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Payment Terms (Net 15)

Sets a clear invoice due date and payment window so 'I'll get to it' never becomes an open-ended wait.

When to use it: Use in every contract to define exactly when and how invoices are paid.

The clause

Payment Terms. Invoices are due within fifteen (15) days of the invoice date
("Net 15"). Accepted payment methods are [list methods]. Payment is considered
received on the date funds clear into the Contractor's account. Time is of the
essence with respect to all payments under this Agreement.

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details before using.

Why this clause matters

"When will I get paid?" should never be ambiguous. A defined payment window gives you a concrete date to reference the moment an invoice slips, and "time is of the essence" language signals that deadlines are contractual, not aspirational.

How to use it

  • Pick your window. Net 15 suits most freelancers; swap in Net 7 or Net 30 by changing the number and the words in parentheses.
  • List real payment methods. Replace [list methods] with exactly what you accept (bank transfer, Stripe, etc.) so there's no "I didn't know how to pay you" excuse.
  • Anchor "received" to cleared funds. The clause defines payment as the date money actually clears, not the date a transfer was initiated.

Related terms to pair it with

Back this up with a late payment fee clause so there's a cost to missing the window, and a deposit clause so you're not carrying the whole project on trust.

This is a general template for information only, not legal advice. Have a qualified professional review your contract before you rely on it.

Payment terms tell the client when to pay. FileDue makes it automatic for delivered files — they simply don't unlock until payment lands.

See how FileDue works →

Related clauses

Late Payment FeeAdds a monthly charge to overdue invoices so paying you on time is cheaper than paying you late.Deposit Required Before Work BeginsRequires an upfront deposit before any work starts, so you're never fully exposed at the beginning of a project.