Invoice payment terms: Net 7, Net 14, Net 30 and due on receipt
Invoice payment terms tell the customer when payment is expected and, where useful, how to pay. “Net 30” normally means payment is due 30 calendar days after the invoice date. A clear invoice should also show the exact due date so the customer does not have to calculate it.
Reviewed: 11 September 2026
Common invoice payment terms at a glance
The best term is one the customer has agreed to and can act on without interpretation.
| Term | Typical meaning | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Due on receipt | Payment is expected when the invoice is received | The agreement calls for immediate payment |
| Net 7 | Due 7 calendar days after the invoice date | Short projects or fast billing cycles |
| Net 14 | Due 14 calendar days after the invoice date | A short but practical review period |
| Net 30 | Due 30 calendar days after the invoice date | A common business payment window |
| Specific date | Due on the date printed on the invoice | You want the clearest possible deadline |
Write the term and the exact due date together
If an invoice dated 11 September uses Net 30, the customer should not need to count days. Show the term and the calculated due date together, for example: Payment terms: Net 30 · Due date: 11 October 2026.
The invoice due-date calculator can calculate common Net terms from the invoice date and lets you continue to an invoice with the reviewed date.
How to choose payment terms
- Start with the payment timing already agreed in the quote, contract, purchase order, or customer terms.
- Choose a period that gives the customer a realistic review and approval window.
- Use an exact due date as well as shorthand such as Net 14 or Net 30.
- Keep bank details, payment reference, payment link, or other payment instructions separate and readable.
- For a new or high-risk project, consider whether a deposit or milestone schedule should be agreed before work starts rather than relying on a shorter final invoice term.
Common payment-term mistakes
- Using vague wording: “Pay promptly” is harder to act on than a specific date.
- Changing terms after the work: the invoice should normally reflect the commercial terms already agreed.
- Confusing invoice date and due date: print both clearly.
- Assuming every customer accepts the same term: procurement processes and contracts can set different payment windows.
- Adding fees or interest without checking the basis: rights and requirements vary by contract and jurisdiction.
Net 30 is a payment arrangement, not permission to ignore local requirements
Payment deadlines, late-payment interest, consumer protections, public-sector rules, and mandatory invoice information can vary by country and transaction. Check the agreement and rules that apply to your invoice.
Calculate the date, then put it on the invoice.
A clear due date reduces ambiguity for both you and the customer.