Operation Solo

Payment Terms Contract Clause Generator

Strong payment terms belong in the contract, not just your head. Pick your terms below and copy the clause straight into your agreement — Net 30, late fees, and deposits are the three terms that do the most work.

Note: this generates standard-form contract language from commonly used freelance terms — it is not legal advice and does not adapt to your jurisdiction's usury or penalty rules. The late-fee line self-caps at the maximum rate permitted by law. For high-value or unusual engagements, have a lawyer review the final contract.

Companion tool: Late-Fee Calculator — what that late fee is actually worth on an overdue invoice →

Terms are the chase system's input

Our $19 Invoice-Chasing Kit pairs these exact terms with the follow-up emails for day 7, 14, 30, and 60 — polite first, firm later. Get the free email-scripts sampler:

Common questions

What payment terms should freelancers put in their contracts?

At minimum: a net payment term (Net 30 is the most common default), a late-fee clause (1.5% per month is a widely used standard), an upfront deposit (25 to 50% is common for larger projects), and the payment methods you accept. Put the terms on the invoice too, not just the contract.

Is a 1.5% per month late fee normal for freelancers?

It is one of the most commonly used freelance late-fee rates — roughly 18% APR. The enforceable maximum varies by jurisdiction and contract type, so contracts commonly frame it as 'or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is lower.'

Should I require a deposit as a freelancer?

It is commonly used practice: 25 to 50% upfront for projects over a few hundred dollars, and 100% upfront for small fixed-fee gigs. A deposit commits the client and protects you if scope goes sideways.