Net 30 vs. Net 60: What Payment Terms Should You Use?

5 min read

"Net 30" and "Net 60" show up on almost every invoice, but a surprising number of freelancers use them without really deciding on purpose. Here's what they actually mean, and how to choose.

What "Net 30" actually means

"Net 30" means payment is due 30 days after the invoice date. Net 60 means 60 days. The "net" just refers to the full amount owed, with no discount applied — as opposed to terms like "2/10 Net 30," which offers a 2% discount if paid within 10 days.

Why the term you choose matters

Payment terms aren't just a formality — they directly control your cash flow. If you're covering costs (contractors, materials, software subscriptions) while waiting to get paid, the gap between doing the work and receiving payment is a real, sometimes stressful, financial gap.

• Net 15 — common for smaller invoices or clients you trust to pay quickly. Keeps your cash flow tight and predictable.
• Net 30 — the most common default in freelance and B2B work. A reasonable middle ground most clients expect.
• Net 60 / Net 90 — more common with larger companies whose internal payment processes are just slower. Not necessarily a bad-faith request, but worth pricing in if it affects you.

Shorter terms aren't rude — they're normal

New freelancers sometimes default to long payment windows because they feel like the "polite" thing to do. In practice, Net 15 or even "due on receipt" are completely standard, especially for smaller jobs or new clients without an established payment history. You're allowed to set terms that work for you.

What if a client asks for longer terms than you'd like?

It's negotiable. Some options: agree to longer terms but require a deposit upfront, offer a small discount for faster payment (e.g., 2% off if paid within 10 days), or simply hold firm — especially for new clients without a track record with you yet.

The one rule that matters more than the term itself

Whatever term you choose, put an actual due date on the invoice — not just "Net 30." A specific date removes any ambiguity about when the clock started, and it's simply easier for your client's accounts payable process to act on a concrete date than to calculate one themselves.