> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.caspen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.caspen.com/using-caspen/billing/payments/pay-an-invoice.md).

# Pay an invoice

## Overview

Once you finalize an invoice, the status changes to **Open**, meaning payment can now be recorded or received.

Payments can be:

* Recorded manually (cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit, etc.)
* Processed online through Stripe (if Stripe integration is enabled)
* Linked to an existing unallocated payment

***

## Before finalizing an invoice

While creating or editing an invoice, you can choose how payment will be handled **before** clicking **Finalize invoice**.

<figure><img src="/files/xzihlL2PmhuTW0lpZn0q" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Payment options during invoice creation:**

**Request payment**\
Marks the invoice as **Open**, making it ready for the client (or contact) to pay.

**Apply payment**\
Record a payment immediately (e.g., cash, EFTPOS).

**Create payment (Stripe)**\
Charge a client’s saved or new credit card using Stripe.

After selecting your option, click **Finalize invoice**.\
The invoice will update to **Open** or **Paid**, depending on the payment action you chose.

***

## After finalizing an invoice

When an invoice is **Open**, you can record or manage payments using the **Pay invoice** button.

<figure><img src="/files/d0rlqQDMqJEaInKCjItf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Options under Pay invoice:**

**New payment**\
Manually record a full or partial payment (cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit, etc.).\
*Note: You can record multiple partial payments if a client pays in installments.*

**Existing payment**\
Apply a previously recorded or unallocated payment from the client’s profile.

**Credit card**\
Process a card payment through Stripe (if connected).

**Issue credit note**\
Reduce or correct the invoice balance (see [Add a credit note](/using-caspen/billing/payments/add-a-credit-note.md) for details).

***

## Other Actions

**Send invoice**\
Email the invoice directly to your client.\
If Stripe is enabled, the email includes a secure payment link with a **Pay invoice** button.

**Copy public link**\
Copy the invoice’s secure link and share it manually with your client (Open the invoice → Actions → Copy public link)*.*

> If you use the public link to send the invoice yourself, we recommend marking the invoice as **Sent** so your records stay accurate. You can do this by Opening the invoice → Then clicking Actions → Mark as sent).

***

**Note:** Payments automatically sync with **Xero** or **QuickBooks** if those integrations are enabled.

***

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary><strong>Can I record a split payment?</strong></summary>

Yes. Split payments are supported. Once the invoice is **finalized**, you can add more than one payment. Each payment reduces the outstanding balance until the invoice is paid in full.

</details>