Late payment, sorted
Everything UK businesses need to deal with late payment — chase unpaid invoices, calculate the interest you're owed, send a formal notice, and check how companies pay.
Tools
Guides
Payment data & benchmarks
Late payment FAQs
What counts as a late payment?
A commercial invoice is late the day after its agreed due date. If no terms were agreed, payment is due 30 days after the invoice is received or the goods/services are supplied, under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
How much interest can I charge on a late payment?
For B2B debts you can charge statutory interest of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, plus fixed compensation of £40, £70 or £100 depending on the size of the debt — even if your contract does not mention it.
How do I chase an unpaid invoice?
Start with a polite reminder, then a firmer chase, then a warning letter adding statutory interest, then a letter before action, and finally small claims (Money Claim Online) or a debt-collection agency if needed.
How can I check if a company pays on time?
Search any UK company on PaymentCheck to see its average time to pay, the percentage of invoices paid within 30 days, and a 0–100 PaymentCheck Score based on UK government payment-practice reports.