This review will look at Request Finance, a suite of financial tools that allows you to manage all of your cryptocurrency holdings from one place. We will analyse its various billing, expense, payroll and accounting features in terms of usability, security and accessibility for crypto organisations and freelancers.
INTRODUCTION
Request Finance is part of the Request Network, which was officially launched in August 2017 with the aim of building the future of finance in a new decentralised economy.
The company believes that individuals and businesses around the world should be able to exercise complete control over their financial holdings.
With Request Finance users can:
Make and receive cryptocurrency payments with confidence in a no-trust environment that is available to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Take control of your financial data and break free from the constraints of conventional financial systems by building the financial infrastructure of the future in a decentralised manner.
Benefit from the ease with which payments and invoices can now be received in over 43 different cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, as well as nine different fiat currencies.
Associate an appropriate blockchain invoice with every transaction so that freelancers, small businesses, cryptocurrency companies and DAOs can match payment and invoice records instantly.
WHY DO PEOPLE USE REQUEST FINANCE?
With over 81,000 community members across its multiple social platforms, Request is a growing platform, which has already been used to pay invoices worth over $140 million through its Request Invoicing product.
Because the platform makes it easy to track your cryptocurrency transactions, more than 1,000 businesses, such as AAVE, The Sandbox and Maker, have placed their trust in Request, and together with well-known decentralised finance companies (DeFi), the firm strives to provide a seamless financial experience.
Cryptocurrency and DeFi have facilitated the entry of various players into the business in a variety of roles. Numerous players joined the crypto sector with the intention of solving the day-to-day challenges faced by conventional financial systems, which were seen as inefficient.
By examining the problem that businesses around the world face with triggered invoices and the underlying components of the current financial infrastructure, such as SWIFT, Request Finance has envisioned a future where invoices can be denominated and paid in any currency through fiat tokenisation.
For example, in 2020, the Maker Foundation consolidated all financing flows into a single, simple invoicing solution for all incoming and outgoing payments.
Maker Foundation dealers and freelancers send invoices using Request Finance, allowing Maker to conveniently pay and track invoices, saving time and putting them at the forefront of payment innovation.
An annual administrative workload of 120 days was found in a case study conducted by Maker. Request Finance automated the tedious and time-consuming manual operations, saving the company time, money and improving data quality.
CORE PRODUCTS AND FEATURES
Request is one of the few corporate DeFi operators to support freelancers, businesses and DAOs alike and therefore offers a number of core products such as:
Billing;
Expenses;
Payroll;
Accounting.
Both Request Finance for corporates and freelancers share similar features, which will be described below before examining their benefits.
These core products have additional features within the software that help facilitate a fast and seamless fiat-to-crypto payment experience without the hurdles and security vulnerabilities that conventional finance can pose.
1. Request billing
Customers can use the high-quality visual dashboard to see the current status of all invoices at a glance, allowing them to make informed decisions. In addition, customers can generate professional-looking invoices and get updates to track their finances in real time.
Importantly, the Request software is designed to be compatible with every cryptocurrency, and can use any product or feature that can be accessed in the Request app.
Freelancers
Request is a solid option for freelancers who want their invoices paid quickly and easily in cryptocurrencies. In addition, sending a professional and compliant invoice in fiat or cryptocurrency takes just a few minutes.
It takes 8 seconds to build an invoice for a freelancer, and it only takes one click to pay it in local currency or cryptocurrency using the all-in-one application platform.
In addition, the app’s unique features such as real-time progress updates, payer reputation and escrow, to name a few, ensure that users have a smooth and enjoyable user experience.
In addition to the fact that claim billing is easy for freelancers, there are other benefits such as:
Saving money: no monthly or annual subscription fees: the payer is only charged a 0.1% fee for each transaction, capped at $2 per transaction, in addition to the network fee;
Time savings: Request will handle all aspects of the billing procedure to save you time;
Security: encrypted data, peer-to-peer transfers, compliance documents and no more copying and pasting blockchain addresses are just some of the features;
Customer support: Ask a question and Application support staff will respond within minutes. In addition, you can vote for the next feature you would like to see added to Request Billing.
Request Freelancer includes the following features:
Client address book: Information about your clients is automatically retained, so you don’t have to enter the same information repeatedly;
Cross currency: Regular fiat money is used to denominate the invoice amount. Payment, on the other hand, can be completed using cryptocurrencies;
CSV export: The ability to integrate all your invoices and payments into your favourite accounting software, such as Xero;
Escrow: Set aside money for a project in advance;
Fiat and Crypto Payments: Accept payments from your customers in both cryptocurrencies and fiat currency;
Payee reputation system: Keep track of who has paid on time, late or not at all;
InvoiceMe: A few simple clicks will allow your suppliers to invoice you for goods and services quickly;
Peer-to-peer transfers: Funds are sent or received directly without the need for an intermediary;
Receipt: Any paid invoice provided in PDF format can be exported as a downloaded receipt;
Recurring invoices: If you have a frequent customer, schedule invoices with them to be generated and sent regularly.
Companies
Request streamlines cryptocurrency payments for enterprises and decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs), allowing you to pay your payees, workers, suppliers and contractors using cryptocurrencies in a legal, secure and professional manner.
In general, invoicing for businesses allows the handling of multiple cryptocurrency invoices each month, resulting in a seamless process that is distinguished by professional design, compliance and various integrations (such as Gnosis or Metamask), a secure process and a high level of customer service.
Request Invoicing is specifically designed for cryptocurrency-related businesses that provide additional functions beyond those listed above, such as:
Customer support: Guidance is available at any time via Intercom Chat allowing you to get personalised assistance within minutes;
Save time: Request automates your daily manual activities such as payment status alerts, accounting and other administrative tasks. As an added benefit, you can track all action with a single click;
Simple process: As a result of its software and collaboration with industry giants such as Gnosis Safe, Stripe and Metamask, Request can ensure you have the best possible experience while managing your crypto invoicing;
Use Chainlink: you can accept cryptocurrency payments for invoices denominated in fiat currency, such as US dollars or euros;
Avoid volatility: Pay and receive payments with stable currencies such as DAI, USDT, USDC and others to avoid cryptocurrency volatility;
Multiple invoices; Mass payment with Gnosis means payments for numerous invoices can be processed in cryptocurrency at the same time. Saving time and money;
Stripe: Receive payments for your invoices directly into your bank account by linking your Stripe accounts.
2. Expenses
Employee expenses can be managed and paid in cryptocurrencies, saving companies time and money.
In light of the fact that reporting and paying different expenses can become a significant and time-consuming burden for businesses, the Request cost management tool allows employees to quickly email you all their expenses, and can then pay them in their chosen cryptocurrency.
3. Payroll
Payroll administration can be made easier and more automated through the use of cryptocurrencies. In a matter of minutes, you can produce legal payrolls and get paid in cryptocurrencies.
Set up a notification to receive an alert when the integrated payroll software becomes available or even become a beta tester.
4. Accounting
Users can link the application to accounting software such as Xero or Quickbooks, with all your invoices being delivered immediately there, saving you a significant amount of time and effort.
Upcoming features
Request Finance is currently working on a variety of new features, as well as those that will be included after existing features are completed. Users can even propose new features on Discord, which means that the platform is always improving for the benefit of its customers.
Crypto payments
When it comes to making and paying invoices in digital currency, there is a distinction to be made between the currencies used for invoice creation and payment.
The invoice currency is the one you select for issuing the invoice during the entire creation process. It is mainly determined by what is necessary to be compatible with your local tax and accounting regulations. If in doubt, you can check here for the European Union and the United States of America.
When you create an invoice using Request Invoice, your customers will receive an automated email containing a link to the invoice you have created. All they have to do is accept the invoice and pay it directly from within the invoice itself.
A wide range of popular cryptocurrency wallets, such as MetaMask, Fortmatic and any wallet that supports WalletConnect, including multi-signature wallets such as Gnosis Safe, are compatible with the Request Invoicing payment system.
Advanced users can make use of Request Invoicing’s additional capabilities, such as exporting (a selection of) their invoices as .pdf and .csv files and duplicate invoice templates.
PRICING
Request Finance subscription is free and includes all products and features; the only charge will be incurred through crypto payments.
The payer will pay the Ethereum gas fee (used to send funds) and the request billing service charge at the time of payment. The ethereum gas fee or whichever network polygon is chosen, BSC, Fantom, etc., varies depending on how busy the network activity is at the time of payment. Request Finance does not charge this network fee.
Request Billing charges 0.1% of the total invoice value, up to a maximum of $2 per invoice.
Essentially, at the time of payment, the payer must pay for:
The network gas rates used to send the funds.
The service fee to request billing.
For example, a $5,000 bill sent using Request Invoicing will be charged 0.1% of the bill amount, which is $5.00 in the absence of a cap. However, due to the cap, the cost of the service is only $2.00.
Supported currencies
In terms of currencies, the traditional fiat currencies supported are as follows:
US Dollar (USD)
Euro (EUR)
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Australian dollar (AUD)
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Israeli Shekel (ILS)
Supported cryptocurrencies
With regard to cryptocurrencies, the following popular cryptocurrencies are supported:
Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Fantom (FTM)
Gnosi (GNO)
Creator (MKR)
Polygon (MATIC)
Request (REQ)
The Sandbox (SAND)
Tether (USDT)
USD Coin (USDC)
IS REQUEST FINANCE SECURE?
If you’re issuing and receiving crypto invoices manually, there’s a lot to consider, including security threats, compliance challenges and making things as user-friendly as possible, and Request Finance was designed as a way to streamline those processes.
Request Finance is a decentralised system that allows you to issue fully compliant cryptographic invoices in a short period of time.
Some malware can hijack your clipboard, so when you copy the address of the blockchain you want to pay, the malware can replace it with a new one when you paste it. However, there is no chance of a clipboard virus infecting your customer if you use 1-click payment in Request Finance;
Payments are also validated via the blockchain;
Request constantly updates its billing software with the latest features and security updates;
By using elliptic curve encryption, data is protected;
Request Finance is also trusted by some of the largest crypto projects: 88 mph, Aave, Gnosis, MakerDao, The Sandbox and Ocean, among others;
The platform’s security is backed by real-world use cases and user feedback.
Request Finance, in the end, makes it simpler and safer to issue invoices. Sending a compliance invoice takes just 8 seconds and has access to the highest security available in an easy-to-use interface. Not to mention that more than 1,000 companies worldwide trust Request.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you want to share your ideas with the Request team, or if you want to build with Request and are looking for resources or other builders to interact with the Request community, you can join them and contribute to strengthening the open network for paid applications.
Request has a great community to discuss ideas and grow:
Discord
Facebook
Blog
GitHub
LinkedIn
Reddit
Telegram
Twitter
YouTube
Alternatively, if you have any questions that you would like to address directly, you can contact Request by clicking on the [Contact Us] section of the Request website. Here you can contact the Request Finance team to resolve your query or discuss a potential partnership.
Request Finance has an FAQ page that answers all of its users’ frequently asked questions. However, if you cannot find your question as a first resource, you can contact Request Finance via chat, social media or by scheduling a video call.
REFERRAL PROGRAMME
Request also offers a generous referral so you can get paid $25 in Request tokens (REQ) the first time a freelancer or company you know gets paid in cryptocurrency by inviting them. An additional $10 in REQ tokens will also be awarded to the invitee.
VIEW APPLICATION DEMO
If you are a small business or corporation interested in seeing how Request works, you can view the demo version of Request. Users can book a demo with Request Finance by scheduling a 15 minute meeting Monday through Friday with the Request team to see how it all works in action.
HOW TO CREATE A REQUEST ACCOUNT (STEP BY STEP)
Step 1: Go to Request.finance and click [start now] to sign up.
Step 2: You can sign up with Google directly or by entering your personal details such as first and last name and email address. Once you have carefully read the terms and conditions, you can click [Sign up].
Step 3: If you choose to sign up with Google right away, the process is completed within seconds. However, if you choose to enter your information, you will simply click on a confirmation email to redirect you to the website.
Step 4: After clicking on the link in the email, you will be redirected to the application website.
Step 5: After confirming the link, you will be taken to the application homepage; the whole process takes less than 2 minutes to complete.
PROS AND CONS OF THE APPLICATION
Pros
Request Finance is simple, safe and secure;
Suitable for both businesses and the self-employed;
Non-subscription service that contains a wealth of features and products;
Clean user interface and easy to use and professional looking invoices;
Customer support is available at all times;
Trusted by over 1,000 businesses backed by case studies and regular users.
Cons
Although application payment costs are minimal, gas fees on certain networks can be quite expensive depending on how busy the network is;
Some popular cryptocurrencies are currently unavailable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Request is a simple, secure and accounting-friendly platform that helps build the future of finance in the new decentralised economy. The firm enables freelancers and businesses to effortlessly manage their finances and pay bills denominated in fiat and cryptocurrencies.
In addition, Request empowers businesses and their consumers by giving them more control over their financial lives. Payment status and invoices are maintained on the blockchain, making them more secure while increasing their stability.
Payment status and invoices are maintained on the blockchain, so the procedure is protected from start to finish helping users and businesses feel more secure and comfortable throughout the process.
The tool allows freelancers and businesses to handle crypto payments in a variety of different tokens, as well as make batch payments and pay invoices in bulk with a single click.
Finally, features such as pre-filling invoices with the appropriate payment information help avoid administrative errors and save time by eliminating the need to obtain and enter the relevant payment information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT REQUEST
What is Request Finance?
Request Finance is an easy-to-use platform that allows freelancers, small businesses, cryptocurrency corporations and decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) to benefit from the convenience of sending and receiving professional, secure and compliant invoices in fiat or cryptocurrency.
What are the fees at Request Finance?
Request Subscription is free to use; however, there are fees associated with crypto payments. Request Billing costs 0.1% of the invoice amount, up to a maximum of $2, and the payer will also pay Ethereum gas costs (used to transfer funds) at the time of payment.
Is Request Finance secure?
Yes, Request is a decentralised system that uses one-click payment to prevent malware from tampering with the blockchain keys. All payments are confirmed using blockchain technology, and Request is continually updating its billing software with new features and security enhancements.
Is Request Finance good for businesses?
Yes, Request Finance is suitable not only for freelancers, but also for businesses. For businesses and decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs), Request makes it easier than ever to send payments to grant recipients, employees, suppliers and contractors in cryptocurrencies.
