What makes Retainero different from other CRM software in 2026?

Retainero is purpose-built for agencies, freelancers and retainer-based businesses. Unlike generic CRMs, it combines client management, retainer billing, kanban project boards, a client-facing portal and a ticketing system in one platform — with flat-rate pricing and no per-user fees.

How does retainer billing and time tracking work?

You can set up pre-paid, post-paid or rolling monthly retainers for each client. As your team logs hours against a retainer, the balance updates automatically and clients receive real-time email notifications. This eliminates billing disputes and keeps everyone aligned on remaining hours.

Is Retainero suitable for remote and hybrid teams?

Absolutely. Retainero was designed for distributed teams. End-to-end encrypted team chat is built in, kanban boards keep everyone aligned on project status, and the client portal means your customers can self-serve without needing to email you.

How does the client portal and ticketing system work?

Each client gets their own secure, isolated subdomain where they can view retainer balances, submit support tickets, track project progress and access encrypted passwords. Every ticket includes a full timeline with status updates and internal notes. You can convert tickets into kanban tasks in one click.

Can I manage kanban boards and projects per client?

Yes. Every client project gets its own kanban board with custom columns. You can assign tasks to team members, set due dates, add comments and share live progress with clients.

How much does Retainero cost and is there a free trial?

Retainero starts at $20/month for Basic and $38/month for Premium — both with flat-rate pricing for your whole team. Every plan includes a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Annual billing saves you one month free.

How secure is client data in Retainero?

Client passwords are stored with strong encryption, team chat is end-to-end encrypted, and each client portal runs on an isolated subdomain. Retainero follows industry best practices for data protection.

Retainero – CRM for Agencies & Retainer Billing Software (2026)

All-in-one client management

Retainer Billing, CRM & Project Management in One Platform

Store client information securely, communicate transparently, track retainer hours, and manage workload with kanban boards — all without switching between tools. Retainero replaces the patchwork of spreadsheets, chat apps and ticketing tools that slow agencies down.

Retainero agency CRM interface — client list, retainer hours overview and project kanban board

Client Management CRM

Centralise every client's contact details, notes, passwords, documents and history in one encrypted hub. Instantly search across your entire client base, tag and filter by status, and never lose context between team members — even when working remotely.

Retainer Billing & Time Tracking

Track pre-paid, post-paid and rolling retainers with automatic hour logging. Clients receive real-time email notifications as work is rendered, so there are never any billing surprises. Eliminate spreadsheets and stop chasing invoices — Retainero keeps every billable minute accounted for.

Secure Client Portal

Give every client their own branded portal where they can view retainer balances, submit tickets, track project progress and access encrypted passwords. No more emailing sensitive credentials — everything lives behind a secure, isolated subdomain your clients can bookmark.

Encrypted Team Chat

Communicate with your remote or hybrid team in real time through end-to-end encrypted chat built right into your CRM. No third-party app needed — messages stay private, are never stored on external servers, and disappear when you want them to.

Project Kanban Boards

Spin up a dedicated kanban board for every client project. Drag tasks through custom columns, assign team members, set due dates, and share live progress with clients. Visual project management that keeps everyone — internally and externally — on the same page.

Support Ticketing System

Clients submit requests through their own ticketing portal — each ticket is tracked with a full timeline, status updates and internal notes. Convert tickets into actionable tasks on your kanban board in one click. No more lost emails or Slack messages; every request has a paper trail.

10+

Hours saved per week

Per-user fees — ever

30-day

Free trial, no card needed

E2E

Encrypted team chat

Built for the way agencies actually work

Whether you're a solo freelancer juggling five retainers or a 50-person agency managing hundreds of clients, Retainero scales with you. No per-seat pricing means your whole team gets access from day one — designers, developers, project managers and account leads.

Simple, Flat-Rate CRM Pricing

One price for your entire team — no per-user fees

One price. Your entire team. No per-user fees—ever. Start your 30-day free trial, cancel anytime.

Basic

Premium

Complete client management with projects, quotes & ticketing

$38 /month

Get 1 month free with annual billing

Everything in Basic
Project Kanban boards
Quote management system
Customer ticketing center
Tickets to action workflow
Secure internal real-time team chat
1-hour, dedicated support response time

Start Premium Trial Get 1 month free with annual billing

Educational & Non-Profit Discount

Get a discounted license for educational institutions or non-profit organizations (including churches). Enjoy all Premium features at a reduced price.

Request Discount

Frequently Asked Questions About CRM & Retainer Management

: Retainero is purpose-built for agencies, freelancers and retainer-based businesses. Unlike generic CRMs, it combines client management, retainer billing, kanban project boards, a client-facing portal and a ticketing system in one platform — with flat-rate pricing and no per-user fees. Your entire team gets access from day one.
: You can set up pre-paid, post-paid or rolling monthly retainers for each client. As your team logs hours against a retainer, the balance updates automatically and clients receive real-time email notifications. This eliminates billing disputes and keeps everyone aligned on remaining hours without awkward conversations.
: Absolutely. Retainero was designed for distributed teams. End-to-end encrypted team chat is built in, kanban boards keep everyone aligned on project status, and the client portal means your customers can self-serve without needing to email you. Everything works from a browser — no desktop app required.
: Each client gets their own secure, isolated subdomain where they can view retainer balances, submit support tickets, track project progress and access encrypted passwords. Every ticket includes a full timeline with status updates and internal notes. You can convert tickets into kanban tasks in one click, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
: Yes. Every client project gets its own kanban board with custom columns. You can assign tasks to team members, set due dates, add comments and share live progress with clients. It's visual project management that keeps your internal team and external clients on the same page.
: Retainero starts at $20/month for the Basic plan and $38/month for Premium — both with flat-rate pricing for your whole team. Every plan includes a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. Annual billing saves you one month free. Educational and non-profit discounts are also available.
: Security is core to Retainero. Client passwords are stored with strong encryption, team chat is end-to-end encrypted, and each client portal runs on an isolated subdomain. We follow industry best practices for data protection so both you and your clients can operate with confidence.

The CRM built for agencies, freelancers & retainer-based teams.