bcs Alternatives for COI Tracking
Comparing bcs alternatives? bcs is free for up to 25 vendors. Here's when that fits, and when TradeGuard's QuickBooks bill holds and insurance-agent verification are worth paying for.
bcs
Teams that want a self-serve COI tool, free for up to 25 vendors
TradeGuard
GCs and PMs who pay subs through QuickBooks Online and want to stop paying uninsured ones
Where bcs is strong
- Free for up to 25 vendors, no card (getbcs.com/pricing, checked October 2026)
- Reads each certificate automatically when a vendor uploads it
- Vendors upload through a mobile app without a login, with automated requests and deficiency notices
- Self-service pricing per vendor once you pass the free plan
What to check before choosing bcs
- Whether it connects to QuickBooks Online, if that's where you pay subs
- What it does with a certificate you suspect was altered
- What it costs at your real roster size past 25 vendors
What TradeGuard adds
- Payment review: see subs' pending QuickBooks Online bills next to their certificate status, and hold a bill with the reason written back to QuickBooks
- One-click verification: email the sub's insurance agent a link to confirm a certificate (valid 7 days; replies go to you, and you're told the answer)
- State requirement references and gap checks next to each sub's documents
- All of that on every plan, with a 14-day trial and no card
Choose bcs if…
- You track 25 or fewer subs and want a free tool
- Procurement already standardized on bcs
Choose TradeGuard if…
- You pay subs through QuickBooks Online and want to hold a bill when their certificate has lapsed
- You want a doubtful certificate confirmed by the sub's insurance agent, not just filed
- You'd rather try it on your real roster today than book a sales call
FAQ
What is the best bcs alternative for a mid-size general contractor?
Look for per-sub storage, expiry alerts, a sub upload link, requirement checks and exportable reports. If you pay subs through QuickBooks Online, TradeGuard adds a payment review that holds a bill when coverage has lapsed.
Is TradeGuard cheaper than bcs?
Not for small rosters: bcs is free up to 25 vendors, and TradeGuard is a paid plan. TradeGuard is worth paying for if QuickBooks bill holds and insurance-agent verification save you more than it costs.
Can I try TradeGuard before switching from bcs?
Yes. Start a 14-day trial with no card, import your roster and PDFs, and compare chase time on the same subs.
Related comparisons
- TradeGuard vs Spreadsheet COI Tracking
- myCOI Alternatives for General Contractors
- TrustLayer Alternatives for Subcontractor Compliance
Also see COI tracking features, how to choose COI tracking software, and COI tracking software for GCs.