Purchase on account
Invoice purchase is a payment method where buyers receive the goods first and settle the amount within a payment period (typically 14–30 days) via bank transfer.
Purchase on account
Purchase on invoice (also known as invoice purchase or Invoice Payment) is one of the most popular payment methods in Switzerland and the DACH region. The buyer receives the goods or services first and pays the invoice amount within a defined period — typically 14 to 30 days — via bank transfer or QR-invoice.
For Comerciantes, invoice purchase has two sides: on the one hand, it increases conversion because customers do not need to have prior trust in the shop. On the other hand, the Comerciante bears the risk of payment default — the buyer may be unable or unwilling to pay. This risk can be reduced through credit checks (CRIF, Intrum) or outsourcing to BNPL providers (Klarna, TWINT Pay later).
In Switzerland, there are two basic variants: the self-managed invoice (the Comerciante sends the QR-invoice themselves and bears the default risk) and the BNPL variant (an External provider like Klarna takes over the payment, credit check and default risk). The costs for the BNPL variant are higher (1.60–2.40% + fixed fee), but in return, the Comerciante receives a payment guarantee.
Purchase on invoice examples
An online shop offers purchase on invoice at checkout. The customer selects this method, receives the goods and a QR invoice with a 30-day payment terms.
A Comerciante uses Klarna for invoice purchases: Klarna checks creditworthiness in real time, assumes the default risk and pays the Comerciante immediately.
A B2B wholesaler offers its corporate customers purchase on invoice with 60-day payment terms — without a BNPL provider, using their own creditworthiness check.
Purchase on account FAQ
What is purchase on invoice?
Purchase on account means: receive the goods first, pay later. The buyer settles the amount within a specified period (14–30 days) by bank transfer or QR-bill.
How much does purchase on invoice cost for Comerciantes?
On your own initiative, only the PSP fees apply (e.g. 0.50–0.60%). With BNPL providers like Klarna, the costs are 1.60–2.40% plus a fixed fee — in return, the provider assumes the default risk.
How do I reduce payment defaults with purchase on account?
Through credit checks before the purchase (CRIF, Intrum, Deltavista), order limits for new customers, address validation and a structured dunning process. Alternatively: Outsourcing to a BNPL provider with payment guarantee.
What is the difference between purchase on account and BNPL?
Invoice purchase on own account: The Comerciante issues the invoice and bears the default risk. BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later): An External provider (Klarna, TWINT Pay later) takes over credit assessment, invoicing and default risk.
