Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own OnPay

Replace OnPay with a custom build. Top-Rated Payroll Services, HR and More

Weekend Project
44 features9 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 44 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Prisma

Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 44 features

Benefits(9 features)

Additional Insurance Coverage

Add-on life, vision, disability, and other insurance types with in-house licensed brokers

Automatic Workers' Comp Updates

Automatic premium deduction and policy updates for employee team changes during payroll runs

Broker of Record Integration

Integration with existing benefits provider and plans through broker of record integration

Integrated 401(k) Retirement Plans

Partnership with top providers to offer low-fee 401(k) plans with great investment options

Integrated Workers' Compensation

Fully integrated workers' comp administration using payroll data with automatic premium deduction

+4 more in this category

Payroll(9 features)

All Tax Filings and Payments

Automatic withholding of federal, state, and local payroll taxes, filing of Form 941 quarterly and Form 940 annually

Direct Deposit Payroll

Pay employees via direct deposit with no extra fees

Garnishment Management

Automatic deduction and tracking of garnishments with customizable rules and goals

Multi-State Payroll

Run payroll and handle taxes for employees in multiple states with no extra fees across all 50 states

Multiple Pay Rates and Schedules

Set multiple pay schedules and different pay rates for individual employees without extra fees

+4 more in this category

HR(8 features)

Automated Onboarding Flows

New employees self-onboard, e-sign HR documents, and complete profiles online with automated task assignment for team members

Built-in Document Templates

Customizable document templates with ability to import custom docs or access HR library

Custom Personnel Checklists

Create customizable checklists for specific events or employee types including documents and task assignments

E-Signature for HR Documents

Upload any HR document for e-signing or use built-in e-signable templates

HR Resource Library

Access to hundreds of HR guides and legal templates within the platform

+3 more in this category

PTO Management(5 features)

Automatic PTO Accrual Tracking

Automatic calculation and addition of PTO hours to employee totals with each payroll run

Custom PTO Policies

Create paid time off policies based on multiple criteria for flexibility

Employee PTO Requests and Approvals

Employees can request PTO through dashboard with manager approval workflow and automatic deduction

Multiple Accrual Tiers

Set up to 3 accrual tiers allowing employees to earn PTO at different rates based on type, location, or seniority

PTO Calendar and Reminders

Visual calendar showing upcoming employee PTO days with email notifications for managers and admins

Org Charts(4 features)

Automatic Org Chart Updates

Org chart automatically updates when employees modify their profiles

Detailed Employee Profiles

Employee profiles including name, title, company contact info, org chart position, personal contact, pictures, and fun facts

Searchable Company Directory

Automatically generated directory accessible to all employees for easy communication

Visual Org Chart

Interactive org chart showing company hierarchy with ability to zoom and view specific departments

Compliance(2 features)

Compliance Audits

Review personnel checklists and receive alerts for outdated documents or incomplete tasks

State New Hire Reporting

Automatic reporting of new hires to state agencies when employees set up their OnPay accounts

Authentication(1 features)

Single Sign-On

Streamline access using Google, Intuit, or Xero login credentials

Communication(1 features)

Direct Messaging

In-app messaging between employees, managers, and admins with automatic storage and paper trail

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying OnPay

Monthly$49/mo
Yearly$588/yr
5-Year Total$2.9k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~3 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 YearSave $348
SaaS
$588
DIY
$240
3 YearsSave $1k
SaaS
$1.8k
DIY
$720
5 YearsSave $1.7k
SaaS
$2.9k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 44 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?