How to Pay an Invoice
Complete guide to paying invoices safely and efficiently. Learn the best payment methods, what information you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.
7
Payment methods covered
< 2 min
Average payment time
100%
Secure methods
24/7
Online availability
Before You Pay: What You Need
Before paying any invoice, make sure you have the following information ready. This ensures a smooth payment process and proper record-keeping.
Invoice Number
Unique reference number to identify your payment.
Amount Due
Exact amount including any taxes or fees.
Payment Details
Bank account, payment link, or other payment info.
Due Date
When payment is expected to avoid late fees.
Pay via Payment Link
Fastest method — click, pay, done
Payment links are the easiest way to pay an invoice. If your invoice includes a payment link or button, this is almost always the fastest option.
Click the Payment Link
Find the payment link in your invoice email or PDF. It usually says "Pay Now", "Pay Invoice", or shows as a button.
Choose Payment Method
Select how you want to pay: credit card, debit card, iDEAL, bank transfer, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Enter Payment Details
Fill in your card number or select your bank. The invoice amount is usually pre-filled.
Confirm Payment
Review the amount and click confirm. You'll receive a payment confirmation immediately.
Benefits
Payment links from services like PayRequest include 20+ payment methods, so you can pay however you prefer.
Pay via Bank Transfer
Traditional method for larger amounts
Bank transfers (wire transfers) are common for B2B payments and larger invoices. They're secure but take 1-3 business days to process.
Log into Online Banking
Access your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to transfers or payments.
Enter Recipient Details
Copy the IBAN (bank account number) and account holder name exactly as shown on the invoice.
Enter the Amount
Type the exact invoice amount. Double-check for decimal places and currency.
Add Payment Reference
Include the invoice number in the reference field. This helps the sender match your payment to the invoice.
Review and Send
Verify all details are correct, then authorize the transfer with your PIN or authentication method.
Always copy-paste bank details instead of typing them manually to avoid errors.
Required Information
Exact name as registered with the bank
International Bank Account Number (e.g., NL91ABNA0417164300)
Bank identifier code (for international transfers)
Reference for payment matching
Pay with Credit or Debit Card
Instant payments with buyer protection
Card payments are fast and offer purchase protection. Most invoices with payment links accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Click Payment Link or Enter Card Portal
Use the payment link on the invoice, or if provided, go to the sender's payment portal.
Select Card Payment
Choose "Credit Card" or "Debit Card" as your payment method.
Enter Card Details
Fill in your card number, expiry date, CVV (3-digit code on back), and cardholder name.
Complete 3D Secure
You may need to verify with your bank via SMS code, app notification, or fingerprint.
Receive Confirmation
Once approved, you'll see a confirmation screen and receive a receipt by email.
Card payments typically have the best buyer protection if there's ever a dispute.
Accepted Cards
Pay with iDEAL
Most popular in the Netherlands
iDEAL is the preferred payment method in the Netherlands, used by 73% of Dutch online shoppers. It's secure, instant, and free for payers.
Select iDEAL
Click the payment link and choose iDEAL as your payment method.
Choose Your Bank
Select your bank from the list (ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, etc.).
Log into Banking
You'll be redirected to your bank's secure environment. Log in as usual.
Confirm Payment
Review the payment details (pre-filled) and confirm with your PIN or app.
Return to Confirmation
After confirmation, you're redirected back with a success message.
Benefits
iDEAL payments are processed instantly — no waiting for bank transfers.
Pay with PayPal
Global payments with buyer protection
PayPal is available in 200+ markets and offers strong buyer protection. You can pay using your PayPal balance, linked bank, or card.
Click Payment Link
Open the invoice's payment link and select PayPal as your method.
Log into PayPal
Sign in to your PayPal account, or create one if needed.
Choose Funding Source
Select whether to pay from your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or card.
Review and Pay
Verify the amount and recipient, then click "Pay Now" to complete.
Benefits
PayPal's buyer protection covers you if items aren't delivered or match the description.
Pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay
One-tap payments from your phone
Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay let you pay with a single tap or Face ID. Your actual card number is never shared with the merchant.
Open Payment Link on Phone
Access the invoice's payment link from your iPhone or Android device.
Tap Apple Pay or Google Pay
Select the digital wallet option at checkout.
Authenticate
Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your device PIN to confirm your identity.
Done
Payment is processed instantly. You'll see a confirmation on screen.
Benefits
Apple Pay and Google Pay are often faster than typing card details, especially on mobile.
Pay via SEPA Direct Debit
Set up automatic payments
SEPA Direct Debit lets businesses collect payments directly from your bank account. You authorize once, and payments are collected automatically.
Receive Mandate Request
The business sends you a SEPA mandate to authorize direct debit from your account.
Provide IBAN
Enter your bank account number (IBAN) on the mandate form.
Sign the Mandate
Authorize the mandate digitally or with a signature.
Payment is Collected
On the due date, the amount is automatically debited from your account.
Benefits
SEPA Direct Debit includes strong consumer protection — you can request a refund within 8 weeks.
How to Verify an Invoice is Legitimate
Before paying any invoice, especially unexpected ones, verify it's genuine to avoid payment fraud.
Check the Sender
Verify the email address matches the company's domain. Watch for misspellings.
Verify Purchase/Service
Confirm you actually ordered the products or services listed.
Cross-Check Details
Compare bank details with previous legitimate invoices from the same company.
Contact Directly
If unsure, call the company using a number from their official website (not the invoice).
Check for Urgency Tactics
Scammers often create false urgency. Legitimate businesses give reasonable payment terms.
If payment details have changed from previous invoices, always verify by phone before paying.
Common Payment Issues
Solutions for frequent problems
Problem: Payment link expired
Solution:Contact the sender to request a new payment link or invoice.
Problem: Card declined
Solution:Check your available balance, try another card, or contact your bank.
Problem: Wrong amount charged
Solution:Contact the sender immediately. For card payments, you may be able to dispute.
Problem: Payment not showing for sender
Solution:Bank transfers take 1-3 days. Keep your transfer confirmation as proof.
Problem: Forgot to add invoice number
Solution:Email the sender with your transfer details so they can match the payment.
Best Practices for Paying Invoices
Pay on Time
Avoid late fees and maintain good business relationships by paying before the due date.
Keep Records
Save payment confirmations, receipts, and bank statements as proof of payment.
Use Payment Links
When available, payment links are faster and reduce errors vs manual bank transfers.
Double-Check Details
Verify the amount and bank details before confirming, especially for large payments.
Note Invoice Numbers
Always include the invoice number in bank transfer references for proper matching.
Request Receipts
After paying, request a payment confirmation or receipt for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to pay an invoice?
Using a payment link is fastest — click the link, select your payment method, and confirm. Card and digital wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) process instantly.
How long do bank transfers take?
Domestic bank transfers typically take 1 business day. International transfers (SWIFT) can take 2-5 business days depending on the banks involved.
Is it safe to click payment links in invoices?
Payment links from legitimate businesses are safe. Always verify the sender's email address, check that the URL uses HTTPS, and confirm you recognize the purchase.
What if I pay the wrong amount?
Contact the sender immediately. If you overpaid, request a refund. If you underpaid, ask if you can pay the difference separately.
Can I pay an invoice in a different currency?
This depends on the payment provider. Many payment links offer automatic currency conversion, but bank transfers may incur conversion fees.
What should I do if the payment link doesn't work?
Try opening the link in a different browser, check your internet connection, or contact the sender for an updated payment link or alternative payment method.
Sending Invoices? Make Them Easy to Pay
PayRequest creates invoices with built-in payment links. Your customers can pay with one click using 20+ payment methods — no more chasing payments.
- Payment links for instant payment
- Accept cards, iDEAL, bank transfers, PayPal
- Automatic payment reminders
- Real-time payment notifications
- Professional invoices with your branding