Due upon receipt: what it means on an invoice

By Diljit Ramachandran, founder of The Invoice Generator. Published Oct 26, 2026.

Due upon receipt means payment is expected as soon as the client gets the invoice, not after a set number of days. It is the shortest standard payment term. It suits small jobs and one-off customers, but it gives the client no grace period.

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What does due upon receipt mean?

The invoice is due the moment it is received. There is no number of days, unlike Net 15 or Net 30. Clients may read it as a few days rather than at once, so it helps to add a date.

How does it compare with Net 15 and Net 30?

Due upon receipt, also written due on receipt, means payment is due when the invoice arrives.

Terms	When payment is due
Due upon receipt	When the invoice arrives
Net 15	15 days after the invoice date
Net 30	30 days after the invoice date

When should you use it?

Small jobs paid by individuals
Work done on the spot
Clients who have paid late before
A first invoice for a new client

A clearer way to write it

Write Due upon receipt, with the date you expect payment by, for example within 7 days. See payment terms explained for the other common terms.

Questions

Does due upon receipt mean pay today?: Literally yes, but clients read it loosely. A date removes the doubt.
Can I use it with a late fee?: Yes, if it was agreed in advance and local rules allow it. Say when the fee starts.

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Drafted with AI assistance from public sources and our own tool, and published by Diljit Ramachandran. It has not been checked by an accountant. It is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rules differ by place; check with an accountant or your local tax office.