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Payments

InstantInvoice lets you track payments directly on each invoice. You can record cash and bank payments, set up deposits, schedule installments, and accept online payments through Stripe.

Record a payment

To record a payment on an invoice:

  1. Open the invoice in the Invoice Generator.
  2. Scroll down to the Payment Tracker section (or expand it if it's collapsed).
  3. Click Record Payment.
  4. Enter the amount, select a payment method, and add an optional reference number.
  5. Set the payment date and click Save.

The invoice balance updates automatically. You can record multiple partial payments on the same invoice until the full amount is covered.

Payment methods

When recording a payment, you can choose from these methods:

  • Bank transfer
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit card
  • PayPal
  • Stripe
  • Other

The payment method is saved with the record so you have a clear history of how each invoice was paid.

Deposits

If you need an upfront payment before starting work, you can set up a deposit on any invoice.

There are two deposit types:

  • Fixed amount — a specific dollar value (e.g. $500 deposit).
  • Percentage — a percentage of the invoice total (e.g. 30% upfront).

To add a deposit, open the Payment Tracker section on your invoice and set the deposit amount or percentage. You can mark the deposit as paid once you receive it, and even email a deposit request to your client.

Scheduled payments

For larger invoices, you can break the total into installments. This is useful for project-based work where payments are made at milestones.

  1. Open the invoice and go to the Payment Tracker section.
  2. Look for the Upcoming Payments area.
  3. Add installments with specific amounts and due dates.
  4. As each installment comes due, mark it as paid.

You can see all upcoming and past-due payments at a glance. This makes it easy to follow up on late payments.

Stripe payments

Want your clients to pay online? Connect your Stripe account to add a payment button directly on your invoices.

  1. Open an invoice in the Invoice Generator.
  2. Find the Payment Button section in the form.
  3. Click Connect Stripe and follow the prompts to link your account.
  4. Once connected, click Add Payment Button to generate a payment link.

When your client opens the invoice, they'll see a "Pay Now" button. They can pay with a credit card, and the payment is recorded automatically.

You can remove the payment button at any time if you prefer to collect payment another way.

Mark as paid

When you receive payment outside of Stripe (cash, check, bank transfer, etc.), you can manually mark payments as paid in the Payment Tracker.

Once the full invoice amount is covered by recorded payments, the invoice status changes to Paid. You can see all paid invoices in your Dashboard.

Next: Recurring Invoices — automate invoice creation and set up payment reminders.