Purchase on account
Purchase on account 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 account (also 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 service first and pays the invoice amount within a defined period — typically 14 to 30 days — via bank transfer or QR-bill.
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 cannot pay or does not want to pay. This risk can be reduced through credit checks (CRIF, Intrum) or by outsourcing to BNPL providers (Klarna, TWINT Pay later).
In Switzerland, there are two basic variants: Self-managed invoicing (the comerciante sends the QR-bill 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 rate), but in return, the comerciante receives a payment guarantee.
Purchase on account examples
An online shop offers purchase on account in the checkout. The customer selects this method, receives the goods and a QR invoice with a 30-day payment term.
A Comerciante uses Klarna for purchase on account: Klarna checks creditworthiness in real time, assumes the default risk and pays the Comerciante immediately.
A B2B wholesaler offers its corporate clients purchase on account with a 60-day payment term — without a BNPL provider, with 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 period (14–30 days) by bank transfer or QR-invoice.
What does purchase on account cost for Comerciante?
In self-management, 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 when purchasing on account?
Through creditworthiness checks before 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?
Purchase on account in self-administration: The Comerciante issues the invoice and bears the default risk. BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later): An External provider (Klarna, TWINT Pay later) handles the credit check, invoicing, and default risk.
