> 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**.
**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.
**Options under Pay invoice:**
**New payment**\
Manually record a full or partial payment (cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit, etc.).\
\&#xNAN;*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
Can I record a split payment?
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.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://support.caspen.com/using-caspen/billing/payments/pay-an-invoice.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.