Payments for professional services
Invoices, retainers, deposits and card-on-file billing for firms that bill for time and expertise.
Larger tickets, fewer transactions
Consultants, agencies, accountants and similar firms have the opposite profile to retail: a small number of large invoices rather than many small sales. That changes what matters. Percentage-based pricing hurts on a five-figure invoice, so ACH is often the better rail, and getting paid on time matters more than checkout speed.
How the setup works for your account
Pay-by-link invoices
Send a payment link with the invoice instead of chasing a bank transfer.
ACH for large invoices
Flat-fee bank debits instead of a percentage on a large amount.
Retainer and milestone billing
Charge a deposit, then bill against milestones or on a schedule.
Card on file
Store a token for repeat clients so recurring work does not need re-authorisation each time.
Reducing time-to-payment
Put the link in the invoice
Payment rates rise sharply when the client does not have to leave the email.
Take a deposit up front
A deposit both funds the work and filters clients who were never going to pay.
Set terms in writing
Scope, cancellation and refund terms in the engagement letter are what protect you in a dispute.
Common questions
On invoices above a few thousand dollars, ACH is usually cheaper because it is priced per item. Many firms offer both and let the client choose.
Surcharging and cash-discount programmes are regulated and the rules vary by state and card network. Ask us before implementing one, and confirm with your attorney.
A signed engagement letter, dated deliverables and written client approval are the evidence that wins these cases.
See what your processing should actually cost
Send a recent statement, or your monthly volume and average ticket. You get a written breakdown back — no commitment.