Best examples of payment methods in invoices: key examples freelancers should use

Let’s start with the thing you actually need: concrete wording. Here are realistic examples of payment methods in invoices you can drop into your freelance contracts and invoice templates.

Bank transfer (ACH / wire) – the workhorse method

For U.S. clients, bank transfer via ACH is usually the cheapest and most reliable. For international work, you’ll often see wire transfers with IBAN/SWIFT details.

Sample invoice wording (U.S. client, ACH):

Preferred payment method: Bank transfer (ACH)

Please send payment to:
Bank name: First National Bank
Account name: Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
Account number: 123456789
Routing number (ACH): 021000021
Account type: Business checking
Reference: Invoice #2025-014

All transfer fees charged by your bank are your responsibility.

Sample invoice wording (international client, wire):

Payment method: International bank wire

Bank name: First National Bank
Account name: Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
IBAN: GB12BARC20000012345678
SWIFT/BIC: BARCGB22
Bank address: 123 Bank Street, London, UK
Currency: USD
Reference: Invoice #2025-014 – [Client Company]

Please select “OUR” or equivalent so all transfer fees are paid by the sender.

These are classic examples of payment methods in invoices: key examples that work well when clients prefer traditional banking. They reduce back-and-forth emails and make it harder for accounting teams to “lose” your details.

Online payment links (Stripe, Square, etc.) – fastest for one-off projects

If you want clients to pay with a credit or debit card without sharing card details directly, a hosted payment link is your friend. This is especially popular for freelancers who invoice international clients.

Sample invoice wording:

Payment method: Online card payment (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx)

You can pay this invoice securely by credit or debit card using the link below:
Payment link: https://pay.yourbusiness.com/invoice/2025-014
Supported cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
A 3% processing fee applies to card payments (not charged on ACH or bank transfers).

This example of payment method wording nudges clients toward lower-fee options (bank transfer) while still giving them the convenience of cards.

PayPal – common for international and marketplace work

PayPal remains widely used, especially where clients already have PayPal balances or when working through platforms that default to it.

Sample invoice wording:

Payment method: PayPal

PayPal email: payments@jamietaylorconsulting.com
PayPal.me link: https://www.paypal.me/jamietaylorconsulting/1200
Currency: USD
Please include Invoice #2025-014 in the payment note.

If you pass on PayPal fees, be explicit about it in your contract and invoices. The Federal Trade Commission recommends clear, upfront fee disclosures to avoid unfair or deceptive practices (ftc.gov).

Checks – still common with U.S. corporate clients

Checks may feel outdated, but many U.S. companies (especially larger or government clients) still prefer them. If you accept checks, spell out the details.

Sample invoice wording:

Payment method: Check

Make checks payable to: Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
Mailing address:
Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
500 Market Street, Suite 210
San Francisco, CA 94105

Please write Invoice #2025-014 on the memo line.
Payment is considered received on the date funds clear.

For remote freelancers, this can slow down payment by a week or more. If you list checks among your examples of payment methods in invoices, pair them with at least one faster electronic option.

Digital wallets (Venmo Business, Cash App, Zelle) – use carefully

From 2024 onward, more freelancers are using business profiles on digital wallet services. They’re convenient, but you need to treat them like any other business payment method, with clear records and terms.

Sample invoice wording (Zelle):

Payment method: Zelle (U.S. bank-to-bank)

Zelle email: payments@jamietaylorconsulting.com
Recipient name: Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
Please confirm your bank supports Zelle for business payments.
Add note: “Invoice #2025-014”.

Sample invoice wording (Venmo Business):

Payment method: Venmo Business

Venmo Business profile: @JamieTaylorConsulting
Please select “Paying a business” when sending funds.
Add note: “Invoice #2025-014 – [Client Company]”.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has updated reporting rules for payment apps and third-party networks; if you’re in the U.S., keep an eye on current 1099-K thresholds at irs.gov.

Retainers and subscription-style payments

If you’re on a monthly retainer or subscription plan, your invoice can reference an ongoing payment method rather than a one-off.

Sample invoice wording:

Payment method: Recurring monthly payment

This invoice is payable via the saved payment method on file through our subscription billing system (Stripe).
Billing date: 1st of each month
Payment method on file: Visa ending in 1234
To update your payment method, visit: https://billing.jamietaylorconsulting.com/account

This is one of the best examples of payment methods in invoices when you work on long-term contracts. It reinforces that payment is automatic and reduces the “I forgot to pay” excuse.

How to choose the best examples of payment methods in invoices for your situation

There is no single “best” method; the smart move is to pick two or three that balance speed, fees, and client comfort.

For U.S.-based freelancers with mostly U.S. clients, your shortlist of examples of payment methods in invoices might be:

• Bank transfer (ACH) as the first choice
• Online card payment link as the backup
• Check only if you work with large or government clients

For freelancers with many international clients:

• International bank wire (with IBAN/SWIFT) in USD or EUR
• Online card payments via Stripe or PayPal
• Optional: Wise (formerly TransferWise) details if your clients already use it

The U.S. Small Business Administration suggests prioritizing payment methods that are secure, trackable, and aligned with your recordkeeping system (sba.gov). When you write your own examples of payment methods in invoices, keep those three criteria in mind.

Wording tips that make payment methods crystal clear

Your client should be able to look at the invoice and know, within five seconds, how to pay. To get there, borrow from these real examples and follow a few simple rules.

Put your preferred method first

Order matters. If you list eight options, the client will pick whatever is easiest for them, not necessarily what’s best for you. If ACH is your favorite, put it at the top and label it:

Preferred payment method: Bank transfer (ACH)

Then follow with alternatives:

Other accepted methods: Online card payment, PayPal, Check

This mirrors the structure of the best examples of payment methods in invoices: key examples always lead with the method that protects your cash flow.

Always include:

When you write your own example of payment method language, make sure you include:

• Exact payee name (must match your bank or payment account)
• Account identifiers (routing, IBAN, SWIFT, email, profile handle)
• Currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
• Reference or invoice number to put in the note/memo
• Who pays fees (you or the client)

That last one matters. Disputes over “unexpected” fees are a classic way for a client to delay paying the full amount.

Match payment methods to payment terms

Your payment terms (like “Net 30” or “Due on receipt”) should make sense with the methods you offer.

• If you want fast payment, pair “Due on receipt” with online card payment or ACH.
• If you allow longer terms (Net 30/45), checks become more realistic, but you’re accepting slower cash flow.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that small businesses often struggle with cash flow volatility; slow-paying customers are a big part of that (bls.gov). Clear, realistic combinations of terms and payment methods help you avoid becoming part of that statistic.

Putting it together: a full payment section you can reuse

To tie these examples of payment methods in invoices together, here’s a full payment section that many freelancers could adapt with minimal edits.

Payment methods (please choose one):

1. Preferred – Bank transfer (ACH / wire)
Bank name: First National Bank
Account name: Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
Account number: 123456789
Routing number (ACH): 021000021
SWIFT/BIC (for international wires): FNBNUS33
Currency: USD
Reference: Invoice #2025-014

2. Online card payment
Pay securely by credit or debit card using this link:
https://pay.yourbusiness.com/invoice/2025-014
Supported cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
A 3% processing fee applies to card payments.

3. PayPal
PayPal email: payments@jamietaylorconsulting.com
Currency: USD
Note: Include “Invoice #2025-014” in the payment note.

4. Check (U.S. clients only)
Make payable to: Jamie Taylor Consulting LLC
Mail to: 500 Market Street, Suite 210, San Francisco, CA 94105
Write “Invoice #2025-014” on the memo line.

This block shows several examples of payment methods in invoices: key examples that are specific, client-friendly, and easy for you to track.

2024–2025 trends shaping payment methods in invoices

If you’re updating your freelance contract templates now, a few trends are worth noting:

• More clients expect online payment links. Sending a PDF without a clickable way to pay feels dated. Tools like Stripe, Square, and PayPal Invoicing are now baseline expectations for many clients.
• Digital wallet usage is rising, but needs structure. Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle are common in the U.S., especially with smaller clients. If you include them as examples of payment methods in invoices, keep them business-only and document everything for taxes.
• Clients care more about security and privacy. Many prefer not to email card details. Hosted payment pages and reputable processors help reassure them.
• Global work is normal. IBAN/SWIFT fields are no longer “nice to have” for many freelancers; they’re standard.

Your invoices should reflect these realities: at least one traditional method (bank transfer) and at least one modern, link-based method.

FAQ: common questions about payment methods on invoices

What are some common examples of payment methods in invoices for freelancers?

Common examples of payment methods in invoices for freelancers include bank transfer (ACH or wire), online card payments via Stripe or Square, PayPal, checks, and business profiles on services like Zelle or Venmo. Many freelancers list two or three of these, with bank transfer as the preferred option.

How many payment methods should I list on my invoice?

Two or three is usually enough. Too many options can confuse clients and slow down payment. A practical mix is: preferred bank transfer, one online card option, and one backup (PayPal or check) for clients with rigid policies.

What is a good example of payment terms that match payment methods?

A solid example of payment terms paired with methods is:

Payment due: Net 14 (14 days from invoice date)
Preferred payment method: Bank transfer (ACH)
Other accepted methods: Online card payment, PayPal

This combination encourages relatively quick payment while giving clients flexibility in how they pay.

Should I include my bank details on every invoice?

If bank transfer is one of your examples of payment methods in invoices, yes—include the full, correct details on every invoice. Make it easy for accounting teams to pay you without digging through old emails. If you’re worried about security, use a dedicated business account and consider sharing only what’s needed for incoming transfers.

Can I charge extra fees for certain payment methods?

In many places, you can pass on processing fees (like credit card surcharges), but the rules vary by state and country. Always check local regulations and disclose any fees clearly on your invoice and in your contract. Hidden or surprise fees can create legal and relationship problems.

The bottom line: use these real-world examples of payment methods in invoices as templates, but adjust them to fit how you actually want to get paid. The clearer you are, the faster the money shows up in your account.