Pay by invoice – Online shops & how it works
Pay by invoice is one of the most popular payment methods for online shopping. And for good reason: you order your favourite products, have them delivered to your home, inspect them at your own pace, and only pay later. This gives you greater flexibility and peace of mind when shopping. At the same time, many consumers wonder how secure paying by invoice is, why a credit check is sometimes required, or what they should keep in mind. In this article, we'll explain how pay by invoice works, the advantages it offers, and what you should know before choosing this payment method.
At a glance
Pay by invoice: When you choose to pay by invoice, you receive your order first and pay within an agreed payment period—typically between 14 and 30 days.
Main benefits: Paying by invoice gives you greater flexibility and security because you receive your purchase before paying for it. If you're not happy with your order and decide to return it, you can simply send it back without waiting for a refund.
New EU rules from November 2026: From November 2026, paying by invoice may more frequently require identity and creditworthiness checks. These new requirements are designed to better protect consumers from fraud and help prevent over-indebtedness.
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Advantages and things to keep in mind when you pay by invoice
There's a reason why pay by invoice is one of the most popular online payment methods. It combines flexibility with a high level of security. Like any payment option, there are a few things worth knowing—but for most consumers, the benefits clearly outweigh the considerations.
The benefits of paying by invoice
- More control over your spending: You don't have to pay for your purchase during checkout. Instead, you have time to inspect your order and settle the invoice within the payment period.
- Perfect for fashion and more: Ordering clothing, shoes or multiple sizes? With pay by invoice, you don't have to pay the full amount upfront. You only pay for the items you decide to keep.
What to keep in mind when paying by invoice
Pay by invoice is a convenient and secure payment method. To keep it that way, there are just a few things worth remembering. Fortunately, they're easy to manage in everyday life.
Keep track of payment deadlines
When you pay by invoice, payment is due after you've received your order. This gives you more flexibility, but it's important to keep an eye on the payment deadline to avoid reminders or additional fees.
Good to know: With the Riverty app, you always have an overview of your open invoices. The app reminds you about upcoming payments in good time. If you need a little more flexibility, you can postpone your payment with Pause (where available). Alternatively, Flex lets you split the total amount into smaller monthly payments.
If you've already received a payment reminder or debt collection notice, it's best to contact the retailer or payment provider as early as possible. In many cases, a suitable solution can be found together. If you've received a letter from Riverty Services GmbH, you can use the Self-Service Portal to send messages, arrange an instalment plan, make partial payments or request a payment extension.
Why are identity and credit checks required?
When you choose to pay by invoice, retailers or payment providers often verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness. Because you receive your goods before making a payment, these checks help ensure that paying by invoice remains secure for everyone involved.
From November 2026, new EU requirements will apply to many payment and financing solutions. Their aim is to better protect consumers from fraud and over-indebtedness while ensuring that financing is offered responsibly. This includes reliable identity verification and a careful assessment of a customer's ability to repay.
For you, this mainly means greater security and transparency. Reputable providers clearly explain which information they require and why these checks are necessary. Identity and credit checks are therefore not a sign of mistrust—they are an important part of a responsible and secure payment process. At Riverty, supporting responsible lending and protecting consumers is a key priority.
Reduce stress with digital reminders
It's easy for an invoice to get lost among newsletters and other emails. Setting reminders on your phone or using an app can help you keep track of payment deadlines.
Good to know: The Riverty app automatically reminds you about outstanding invoices and upcoming due dates. That way, you can manage your payments with confidence and worry less about accidentally missing a payment.
How pay by invoice works
Step 1: Place your order and choose your payment method
Shop online as usual and select Pay by Invoice during checkout.
Step 2: Receive your confirmation
You'll receive an order confirmation by email, which often includes your invoice.
Step 3: Your order is shipped
The retailer ships your order—you receive your items before payment is due.
Step 4: Keep your order and pay later
Your order arrives. Great! If you're happy with your purchase, simply pay your invoice within the agreed payment period, which is usually 14 or 30 days.
Optional: Return your order
Not completely satisfied? Simply return the item within the retailer's return period. If you register your return in the Riverty app, your invoice will automatically be paused until your return has been processed.
Frequently asked questions about paying by invoice
Yes. Pay by invoice is considered a secure payment method because you only pay after you've received your order. If you're not happy with your purchase, you can return it within the retailer's return period without waiting for a refund. You also don't have to share sensitive card details during checkout.
If you choose pay by invoice, the amount due is usually payable within 14 or 30 days after receiving the invoice.
If you receive an invoice directly from the retailer, it will include everything you need, such as the payment amount, due date and bank details. Simply transfer the money to the specified account. If you're using a payment provider such as Riverty, you may also be able to set up a direct debit so that payment is collected automatically on the due date.
In most cases, the retailer or payment provider will first send you a payment reminder. If payment is still not received, reminder notices and additional fees may follow. Continued non-payment can eventually result in debt collection proceedings.
If you choose pay by invoice or another payment option that lets you pay later, your payment provider may verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness. From November 2026, new EU rules will require many providers to carry out these checks before offering payment deferrals or financing solutions. These measures help protect consumers from identity fraud and over-indebtedness while promoting responsible lending. For you, this usually means only a quick additional verification step during checkout.
Pay by invoice – Online shops & how it works
Pay by invoice is one of the most popular payment methods for online shopping. And for good reason: you order your favourite products, have them delivered to your home, inspect them at your own pace, and only pay later. This gives you greater flexibility and peace of mind when shopping. At the same time, many consumers wonder how secure paying by invoice is, why a credit check is sometimes required, or what they should keep in mind. In this article, we'll explain how pay by invoice works, the advantages it offers, and what you should know before choosing this payment method.
Fraud victim? What to do if someone used your identity
Have you discovered purchases you never made or received debt collection letters for orders that are not yours? If so, you may be a fraud victim. When someone misuses your personal information to buy goods or services, it is often a case of identity theft. Acting quickly can help limit the damage, protect your accounts and resolve the situation more efficiently. This guide explains what to do if you're a fraud victim, how to recognise identity theft, how to report fraud and what steps to take if debt collection proceedings have already started.
Safe online shopping: pause, pay, push back
You find the perfect item at a price that feels almost unbelievable. The website says “only 2 left,” the countdown clock is ticking, and checkout takes just seconds. But days pass, no parcel arrives, and the seller stops replying. It’s a common online shopping story – and it often starts with pressure, a bargain, and not enough time to think. Safe online shopping should feel convenient, not risky. Most purchases go smoothly, especially when stores and payment providers make checkout clear and secure. A few simple checks can help you spot warning signs, understand real security steps, and choose payment methods that give you options if something goes wrong.