Guide. 5 min read. Nov 10, 2026
How Online Invoice Payments Work
A plain-language look at how customers pay invoices online, the difference between card and ACH, fees, and payout timing.
The basic flow
With online invoice payments, you send an invoice that includes a secure way to pay. Your customer opens it, chooses a payment method, and pays. A payment processor handles the transaction and later sends the funds to your bank account.
Card payments
Customers can pay with a credit or debit card. Card payments are familiar and quick for customers. Processors charge a fee for each card payment, which is usually a percentage of the payment.
ACH bank payments
ACH payments move money directly from your customer's bank account. They often cost less to process than cards, which can matter on larger invoices, but they can take longer to complete.
When the money arrives
Getting paid online does not usually mean the money is in your bank account the same minute. Processors send payouts on their own schedule, and timing can depend on the payment method, your account, and verification.
Understanding fees
Fees can come from more than one place: the payment processor, and sometimes the software you use to send invoices. Read each provider's fee disclosure so you know what you will pay. Orbit publishes its own payment fees on its pricing page.
Do customers need an account?
With many invoicing tools, including Orbit, customers can open and pay an invoice from a link without creating an account. That small detail removes a common reason for delayed payment.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules vary by location and situation, so consult a qualified professional for advice about your business.