As the first and only major partner of our CEO and Founder, Pasche, Ashley Pack of Heartland Payroll Solutions took a chance on a PHR introducing herself to the Tennessee market as the "low woman on the totem pole". This is why we now offer FREE payroll administration to every client who chooses to sign with both AbStrategy and Heartland Payroll.
Why Heartland?
Heartland Payroll Solutions offered by Heartland (a part of Global Payments), provides a suite of payroll and HR services tailored primarily for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Its competitive advantages stem from a blend of technology, personalized service, and integration capabilities that set it apart in the crowded payroll software market.
1. Dedicated Single Point of Contact
Heartland assigns each customer a dedicated service representative who serves as their primary contact for setup, troubleshooting, and ongoing support. This contrasts with many competitors like ADP or Paychex, where users often navigate call centers or generic support teams.
This personalized approach enhances customer experience, reduces resolution times, and builds trust—particularly valuable for SMBs without in-house payroll expertise. Reviews frequently highlight this as a standout feature, with users appreciating the accessibility and knowledge of their assigned reps.
2. Customizable, Cloud-Based Technology
Heartland offers a flexible, web-based payroll platform that can be tailored to specific business needs, including industries with specialized payroll requirements (e.g., restaurants, retail). Features like automated tax filing, time tracking, and employee self-service portals are accessible online or via a mobile app.
The cloud-based system ensures scalability and real-time access, allowing businesses to manage payroll from anywhere. While not as feature-rich as some enterprise-focused competitors (e.g., Gusto’s advanced HR tools), its customization meets the practical needs of SMBs without overwhelming them with complexity.
3. Integrated Ecosystem
Heartland Payroll integrates seamlessly with other Heartland products (e.g., Point of Sale, Payments) and third-party tools like QuickBooks Online, general ledgers, and 401(k) systems. This creates a unified ecosystem for businesses already using Heartland solutions.
For users within the Heartland suite, this reduces data silos and manual entry, improving efficiency over standalone payroll providers. Competitors like Patriot Payroll offer integrations too, but Heartland’s focus on its own ecosystem provides a smoother experience for loyal customers.
4. Comprehensive HR and Compliance Support
Beyond payroll, Heartland provides on-demand access to HR professionals who assist with tax filings, labor law compliance, and customizable HR documents. It also includes features like E-Verify integration and ACA compliance tools. This is in addition to our CEO and Founder being a PHR recognized by SHRM as well as APA certified by the American Payroll Association.
This is a boon for SMBs lacking dedicated HR staff, offering peace of mind and reducing the risk of costly errors. While Gusto and SurePayroll also provide HR features, Heartland’s live expert support (included in higher-tier plans) gives it an edge for businesses needing hands-on guidance.
5. Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fee
Heartland emphasizes straightforward pricing without surprise fees, starting at around $89/month for up to five employees (though exact costs require a quote). This contrasts with some competitors criticized for layered fees (e.g., ADP’s add-ons).
While pricing isn’t publicly detailed, the promise of transparency appeals to cost-conscious SMBs. Compared to Patriot Payroll’s clear $10–$35/month base plans, Heartland’s higher starting point is justified by its service level, though it may not be the cheapest option.
6. Time and Attendance Add-Ons
Heartland offers optional time-tracking tools (Heartland Time) with flexible clock-in methods—manual punches, badges, or biometrics—along with scheduling and PTO management.
This modularity allows businesses to scale functionality as needed, though it’s an extra cost unlike Gusto’s bundled time tracking in premium plans. For industries with hourly workers, this precision in labor tracking is a competitive differentiator.
7. Strong Customer Support Reputation
Heartland’s U.S.-based support team boasts quick response times (averaging 30 seconds per call) and is frequently praised in reviews for responsiveness and expertise.
This reliability outshines competitors like Paychex, where users sometimes report slower support, making Heartland a preferred choice for businesses valuing immediate assistance over purely automated solutions.
8. Security and Reliability
With over 25 years in payment processing and payroll, Heartland leverages advanced security (e.g., Heartland SecureTM) and a built-in electronic filing system to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.
This heritage provides a trust factor that newer players like OnPay lack, appealing to businesses prioritizing data protection and proven stability.
9. Competitive Context
- Vs. Gusto: Gusto offers a modern interface and robust HR features at a lower base price ($40/month), but lacks Heartland’s personalized rep model and deep ecosystem integration.
- Vs. ADP/Paychex: These giants provide enterprise-grade solutions with more features, but their complexity and cost can overwhelm SMBs, where Heartland’s simplicity and support shine.
-Vs. Patriot Payroll: Patriot is cheaper and transparent with pricing, but it doesn’t match Heartland’s service level or customization depth.
Heartland Payroll Solutions’ competitive advantages lie in its personalized service, integrated ecosystem, and practical tools tailored for SMBs. It excels for businesses already using Heartland products or those prioritizing human support over pure automation. While it may not lead in raw feature count or price competitiveness, its focus on reliability, compliance, and customer-centricity positions it as a strong contender in the payroll market, particularly for those navigating the “storm” of payroll management with limited resources.
