Invoice Payment Terms in Canada

Copy-ready examples for telling clients when and how to pay: due on receipt, Net 7, Net 15, Net 30, Interac e-Transfer, credit card, and late fees.

Create an invoice with terms

What are invoice payment terms?

Invoice payment terms tell your client the payment deadline, accepted payment methods, and what happens if the invoice is paid late. They reduce ambiguity and make follow-ups easier.

For freelancers and small businesses, the most useful terms are often short and direct: Net 7, Net 15, or due on receipt.

Copy-ready payment term examples

Due on receipt

Payment is due upon receipt of this invoice. Please pay by Interac e-Transfer or credit card.

Net 7

Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date. Overdue balances may be subject to late payment fees.

Net 15

Payment is due within 15 days of the invoice date. Please use the payment link or Interac e-Transfer details shown on the invoice.

Net 30

Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. Any questions or disputes should be sent before the due date.

Which term should you choose: Net 7, Net 15, or Net 30?

  • Net 7 works well for small projects, quick jobs, rush work, or new clients.
  • Net 15 is a practical middle ground for freelancers and professional services.
  • Net 30 is common with larger companies, but it slows down your cash flow.
  • For larger projects, ask for a deposit or invoice by milestone.

How to write payment methods

Complete example

Payment terms: payment is due within 15 days of the invoice date. Payment accepted by Interac e-Transfer to payments@example.ca or by credit card using the link shown on the invoice.

If you accept cards, include a clear payment link. The less your client has to search for instructions, the easier it is to pay quickly.

Read the guide to online invoice payments

Late fees: example wording

If you plan to charge late fees, state them clearly in your terms and ideally in your contract or agreement before the work begins. The wording below is a practical example, not legal advice.

Balances unpaid after the due date may be subject to a late fee of 1.5% per month, calculated on the outstanding balance.

Quebec tax note: Revenu Quebec explains charges for late payment of a bill

Payment reminder examples

Before the due date

Quick reminder: invoice INV-2026-001 is due on May 26. You can pay it using the link shown on the invoice. Thank you!

After the due date

Hello, invoice INV-2026-001 is now overdue. Could you confirm the expected payment date? I am including the payment link again here for convenience.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Writing only “payable soon” without a clear date.
  • Forgetting to list accepted payment methods.
  • Adding late fees the client never saw beforehand.
  • Giving too many options and making payment confusing.

Create an invoice with clear payment terms

Use the free generator to add a due date, payment notes, and a professional PDF.