Split an invoice into a payment schedule

A big job is easier for a client to say yes to when they can pay it in parts. A payment schedule splits one invoice into instalments, each with its own amount and due date, and Fee-Lion keeps track of which ones are paid, which are due, and which are late.

When you’d use this

Use a schedule for larger jobs where you want half up front and half on completion, a deposit and a balance, or a few equal monthly payments. It is a way to split your own invoice, not a financing product.

How to add a schedule

1. Open the invoice and go to the Schedule tab (Payment schedule).
2. Pick a preset: 50 / 50 (50% now, 50% on completion 30 days later), Deposit + balance (25% up front, the rest in 30 days), 3 monthly or 4 monthly (equal payments a month apart).
3. Or choose Custom and add your own rows. Each row has a label, an amount in $ or %, and a due date.
4. Check that the rows add up exactly to the invoice total. If they don’t, the invoice won’t save.
5. Save. The invoice’s due date becomes the date of the final instalment.

To remove a schedule, choose No schedule.

How payments are applied

Each payment goes to the oldest unpaid instalment first. Rows show as Paid, Part paid, Overdue, Due today or upcoming. In the client portal, the Pay button asks for the next payment due. The client can pay more, up to the full balance, but never less. If the client uses auto-pay with a saved card, only instalments that have come due are charged, including any missed ones. Reminder and past-due emails follow the next unpaid instalment and show it.

The schedule table prints on the invoice PDF in every document style, and instalments can be paid by card or by bank (ACH) where bank payments are turned on.

Tip: You can propose a schedule on an estimate from its own Schedule tab, with rows set as days after the invoice. When you convert the full estimate, that schedule becomes the invoice’s schedule.

FAQ

Can a client pay ahead?

Yes. They can pay more than the next instalment, up to the full balance. The extra is applied to the next unpaid instalments in order.

Why won’t my invoice save?

The rows must total exactly the invoice amount. Adjust an amount or percentage until they match.

What’s next

• Let clients pay by bank (ACH)
• Turn on auto-pay for recurring invoices
• See how payment schedules work