Payment terms in the United States: What are your rights and responsibilities?

A payment term defines the maximum time a client has to pay an invoice after receiving it. In the United States, unlike many European countries, there is no single federal law that dictates payment terms for all businesses. Instead, standard terms are shaped by industry practice, state laws, and contractual agreements.

This article outlines how payment terms work in the US, what businesses and consumers can expect, and how you can reduce the risk of late payments.

Table of contents:

1. What is a payment term?
2. Who do payment terms apply to?
3. Common exceptions and custom agreements
4. What happens when a payment is late?
5. How to ensure invoices are paid on time?
6. Example of a payment term on an invoice
7. Get paid faster and take control of your cash flow with Payt
8. Frequently asked questions about payment terms

What is a payment term?

A payment term is the time frame a customer has to pay an invoice. In the US, there is no universal mandatory term like the EU’s 30-day rule. Instead, “Net 30” (payment within 30 days of the invoice date) is considered standard in many industries.

Legal framework in the US

• No federal law sets fixed payment terms for all B2B transactions
• The prompt payment act applies only to federal government contracts, which typically require payment within 30 days after receipt of invoice or goods/services.
• Payment terms in private contracts are governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and subject to state interpretation.
• For B2C, consumer protection laws may apply, but there is no general mandatory payment term.

Who do payment terms apply to?

Important: The Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. § 3901) outlines rights and penalties specifically for federal government contracts. Late payment interest accrues automatically.

Common Exceptions and Custom Agreements

In the absence of statutory regulation, contractual terms take priority. However:

• Payment terms must be mutually agreed in writing
• Unilateral extension of terms by one party may be unenforceable
• Some states have laws to prevent abusive practices by large businesses

If a customer requests a longer term (e.g., Net 60), it should still be clearly documented and fair to both sides.

What happens when a payment is late?

Late payment can lead to significant consequences, including:

Interest on overdue amounts

The legal interest rate varies by state. For example, in California it is 10% per annum unless a different rate is agreed.

Federal contracts have a published interest rate (e.g., 5.875% as of Q1 2025) under the Prompt Payment Act.

Collection fees

Collection agencies may charge fees, which can sometimes be passed on to the debtor (depending on the agreement and state law).

In most states, attorney fees and court costs can be recovered if outlined in the contract.

Legal action

Businesses can pursue unpaid invoices through small claims court, civil court, or commercial debt collection services.

How to ensure invoices are paid on time?

Even the best payment terms are only effective if your customers follow them. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the risk of late payments. With clear agreements, smart follow-up, and the right tools, you stay in control of your accounts receivable.

Set clear payment terms

Start with the basics. Every invoice should clearly state:

• The payment due date (e.g., “Due within 14 days of the invoice date”)
• What happens if payment is late (interest, late fees)
• Accepted payment methods

Be sure to communicate these terms upfront in your quote or contract. This helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes later.

Schedule automatic reminders and follow-ups

Many businesses wait too long to send reminders, which leads to unnecessary delays. Timely, consistent follow-ups significantly improve the chance of getting paid. A typical follow-up sequence includes:

• A friendly reminder shortly after the due date
• A more formal notice a few days later
• A final warning before taking further action

By automating this process, you ensure consistency while reducing manual work.

Use accounts receivable software like Payt

If you’re sending many invoices, tracking payments manually becomes a burden. With accounts receivable software like Payt, you streamline the entire follow-up process:

• Set automatic reminders and late notices based on your schedule
• Let customers reply directly or request a payment plan
• Get real-time insights into who has paid and who hasn’t

Example: You send an invoice on the 1st of the month. Payt automatically sends a reminder on the 14th, a late notice on the 21st—without you lifting a finger. You control the tone, timing, and order of communication.

Example of a payment term on an invoice

A clear payment term helps prevent confusion and lets your customers know exactly what’s expected. Common examples include:

“Please pay the outstanding amount within 14 days of the invoice date.”
“Payment due: 30 days after invoice date (Net 30).”

Whether you’re working B2B or B2C, make sure your terms match your agreement and are legally sound.

Where should you include the payment term?

The best place is prominently on the invoice—often below the total amount or near the billing summary. It’s also smart to include it in your terms and conditions and in any quotes or contracts. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings later.

Get paid faster and take control of your cash flow with Payt

Effective credit management is about more than just sending reminders—it’s about having visibility, structure, and control. Payt’s software gives you just that.

Here’s how our users benefit:

• Invoices are paid up to 40% faster
• Save up to 80% of your time managing receivables
• Automatic follow-up when customers don’t pay
• Consistent, professional communication

Join over 17,000 users who rely on Payt daily to reduce stress and improve financial certainty.
Want to learn more? Download our brochure.

Frequently asked questions about legal payment terms