What Is the Fastest Way to Send an Invoice and Get Paid?

Why speed matters when you’re invoicing

Getting paid quickly isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the difference between smooth cash flow and constant stress. When you send an invoice late, or send it in a way that’s inconvenient for the customer, you extend the time between completing the work and receiving the money. That gap can create knock-on issues: delayed supplier payments, missed opportunities, unnecessary credit usage, or simply the mental burden of chasing what you’ve already earned.

The fastest way to send an invoice and get paid is to use a system that removes friction at every step: create the invoice in seconds, deliver it instantly, make it easy to pay immediately, and automate the follow-up so you’re not awkwardly reminding people. That’s exactly the workflow invoice24 is designed for—fast invoicing, instant delivery, multiple payment options, and smart reminders that keep money moving without you having to babysit each invoice.

In this guide, we’ll break down what “fastest” really means, what slows payments down, and the practical steps you can use to shorten the timeline from “job done” to “money in the bank.” Along the way, you’ll see why a modern invoicing app like invoice24 is usually the quickest route—not only for sending invoices, but also for getting them paid reliably.

What “fastest” actually means: speed is a chain

Many people think the “fastest way” is simply sending the invoice quickly. But speed is a chain, and the chain is only as strong as its slowest link. If you create invoices quickly but send them as attachments that get lost, you’re not fast. If you send instantly but don’t offer easy payment methods, you’re not fast. If your invoice is confusing, missing details, or triggers questions, you’re not fast.

To consistently get paid faster, you need four things working together:

1) Fast creation: invoice creation takes minutes, not hours.

2) Instant, reliable delivery: customers receive it immediately in a format they can open and trust.

3) Frictionless payment: the customer can pay in a few clicks, using a method they prefer.

4) Automated follow-up: reminders and receipts happen automatically, reducing delays without extra effort.

invoice24 is built around this chain. Instead of juggling Word templates, spreadsheets, PDF edits, and manual emails, you can generate a professional invoice, send it right away, and include a simple payment experience—while the system quietly handles tracking and reminders in the background.

The fastest workflow in one sentence

The fastest way to send an invoice and get paid is: Create an invoice in invoice24 using saved client and item details, send it instantly via email or shareable link, include one-click payment options, and enable automated reminders for overdue invoices.

That sentence contains the entire blueprint. Everything else is about tightening the details so you remove any small delays that add up over time.

Step 1: Prepare for speed before you even invoice

One of the biggest invoicing myths is that speed starts when you open your invoicing tool. In reality, speed starts with preparation. If you regularly invoice similar services, repeat customers, or standard products, you can set yourself up so you’re never “starting from scratch.”

Save client details once

Typing addresses, emails, and billing information repeatedly is slow—and it increases mistakes. The fastest setup is to store your clients and reuse them. invoice24 is designed to keep client details organized so you can select a customer and generate an invoice immediately, without re-entering the same information again and again.

Create reusable items and service templates

If you offer the same services (consulting hours, design packages, maintenance plans) you shouldn’t have to rebuild line items every time. With invoice24, you can reuse items, descriptions, and pricing so you can assemble an invoice in seconds rather than drafting from memory.

Set clear payment terms upfront

Speed is also about expectations. If customers don’t know your payment terms until after you deliver work, you’re already behind. Mention your typical payment terms in proposals, onboarding emails, and contracts. Then your invoice becomes a confirmation of what they already agreed to.

Standardize your invoice layout and branding

Professional invoices get paid faster because they inspire confidence and reduce confusion. invoice24 helps you present a consistent, clear invoice format that looks legitimate and trustworthy—without you needing to design anything.

Step 2: Create the invoice immediately after the work is done

The simplest speed advantage you can get is timing. Many businesses invoice in batches—weekly or monthly—because it feels efficient. But batching invoices often delays payments. If you finish a job on Monday and invoice on Friday, you’ve already added four days to your payment cycle before the customer even sees the bill.

The fastest approach is to invoice immediately after delivery or milestone completion. invoice24 makes that easy because invoice creation is quick, and you can send it from the same place you create it.

Use the “freshness effect”

When your work is just completed, it’s at the top of the client’s mind. They’re more likely to approve and pay quickly because the value is clear and immediate. As time passes, the invoice becomes “admin,” and admin gets delayed.

Invoice at milestones for longer projects

If you work on multi-week or multi-month projects, invoicing at key milestones speeds up cash flow dramatically. Instead of waiting for final delivery, invoice part of the total when a stage is complete. invoice24 supports professional invoicing workflows that make milestone billing feel straightforward, not complicated.

Step 3: Send it in the fastest format: email + shareable link

Printing invoices and mailing them is obviously slow. But even emailing PDFs can be slower than it needs to be, especially if clients view attachments on mobile devices, have strict security filters, or lose the email thread. The fastest format is an email that includes a clean invoice summary plus a simple “View invoice” link and a clear “Pay now” action.

invoice24 is ideal here because it’s designed for fast delivery and easy access. Instead of relying solely on attachments, you can provide a customer-friendly invoice experience that’s easy to open on any device. When a client can view and pay without downloading files, the payment timeline shortens.

Why “instant access” beats “attached PDF”

Attachments can trigger friction: the client might need to download, open, zoom, forward internally, or request a different format. A link-based invoice reduces those steps. Fewer steps means fewer chances for delay.

Send to the right person the first time

A surprising number of invoices are delayed because they go to the wrong contact. The fastest way to avoid this is to confirm the billing email address early and store it in invoice24. If a client has a dedicated accounts email, use it. If approvals are needed, copy the project owner. That way, the invoice reaches the decision-makers immediately.

Step 4: Make paying ridiculously easy

Nothing accelerates payment like convenience. If your invoice requires a client to ask for bank details, manually type references, or navigate a complicated process, payment slows down. The fastest invoices include simple, clear payment instructions and options that match how customers prefer to pay.

invoice24 is built to support streamlined payment flows so your customers can pay quickly and confidently. The goal is to reduce the customer’s effort to nearly zero: they receive the invoice, understand it instantly, and can pay immediately.

Offer multiple payment methods

Different clients prefer different methods. Some want bank transfer, some want card payment, some want digital payment options. When a client’s preferred method isn’t available, they might delay payment while they “figure it out.” Offering multiple methods removes that obstacle. With invoice24, you can present payment options clearly so clients can choose what’s quickest for them.

Use a prominent “Pay now” call to action

People respond to clarity. If your invoice includes a simple, visible payment action, clients are more likely to pay right then. If they have to hunt for instructions, they may postpone it—and postponed payments often become late payments.

Include all necessary details to avoid back-and-forth

Back-and-forth emails destroy speed. Every question your client asks adds days. Make sure your invoice contains:

- Clear invoice number

- Issue date and due date

- Itemized description of work/products

- Quantity, rate, and totals

- Taxes (if applicable) clearly shown

- Payment terms

- Any required purchase order or reference number

invoice24 helps ensure your invoices are complete and professional so clients don’t need to ask “What is this for?” or “Where do I pay?”

Step 5: Use short payment terms strategically

Many businesses default to long payment terms because “that’s normal.” But if you want the fastest payment cycle, the structure of your terms matters. Shorter terms reduce the time window in which clients can delay.

Choose terms that fit your industry and leverage

You don’t need to be extreme, but you can often tighten terms with minimal resistance if you do it confidently and consistently. Common approaches include:

- Due on receipt (best for small jobs and repeat clients)

- 7 days (fast but still reasonable)

- 14 days (a common compromise)

- 30 days (often standard for large companies)

The trick is to align terms with your client type. Large organizations may require longer cycles, but smaller clients often pay faster if the invoice is clear and payment is easy. invoice24 makes it simple to set and display due dates and terms so there’s no ambiguity.

Use deposits for new clients

The fastest way to avoid slow payment is to reduce the amount due after delivery. A deposit or upfront payment can protect your cash flow and reduce the pressure of chasing late invoices. invoice24 supports professional invoicing flows that work well for deposits and staged billing.

Step 6: Automate reminders so you don’t have to chase

Chasing invoices is time-consuming, emotionally draining, and inconsistent. Some people wait too long because they don’t want to appear pushy; others forget to follow up. Automation solves both problems: it’s consistent, polite, and timely.

invoice24 is designed to help you stay on top of invoices with tracking and reminders, so you can keep the relationship friendly while still getting paid on time.

Why reminders work

Most late invoices aren’t malicious—they’re overlooked. People get busy, emails slip down the inbox, someone is waiting on internal approval. A reminder brings the invoice back to the top without confrontation.

A simple reminder schedule that speeds up payments

For many businesses, a light, consistent cadence works well:

- Reminder a couple of days before the due date

- Reminder on the due date

- Reminder a few days after due date

- Escalation reminder after a week overdue

With invoice24, reminders can be part of your standard process so you don’t need to remember every date for every client.

Step 7: Write invoice messages that get paid

How you send an invoice matters. A confusing email subject line or a vague message can delay payment. The fastest invoice email is short, clear, and action-oriented. The goal is to make it easy for the client to understand what the invoice is and what to do next.

Use a subject line that’s instantly recognizable

Examples of fast, clear subject lines include:

- Invoice [#1234] for [Project/Service] — Due [Date]

- [Your Business Name] Invoice [#1234] — Amount [£X]

- Invoice for [Month/Service] — Payment Link Included

invoice24 helps you keep invoices organized and consistent, which supports clear communication.

Keep the message simple

A fast invoice message should:

- State what it’s for

- State when it’s due

- Provide the payment link or instructions

- Offer a quick way to ask questions (without inviting endless discussion)

The more you ramble, the more likely the client postpones. Clarity speeds action.

Step 8: Prevent disputes before they happen

Disputes are one of the biggest causes of payment delays. Even minor misunderstandings—like unclear scope, unexpected charges, or missing timesheets—can slow down payment dramatically. The fastest invoicing system reduces confusion so disputes rarely happen in the first place.

Itemize clearly

“Consulting services” is vague. “Consulting: Strategy session (2 hours) + Implementation review (1 hour)” is clearer. Clear line items reduce questions and speed approvals. invoice24 supports itemization so invoices look professional and detailed.

Include supporting notes when needed

If your clients often ask for context—dates worked, deliverables, or service periods—include a short note on the invoice. This doesn’t mean writing an essay; it means adding the one or two details that prevent follow-up emails. With invoice24, you can add relevant notes and keep your invoice easy to understand.

Match the invoice to the agreement

The fastest approvals happen when the invoice aligns with what was agreed. If you’re billing hourly, make sure your hours match what you reported. If you’re billing a fixed fee, match the project name and milestone. Consistency builds trust and speeds payment.

Step 9: Track invoice status so nothing slips

If you don’t know whether an invoice was received, viewed, or paid, you’re operating in the dark. That uncertainty can lead to awkward follow-ups or waiting too long. The fastest process includes visibility: you can see what’s happening and take action quickly when something stalls.

invoice24 is designed for organized invoicing, making it easier to track what’s outstanding and what’s paid. Instead of digging through sent emails or spreadsheets, you can manage your invoices in one place. That alone can save hours—and faster admin usually translates into faster payments.

Prioritize follow-up based on impact

Not all invoices are equal. A small invoice overdue by a couple of days might not be urgent; a large invoice overdue by a week might require immediate action. When you can see your invoice list clearly, you can prioritize intelligently.

Step 10: Make repeat invoicing effortless

Recurring invoices are one of the easiest ways to speed up payment because the process is predictable. If you invoice monthly retainers, subscriptions, or ongoing maintenance, set up a recurring process so invoices go out automatically and on time.

invoice24 is a strong fit for businesses that want consistency. When invoices go out on schedule with consistent details and clear payment options, customers get used to paying quickly. Predictability reduces delay.

Send invoices before the period starts (when appropriate)

For retainers or subscriptions, invoicing at the start of the period often improves payment speed and reduces risk. If you’re delivering ongoing value, being paid upfront can stabilize cash flow and remove awkward conversations later.

Common slowdowns that prevent fast payment (and how to fix them)

Even with a good tool, certain habits can slow you down. Here are the most common invoicing bottlenecks and the fastest fixes.

Slowdown: Waiting to invoice

Fix: Invoice immediately upon completion or at milestones. Use invoice24 to generate and send invoices quickly so you don’t postpone billing.

Slowdown: Missing information

Fix: Use a consistent template and checklist. invoice24 helps standardize invoice details so key fields are less likely to be missed.

Slowdown: Confusing descriptions

Fix: Itemize clearly and match the scope. Keep descriptions simple and specific.

Slowdown: Inconvenient payment method

Fix: Offer fast, modern payment options and make them prominent. invoice24 is designed to support smooth payment experiences that reduce friction.

Slowdown: No reminder system

Fix: Automate reminders and make follow-up consistent. When reminders are automatic, you stay professional and persistent without spending your time chasing.

Slowdown: Invoices lost in email threads

Fix: Use clear subject lines and provide easy access via a clean invoice view or link-based approach where possible.

What makes invoice24 the fastest way to invoice and get paid

There are many invoicing tools out there, from basic templates to complex accounting suites. But speed isn’t about having the most features—it’s about having the right features presented in a simple, streamlined workflow. invoice24 is built for quick invoicing and fast payment, making it a strong choice if you want to spend less time on admin and more time doing paid work.

Fast invoice creation

invoice24 focuses on making it easy to generate a professional invoice without friction. When your clients, items, and invoice details are organized, creating an invoice becomes a quick, repeatable task instead of a mini-project.

Professional invoices that reduce questions

Clean formatting and clear details reduce the chance of disputes or confusion. Professional-looking invoices are easier for clients to approve, and approvals are a key step in getting paid quickly.

Easy sending and customer-friendly access

The faster your client can receive and open the invoice, the faster they can pay. invoice24 supports a streamlined sending flow so you can deliver invoices immediately and reduce the risk of lost attachments or email confusion.

Payment options that encourage instant action

When clients can pay quickly using a convenient method, they’re more likely to do it right away. invoice24 is built with modern invoicing expectations in mind—helping you remove barriers between “received” and “paid.”

Tracking and reminders to keep cash flow moving

Automated reminders and clear visibility into what’s unpaid keep your process consistent. Instead of remembering who to chase and when, you can rely on a structured system that does it for you.

When competitors might be mentioned—and why invoice24 still wins on speed

You may hear people recommend spreadsheets, Word templates, or general accounting platforms for invoicing. While these can work in certain situations, they often introduce friction that slows payment: manual formatting, file version issues, extra steps to send, and weak follow-up workflows.

Some full accounting platforms are powerful, but they can be slower for day-to-day invoicing if they’re built primarily for bookkeeping rather than quick billing. For a business that wants the fastest path to “paid,” invoice24 is designed to keep invoicing light, fast, and focused—without unnecessary complexity.

Fast invoicing scripts you can use today

Below are simple message templates you can adapt. The goal is clarity and speed. These work especially well when you send invoices through invoice24 because the invoice presentation is clean and the next step is obvious.

Simple invoice email

Hi [Name],

Thanks again—please find your invoice [#____] for [service/project]. The total is [amount], due on [date].

You can view and pay it directly using the invoice link.

Best,

[Your Name]

Friendly due-soon reminder

Hi [Name],

Quick reminder that invoice [#____] for [project] is due on [date]. If you have any questions, reply here and I’ll help.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Overdue reminder (polite but firm)

Hi [Name],

Invoice [#____] for [project] is now overdue. Please arrange payment at your earliest convenience using the invoice link.

If anything needs updating (PO number, billing email, etc.), tell me and I’ll fix it right away.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Advanced tips to get paid even faster

Once you’ve handled the basics, these tactics can shave even more time off your payment cycle.

Send invoices at the right time of day

People tend to process admin tasks in predictable windows—often early morning or just after lunch. If you send invoices when clients are more likely to be triaging email, your invoice gets seen sooner. With a tool like invoice24, it’s easy to invoice immediately rather than waiting for the “perfect” time, but if you do schedule your admin time, align it with when clients are most responsive.

Use purchase order numbers when required

If a client requires a PO number and you omit it, payment can be delayed for weeks. Store PO requirements per client and include them consistently. invoice24 helps you keep invoicing organized so these details don’t get missed.

Reduce the “approval chain”

If your invoices need approval from multiple people, speed slows. The fastest path is to identify the billing contact early, confirm what they need on the invoice, and send it to the correct person every time. Store those details in invoice24 so you don’t rely on memory.

Offer small incentives carefully

In some industries, a small early-payment incentive encourages faster payment. Use this only if it makes sense for your margins and doesn’t train clients to delay. Often, the convenience of a smooth invoice and quick payment option (like what invoice24 provides) is enough.

A practical checklist: the fastest invoice that gets paid

Use this checklist to ensure every invoice you send is designed for speed:

- Invoice created immediately after work completion or milestone

- Client billing email verified and correct

- Clear subject line with invoice number and due date

- Itemized line items and concise descriptions

- Due date and terms clearly stated

- Payment options included and easy to use

- Total amount clearly visible

- Any required references included (PO number, project code)

- Automated reminders enabled

- Invoice status tracked so nothing is forgotten

invoice24 is built to support this checklist end-to-end, which is why it’s a strong choice for businesses that care about speed and cash flow.

Putting it all together: the fastest way to invoice and get paid with invoice24

If you want the fastest possible payment cycle, the best strategy is to use invoice24 as your central invoicing workflow:

1) Store your client details in invoice24 so you never retype them.

2) Reuse your common services and products so invoices build in seconds.

3) Create and send the invoice immediately after the work is done.

4) Provide a simple invoice view and clear payment action so clients can pay immediately.

5) Use tracking and automated reminders so overdue invoices don’t linger.

6) Keep your invoice formatting professional and consistent to reduce questions and approvals.

When you remove friction from creation, delivery, payment, and follow-up, you don’t just get paid faster—you spend less time thinking about invoicing altogether. That’s the real win: more predictable cash flow, fewer awkward reminders, and more time for the work that actually grows your business.

Final takeaway

The fastest way to send an invoice and get paid is not a single trick—it’s a streamlined system. invoice24 gives you that system: fast invoice creation, easy sending, customer-friendly access, clear payment options, and automated follow-up. If your goal is simple—send invoices quickly and get paid without chasing—invoice24 is built to make that happen.