check your agreement to see how much the fees are, or you can reach out to Joist directly.

How can you accept payments on Joist?

To accept payments on Joist, you have to connect your bank account to the software. You can then offer online payments as an option to clients. The clients get an invoice on their device and then they get a secure link to a payment portal. When the payment has been made, you get an alert.

Does Joist track expenses?

Yes, Joist has expense tracking features. To use them, you have to decide which category each expense falls under and then either enter each expense manually or pull it into Joist from your bank records. These features make it easier to see how much you spend in comparison to what you make.

Is Joist payment safe?

Yes, many would consider payments made through Joist to be safe. Joist uses encryption to hide payment details. That means that even if someone tried intercepting payment information as a customer sends it, they wouldn’t be able to read it because they don’t have the secret decryption key.

Updated May 13, 2025 at 12:48 PM

Joist 2026: Benefits, Features & Pricing

Written by Laura Burgess

Content Analyst

Edited by Caroline Rousseau

Senior Editor

Wondering if Joist is right for your organization?

Our Billing and Invoicing Software selection experts can help you in 15 minutes or less.

On this page

Our Summary
Pricing and Plans
Features
Integrations
Key Sentiments
User Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions

Our Summary

Joist

4.1

(84)

Pros:

User-friendly platform
Estimate and invoice creation

Cons:

Customer support
Payment processing delays

Pricing

Starting at $8.00 per month

What is Joist:

Joist is software designed for contractors to manage several business operations with a single solution. It gives users tools for creating estimates, building invoices, communicating with clients, and keeping track of payments clients make and owe.

Why we like Joist:

Joist has earned a spot on Software Advice’s Best Construction Estimating Software of 2025 because it excels when it comes to its invoice creation, quoting, and mobile payment tools. Many users also enjoy Joist’s straightforward workflows, giving it 4.4 out of 5 stars in the ease-of-use category.

Who should use Joist:

Joist is a solid fit for general contractors and others in the construction industry, such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. It’s a good match for solopreneurs and smaller organizations, with 79% of its reviewers having between one and 10 employees.

Joist Screenshots

Joist Overview

Joist is a billing and invoicing solution, which enables contractors in fencing, flooring, drywall, carpentry and other sectors manage clients, online payments, work orders and more. Professionals can create custom estimates with social media links and eSignature capabilities.

Using Joist, administrators can streamline decision-making processes, set up targets to track progress and gain insights into business performance through reports. Contractors can organize estimates into sections including labor, materials, project stage or room for clients. Additionally, individuals...

Joist Pricing and Plans

Starting price: $8.00 per month

Free Trial

Free Version

Basics

$8.00

flat rate, per month

Plan includes:

5 invoices or estimates per month
Credit, debit, & online payments
Offer third party financing options

Pro

$14.00

flat rate, per month

Plan includes:

Unlimited estimates & invoices
Contracts & eSignatures
Generate work orders

Elite

$32.00

flat rate, per month

Plan includes:

Sales & revenue reports
Send & manage change orders
Add social links, licenses, & insurance

Confused about pricing? We've got you covered.

Get a personalized pricing breakdown tailored to your specific needs—no guesswork, no generic estimates.

Our Analysis of Joist's Pricing Plans

We've explored Joist's pricing plans, outlining the key advantages and limitations of each, to help you determine which option best suits your needs and budget. Joist offers three main pricing tiers: Basics, Pro, and Elite. Each plan is designed to cater to different user types and requirements, and understanding the nuances of each is essential for making the right choice for your personal or professional use case.

Basics plan

Joist's...

Basics plan is designed for individuals or small businesses just starting or those with basic needs. Priced at $8 per month or $80 per year, this plan offers essential features such as document creation and online payments. __Pros:__ - __Affordable:__ At $8 per month, it's accessible for small businesses and individuals. - __Document creation:__ Allows up to five monthly documents, sufficient for small-scale operations. - __Online payments:__ Facilitates easy payment processing for clients. __Cons:__ - __Limited documents:__ Five monthly documents may not be enough for growing businesses. - __Basic features:__ Not included are advanced features like logo branding and client activity tracking. __Pro plan__ The Pro plan is designed for businesses that require more advanced features and flexibility. Priced at $14 per month or $140 per year, this plan offers unlimited document creation, client management, and additional professional tools. __Pros:__ - __Unlimited documents:__ Users can create and manage an unlimited number of documents. - __Client management:__ Allows tracking of client activity and generating work orders. - __Professional branding:__ Includes features like logo display and document photos to enhance professionalism. __Cons:__ - __Limited reporting:__ Although better than the Basics plan, users still don’t get access to complete reporting, such as business reports. - __Limited display of credentials:__ The plan doesn’t allow users to display their license and insurance for customers to see when they view documents. __Elite plan__ The Elite plan is tailored for businesses that require comprehensive features and advanced reporting. Priced at $32 per month or $320 per year, this plan includes everything in Pro plus advanced business reports and change order management. __Pros:__ - __Advanced reporting:__ Provides detailed business reports to help with strategic planning. - __Change order management:__ Facilitates efficient handling of project changes. - __License and insurance:__ Allows clients to view your license and insurance, bolstering your professional reputation. __Cons:__ - __Cost:__ At $32 per month, it is the most expensive plan, which may not be suitable for smaller businesses. - __Complexity:__ The extensive features may require a learning curve for new users. __Free trial__ Joist offers a seven-day free trial of its Pro and Elite plans, which includes access to the complete feature set. Users will receive upgrade options to keep those features at the end of the trial. __Conclusion__ After analyzing Joist's pricing structure, it's evident that the company offers a range of plans designed to cater to various user needs and business sizes. - __For individual users and small businesses:__ The Basics plan is a suitable option. It provides essential features at an affordable price, making it accessible for those just starting or with limited requirements. - __For growing businesses:__ The Pro plan offers enhanced functionality and support at a reasonable monthly price. With unlimited document creation and professional tools, it is ideal for businesses looking to scale. - __For larger businesses:__ The Elite plan is the most comprehensive choice. Advanced reporting and change order management ensure businesses have access to all the features necessary for efficient workflow management. Ultimately, the decision lies in understanding your current needs and anticipating future growth. By aligning your requirements with the appropriate Joist pricing plan, you can streamline your work, foster collaboration, and achieve your goals, whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a growing business. Take advantage of the free trial to test the Pro or Elite plan before committing.

Compare Pricing

Compare pricing across our most frequently recommended Billing and Invoicing products.

Software options

Starting price*

User rating

Sage 50 Accounting

$124.42 per month

3.88(416 reviews)

235

recommendations

FreshBooks

$21.00 per month

4.48(4502 reviews)

recommendations

Sage Accounting

$20.00 per month

4.12(547 reviews)

recommendations

Rippling

$8.00 per month

4.86(4541 reviews)

recommendations

Canopy

$22.00 per month

4.53(285 reviews)

recommendations

*Defined as the price above any available free plan

Joist Features

Drawn from insights across 84 verified reviews, we've outlined Joist's best and worst rated features and how they stack up against the average rating.

Joist's score

Category average

Joist's Best Rated Features

Invoice History

4.85

4.45 category average

Invoice Creation

4.81

4.39 category average

Online Invoicing

4.79

4.25 category average

Joist's Worst Rated Features

Quotes/Estimates

4.38

3.95 category average

Online Invoicing

4.79

4.25 category average

Invoice Creation

4.81

4.39 category average

Popular features found in Billing and Invoicing
Billing Portal
Contact Database
Customizable Invoices
Invoice Processing
Mobile Payments
Multi-Currency
Payment Processing
Quotes/Estimates
Reporting & Statistics
Tax Calculation
Time & Expense Tracking
More features of Joist
Accounting
Client Management
Cost Database
CRM
For Remodelers
Invoice Creation
Invoice History
Mobile App
Online Invoicing
Scheduling
Takeoff
Work Order Management

Joist Integrations

Based on 84 verified reviews, we've identified products most frequently integrated with Joist.

QuickBooks Online

Integration rated 5.0 from 3 reviews

QuickBooks Online Accountant

Integration rated 3.0 from 1 review

Joist Key Sentiments

We analyzed 84 verified reviews for Joist to find out what actual users really think.

Most Positive Sentiments

Estimating software

67% Positive

26% Neutral

7% Negative

Users find Joist effective for preparing and submitting field estimates directly from job sites. They appreciate the convenience of sending estimates electronically for approvals, which streamlines the process. Additionally, users benefit from Joist's combined estimating and CRM functionalities, making it a versatile tool for their business needs.

Invoice management

64% Positive

32% Neutral

4% Negative

Joist's invoice creation feature is efficient and user-friendly, according to reviews. The feature makes it easy to add sales tax and material mark-ups. Users appreciate the simplicity and speed of the invoicing process, which allows them to send invoices on the go. Additionally, they highlight the ease of updating invoices and managing payments, which enhances their overall experience.

Least Positive Sentiments

Client management

53% Positive

27% Neutral

20% Negative

Reviewers appreciate Joist's project tracking capabilities and the professional appearance of exported client files. They find the ability to manage client details and export client information highly beneficial. However, some users encounter difficulties connecting with QuickBooks and are frustrated by the inability to assign multiple users.

Payment processing

28% Positive

38% Neutral

34% Negative

Joist allows customers to pay with various methods, including credit cards and electronic checks, which users value. Reviewers find the payment collection feature convenient, especially for recurring customers. However, users experience significant delays in payment processing and find customer support unhelpful when issues arise, leading to frustration and financial strain.

Joist User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.1

Ratings Breakdown

45%

38%

Secondary Ratings

Ease of Use

4.4

Value for money

3.8

Customer support

3.7

Functionality

4.0

Joshua B.

Verified reviewer

Construction

2-10 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed December 2025

Still doing it

Previously 4

Still can't complain. I use it daily. It's one of the best construction apps I've ever used. No complaints here.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

The features are amazing there's so much you can do it unbelievable. It's so easy to work your way through the app.

Cons:

The pricing is a bit high. I don't think it's worth as much as they charge,although I still use it everyday.

Brandi S.

Verified reviewer

Construction

2-10 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed September 2025

Contractor's Estimates and Invoices with ease

It was a great experience for a contractor needing both an estimating and invoicing tool at a very reasonable cost. It also seems to add updates regularly that are beneficial to the software functioning.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

The ability to send both estimates and invoices. The ease of entering info and posting payments was great.

Cons:

The search capabilities are limited. It would be very beneficial to be able to search by address rather than name and also when searching by name and going back you have to enter the name again it does not keep the search you were working on.

Reasons for choosing Joist

The cost for Joist was very reasonable and seemed very easy to use.

Greg L.

Verified reviewer

Construction

Self-Employed

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed April 2022

Billing and invoice

Previously 2

Overall not a bad app would like to see it easier to set up banking

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Previously 3

Functionality

Previously 3

Pros:

This software is pretty straightforward easy to set up and use

Cons:

Difficulty in setting up the banking feature ask for a lot of information

Michelle F.

Verified reviewer

Construction

2-10 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed June 2025

Joist No !!

app works occasionally without a glitch but with business you need to be able to send estimates invoices etc and get paid with this app it's hit or miss . They increase the price while they hold your information hostage and customer support when present is a chat screen that is hit and miss hours or days of AI style support with a serious breakdown in communication like talking to a bot

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

They "offer" many industry style options for estimates invoicing change orders funding financing and payments

Cons:

Joist does not work reliably unavailable access hindering for sometimes days the ability to send billing invoices estimates change orders and get payments and customer support is seriously lacking. They auto debit your account for renewal over 30 days before it is due they rebill you every 11 months for a year subscription. They continue to add to the offerings that have numerous glitches the platform provides while still the fundamental basics still have issues. We have been with them since beta with three of our companies hoping for the promised improvement and it has only been more glitches piled up on the already hit or miss foundation

Devon M.

Verified reviewer

Construction

2-10 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed October 2025

Go to software for on the go contractors

Great all around. joist performed the tasks i needed and more. Lots of different options and paying options as well/

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

I found Joist is an easy to use software that simplifies the "office" part for, on the go contractors. Easy to learn and use. quick and professional service that adds value to your company.

Cons:

The only area i would try to improve on is the description and task lines. Its good it saves previous work but when every job consists of different details it inputs too much info not related or needing to be switched and updated.

Amanda W.

Verified reviewer

Hospitality

11-50 employees

Used daily for less than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed June 2025

Joist Review

Overall, Joist was a great solution for us in the early stages of our business. It helped us stay organized and operate efficiently. While we eventually outgrew it and moved to a more advanced system, we still believe Joist is a great option for small to mid-sized contractors looking for a simple and effective invoicing and estimating app.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

Our company used Joist for a couple of years, and overall, it was a solid tool especially when we were just starting out. Creating and sending estimates and invoices was fast and simple. The app gave our documents a professional look, and the ability to collect digital signatures and payments right through the platform made things really convenient. It definitely helped streamline our day-to-day operations and saved us time in the field.

Cons:

As our company grew, we started to feel limited by Joist. The reporting features were basic and didn’t give us the depth we needed for larger-scale operations. Integration with accounting software was minimal, which meant more manual work. Customer support also wasn’t always responsive when we had technical questions. It’s a great tool for small contractors, but may not scale well for bigger teams or businesses with more complex needs.

Reasons for switching to Joist

FIT OUR NEEDS BETTER................................

Jena S.

Verified reviewer

Construction

2-10 employees

Used daily for less than 12 months

Review source

Reviewed September 2024

Joist- the app that made me look like a pro! (Most of the time)

Overall, Joist has been a solid tool for my contracting business. It's not perfect, but the time it saves me on paperwork and the professional image it helps me project to clients make it well worth using. If you're a contractor looking to streamline your operations, I'd definitely recommend giving Joist a try.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

The thing I like most about Joist is their user-friendly mobile app. It’s a lifesaver when I'm on job sites. I can pull up client information, create estimates, and even take payments right from my phone. It's made me look much more professional and organized in front of clients.

Cons:

The thing I like least is that some of the more advanced features are locked behind the higher-tier subscriptions. For example, I'd love to use the custom contracts feature, but it's only available on the Elite plan which is quite pricey for a small operation like mine.

Michael O.

Verified reviewer

Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

51-200 employees

Used daily for less than 12 months

Review source

Reviewed December 2024

Joist best in service streamline operation

It very simple and user friendly between customers and their professionals

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

It helps save time and streamline in the go

Cons:

It makes card collection professional and simple

Autumn B.

Verified reviewer

Construction

11-50 employees

Used daily for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed December 2024

Create for invoice creating

Create for invoice creating, user friendly

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

Ability to collect payments, create invoices, and integrate

Cons:

Can’t track employee hours so if you bill hourly this could be a hassle

Jessica J.

Verified reviewer

Construction

2-10 employees

Used monthly for more than 2 years

Review source

Reviewed August 2024

taking advantage of people

We have been using Joist for 8 years sending estimates through emails then when we go to log into our accounts to access our information and send a email we can not even log into our account. 3 plans pop up the cheapest plan was $96.00 and it only came with two options which was to send estimates and to allow to accept payments through them so they can profit off of you by sending a estimate when we dont even charge to do an estimate to begin with and even if I did I would not pay to send a email. Then when you ask them how can you get into the account at least to get all of your information off of it and the delete and deactivate the account they tell you no you can not have access to your account unless you pay for a subscription plan of at least $96.00 a month which I would never pay that much money just to send a estimate through a email. It is sad to take advantage of people especially at a time like this during an inflation. There are other ways to send estimates for free and not have to pay to do so.

Ratings Breakdown

Ease of use

Value for money

Customer support

Functionality

Pros:

There are no pros to a company that makes you have to pay $96.00 for a plan just to send a estimate in a email!

Cons:

If I could give a 0 star I would! Ya know I understand things are changing but when you take your company & turn it over to where your customers of 8 yrs can not even log into their account to delete that account, access any of their info/records that they have had for all them 8 yrs without having to pay for a subscription plan of the lowest plan of $96.00! You know nothing about it you go to log into to type up & send an estimate & 3 plans pop up above it states choose a plan or log out. I get on chat send them a message & waited over a hour for a reply from a bot for them to say no we can not give you access to your account, your records, all the estimates etc you have done on that account for 8 years unless you pay us and sign up for a subscription plan! Seriously wow who does that?! And whats even sadder the $96.00 only covers sending estimates something you were already doing and then allowing to accept payments from clients through their company so you can pay them also to get your own money and oh lets add that you dont need nor do you want those services but are being made to do so if you want to access your account that you have had for 8 yrs. And then to not even give someone the option to delete & deactivate their own account is something I will never understand. Let me add that I do not give this company nor anyone else access to my information on my account. I do not give access to my name, address, phone number, email. card info, client intel, estimates, invoices, no information on my account for any reason.

Showing 1 - 10 of 84 Reviews

See All Reviews

Joist FAQs

How does Joist payment work?
Payments in Joist work using integrated payment services. While Joist is not a dedicated payment provider, it links users with payment services, which then take their information and use it to process each transaction. The funds then get deposited into the contractor’s bank account.
How much does Joist charge per transaction?
Even though Joist charges a fee, the amount you get charged depends on the payment method used. For instance, a bank transfer may come with a different fee than a credit card payment. You can check your agreement to see how much the fees are, or you can reach out to Joist directly.
How can you accept payments on Joist?
To accept payments on Joist, you have to connect your bank account to the software. You can then offer online payments as an option to clients. The clients get an invoice on their device and then they get a secure link to a payment portal. When the payment has been made, you get an alert.
Does Joist track expenses?
Yes, Joist has expense tracking features. To use them, you have to decide which category each expense falls under and then either enter each expense manually or pull it into Joist from your bank records. These features make it easier to see how much you spend in comparison to what you make.
Is Joist payment safe?
Yes, many would consider payments made through Joist to be safe. Joist uses encryption to hide payment details. That means that even if someone tried intercepting payment information as a customer sends it, they wouldn’t be able to read it because they don’t have the secret decryption key.