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The Daily Insight Hub

What is a reasonable interest rate for a late payment?

Author

Matthew Harrington

Updated on February 10, 2026

Companies typically assess a 1% to 1.5% late fee. Let’s look at an example: You charge a 12% annual interest rate. A $12,000 project is overdue for payment by one month.

Can you legally charge interest on overdue invoices?

Can You Legally Charge Interest on Overdue Invoices? Yes, there is nothing stopping a vendor from charging interest on overdue invoices. The practice is legal. If a vendor doesn’t have an agreement with a client on the payment terms and late fee, then that means the client doesn’t have to pay it.

What is the difference between interest rate and late payment fee?

A late fee is normally assessed as a monthly finance charge, which you can calculate by completing two steps. Next, multiply this monthly rate by the amount due to determine the amount of the monthly late fee. For example, if the annual interest rate is 3%, the monthly interest rate is 0.25%.

How do I calculate interest on a late payment?

Calculate the interest amount by dividing the number of days past due by 365, and then multiply the result by the interest rate and the amount of the invoice. For example, if the payment on a $1,500 invoice is 20 days late with a 6-percent interest rate, first divide 20 by 365. Multiply that result by .

How do I calculate interest on overdue invoices?

Calculate the interest Calculate the daily interest by dividing the annual interest by 365. Work out the amount due multiplying daily interest by the number of days late. For example, if the £1,000 debt were paid 30 days late, you could charge 34p x 30 = £10.27.

How do you charge interest on late invoices?

Calculating Interest Owing Calculate the interest amount by dividing the number of days past due by 365, and then multiply the result by the interest rate and the amount of the invoice. For example, if the payment on a $1,500 invoice is 20 days late with a 6-percent interest rate, first divide 20 by 365.

How much interest can I claim on an invoice?

If the rate of interest in the contract is only expressed at a monthly rate, then the supplier is limited to interest at 5% per year. Any business claiming interest on its invoices should review its practices to ensure that its claim for interest is valid.

What is the interest rate on past due payments?

Interest on Past Due Amounts . All late payments due under this Agreement shall bear interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month (annual percentage rate of 18%) compounded monthly, unless a lower interest rate is required by applicable law.

Is it legal to charge interest on overdue invoices?

Is it Legal to Charge Interest on Overdue Invoices? Yes, it is legal for a vendor to charge interest on unpaid invoices and there is no problem in changing for overdue invoices and the due date is passed. A vendor has the right to do so after the client fails to honor their payment policy.

What is the standard late fee on an invoice?

What Is the Standard Late Fee on an Invoice? There is no ‘standard’ late fee because such charges are not regulated. A late fee can be a flat rate, or as is more common, a monthly percentage of the overdue amount. Small business owners need to weigh late fees against the possibility of future business with the client who is late with the payment.