When a client pays an invoice, the money doesn't land in your bank account instantly — it moves through a few stages first. This article explains what happens after your client pays an invoice - from the moment the payment is initiated to when the money lands in your bank account. We use Stripe to securely process all payments.
Stage 1: Your client pays an invoice
Once you send an invoice, your client receives a notification and can pay by credit card, bank transfer (SEPA), Apple Pay, or Google Pay. All outstanding invoices are visible on the Billing → Overview tab under Unpaid Invoices.
Stage 2: Payment is processed
Once your client pays, the payment is processed by Stripe. Card payments are typically processed quickly. SEPA bank transfers can take up to 6 business days. During this time the invoice shows as Processing on your dashboard, and the total amount currently processing is shown in the Processing card on the Overview tab.
Stage 3: Funds arrive in your account balance
Once processing is complete, the net amount — after platform fees are deducted — is added to your It's Complicated account balance. Stripe holds funds for three business days before making them available, to allow time for refunds or chargebacks if needed. Your current balance is shown in the Account Balance card on the Overview tab.
Stage 4: Funds are paid out to your bank account
Your account balance is transferred to your bank account either automatically on a schedule or manually when you request it. All payouts are recorded under Billing → Payouts.
Platform fees
It's Complicated deducts a platform fee from each invoice before the net amount reaches your account balance. The fee depends on your membership plan and whether the client is new or returning.
Basic and Essential plans:
- 25% on the first invoice sent to a new client on the platform.
- 5% on all subsequent invoices to that client.
Premium plan:
- 3.5% on all invoices, regardless of whether the client is new or returning.
You can see the fee breakdown on any individual invoice: the invoice shows the gross total, the application fee, and the net amount you receive.
Requesting a payout
There are two ways to move your account balance to your bank account:
Automatic payouts: Set a payout schedule under Billing → Settings → Payout Schedule — monthly, weekly or daily, on a day of your choice. Stripe will automatically transfer your available balance on that schedule. This is the recommended approach, as it also enables invoice-level reconciliation in the Payouts tab.
Manual payouts: When you're ready to transfer your balance, click the Payout button in the top right of the Billing → Overview tab and confirm. Funds will be sent to the bank account connected to your Stripe account.
Common questions
💬 Why is my invoice marked “Processing”?
This usually means your client has paid, but the bank is still processing the transaction (common with SEPA).
💬 Why is my Processing amount negative?
The Processing figure shows incoming payments minus funds currently being transferred to your bank. If a payout is in transit at the same time a new payment is being processed, the net figure can dip below zero temporarily. It will correct itself once both movements complete.
💬 When will I receive my first payout?
Your first payout usually takes 7–14 days after your first payment is received. This delay is standard for new Stripe accounts and required to comply with financial regulations. Subsequent payouts arrive within 1–2 business days.
💬 Where can I see my payout history?
Go to Billing → Payouts. You can click into any individual payout to see which invoices were included, along with the fee and net amount for each.