Invoice payment terms explained

13 July 20265 min read

Payment terms tell your client when and how to pay. Clear terms protect your cash flow and prevent awkward chasing later. Here are the ones you'll actually use.

Common terms

  • Due on Receipt — payment is expected as soon as the invoice arrives.
  • Net 15 / 30 / 60 — payment due in that many days. See what Net 30 means.
  • Deposit / part-payment — a percentage upfront, the balance on completion. Common for larger projects.

Tips for getting paid

  • Write the concrete due date, not just the term.
  • Agree terms before you start the work, not on the invoice.
  • Make payment easy — include bank details and a reference.
  • Invoice promptly; the sooner it's sent, the sooner it's paid.

Set terms in one click

Invoice Forever lets you choose a term and works out the due date for you, so every invoice is consistent. It's free to use.

Keep reading

How to write an invoice (step by step)

Everything a client needs to pay you, in the right order — with nothing missing.

What does Net 30 mean on an invoice?

The payment term everyone uses but few explain. Here's exactly what it means.

Invoice vs receipt: what's the difference?

Two documents, two jobs. Sending the wrong one confuses clients and your books.

Now make it real.

Create a free invoice in under a minute.

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