Bookkeeping via WhatsApp compared: four ways
There is no single best way to keep your Moneybird up to date. Here is what the Moneybird app, the Moneybird AI connection, the Schakel WhatsApp assistant and a bookkeeper on WhatsApp each do well, and for whom Schakel is not the right choice.
An AI assistant, not an accountant. It can make mistakes, so you always check the preview and say yes before anything lands in Moneybird.
No credit card. After the trial you drop back to the free plan.
When not to choose Schakel
Schakel does not suit everyone. Choose something else if:
- You need advice on tax rules, deductions or your annual figures. That takes a person who knows your situation. The assistant gives no tax advice and files no returns.
- You do not work with Moneybird. Schakel only works with Moneybird.
- You do not want your data processed by an external language model provider. Schakel uses DeepSeek and we do not promise processing solely inside the EU.
- You only have a few bookings a month. The Moneybird app or the Moneybird screen is then fast enough and you need nothing extra.
- You want to pick and set up an AI client yourself and find the official Moneybird AI connection suitable for that. Then you have more freedom over what you use.
When Schakel does fit
Schakel suits entrepreneurs who use Moneybird and want to take the typing away without giving up control:
- You want to forward receipts and invoices on the spot from WhatsApp, rather than opening an app for each receipt.
- You always want to see first what goes into Moneybird, and confirm everything that goes to a customer.
- You want notifications about payments, overdue invoices and missing receipts without searching yourself.
- You want the setup ready without building an AI connection yourself.
You can combine them
These are not mutually exclusive choices. Many entrepreneurs use the Moneybird app to look something up quickly, a bookkeeper for returns and advice, and an assistant for the daily typing. The assistant works in the same administration as everything else, so what it books you also see in Moneybird, and so does your bookkeeper.
Scroll sideways for the full table
| Compared | Moneybird app | Moneybird AI connection (MCP) | Schakel WhatsApp assistant | Bookkeeper on WhatsApp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Moneybird's own app for your phone | An official connection that links an AI client to Moneybird | A Schakel AI assistant that works in your Moneybird, via WhatsApp or dashboard | A person who does your books and answers you on WhatsApp |
| How you drive it | Buttons and screens | Plain language in the AI client you choose yourself | Plain language and photos in WhatsApp or the dashboard | Plain language and photos, read by a person |
| Reading receipts | Yes, Moneybird has its own Scan en herken | Depends on your AI client | Yes, photo or PDF, with a preview and the file attached | Yes, by the bookkeeper |
| Making an invoice or quote | Yes, in the app | Depends on your AI client | Yes, with a preview and your yes | Yes, by the bookkeeper |
| Notifications on their own | As Moneybird offers them | Depends on your setup | Payment in, overdue invoice, missing receipt, monthly summary | Depends on arrangements |
| Tax advice and returns | No | No | No, only an indication | Yes, if the bookkeeper offers it |
| Setup you do yourself | Little | More: you choose and configure the AI client | Connect Moneybird and a few settings | Make arrangements |
| Cost | See Moneybird | See Moneybird and your AI provider | Try free for 30 days, see the pricing page | Varies per bookkeeper |
| Data processing | Moneybird | Moneybird and your chosen AI provider | Moneybird, Schakel, DeepSeek and with WhatsApp also Meta | Bookkeeper and WhatsApp |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Moneybird AI connection and Schakel?
The Moneybird AI connection links an AI client of your choice to your administration and lets you set up a lot yourself. Schakel is a ready-made assistant with WhatsApp, a confirmation step and notifications. One does not rule out the other.
Does Moneybird not have an app of its own?
It does. Moneybird has its own app and a function to scan and recognise receipts. Schakel does not replace that. It adds a conversational form, with WhatsApp as an extra channel.
Can Schakel replace a bookkeeper?
No. The assistant takes typing off your hands, but gives no advice and files no returns. A bookkeeper remains necessary for questions about rules, deductions and your annual figures.
Can my bookkeeper look along?
What the assistant books is simply in Moneybird, so your bookkeeper sees it there like any other booking.
What does it cost?
You can try the assistant free for 30 days, no credit card needed. After that you drop back to the free plan unless you choose a paid one. The current plans are on the pricing page. WhatsApp itself costs nothing extra.
Try the assistant on your own Moneybird
Connect Moneybird, send a first receipt and see the preview. 30 days free, no credit card.